Fall is the perfect time to focus on maintaining your home’s appearance, starting with your windows. If you've recently invested in new windows from Golden Windows, keeping them clean and streak-free is essential to make the most of your investment.
Clean windows not only improve your view but also let in more natural light, improving the comfort and warmth of your home during the cooler months.
Cleaning windows in the fall can be tricky due to the season’s cooler temperatures and increased moisture. It is important to use the right techniques and tools to avoid streaks and get that professional-looking finish.
This guide provides practical, everyday tips for cleaning your windows and addressing the unique challenges of fall weather.
To make it even better, Golden Windows is offering a "Save the Tax" on your replacement windows and doors from September 15th to November 2nd. This is a great opportunity to get your new windows and doors ready for the season and take advantage of our special savings.
Once your new windows are installed, it’s important to know all about proper window maintenance tips and techniques. This helps keep your windows looking their best, ensuring you enjoy a clear view and the full benefits of your new windows.
Preparing for Fall Window Cleaning
Before we go into details, it’s important to know how to properly prepare for fall window cleaning — especially for homes in cooler climates.
Step 1: Gather the Right Tools
Before you start cleaning your windows this fall, having the right tools is essential to ensuring you get your desired results. First, you'll need a quality-made squeegee, a bucket, microfiber cloths, and mild soap and warm water. Consider using a squeegee with a rubber blade for homes in cooler climates since this can handle colder temperatures more effectively and help reduce streaking.
Having a telescoping pole or extension rod can also help reach high or hard-to-access windows, especially if you're cleaning the exterior. This is especially useful if you’ve recently installed new windows that might be sitting higher than your previous ones. A soft-bristled brush or a duster can also remove loose dirt and cobwebs before cleaning your windows.
Step 2: Choosing the Best Cleaning Solution
By following a few general maintenance tips, you can be assured of having many years of trouble-free windows. When preparing for cooler weather, the most imporant rule of thumb is to never clean glass, vinyl or clad surfaces with abrastive materials or industrial cleaners. Always use mild soap and water.
Step 3: Weather Check
When it comes to cleaning windows in the fall, timing is everything. Choose a day with mild temperatures and dry conditions for the best results. Avoid cleaning on very cold days since the solution can freeze on the glass, leading to streaks and possible damage. Cleaning windows on a windy day can cause the glass to dry too quickly, which can also leave streaks.
Your Step-by-Step Guide
Cleaning your windows involves more than just soap and water—each step in the process plays a crucial role in landing that streak-free finish. This detailed, step-by-step approach will help ensure your windows look their best.
Step 1: Dust and Debris Removal
Before cleaning, it's important to remove loose dirt, leaves, and other debris from your windows. This step prevents any risk of scratching the glass while cleaning and guarantees a more successful cleaning process.
Start by gently sweeping away dust or loose debris from the window surface and frame with a soft brush or duster. Pay attention to the edges and corners, where debris often builds up.
A vacuum with a brush attachment can also be helpful for larger particles or cobwebs that might be stuck in the window tracks or around the frame. Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe away stubborn dirt. Avoid using abrasive materials or scrubbing too hard, as these can scratch the glass.
Step 2: Cleaning Exterior Windows
Once you’re ready to move on to your window’s exterior, follow these steps:
Apply the Cleaning Solution: Fill a bucket with mild soap and warm water. For a DIY option, mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Dip a sponge or scrubber into the solution and apply generously to the window surface, starting from the top and working your way down. This helps prevent drips and ensures that the entire surface is covered.
Squeegee Technique: A squeegee is necessary to help remove the cleaning solution without leaving streaks. Start at the top of the window and pull the squeegee down in a smooth, steady motion. Use an "S" pattern or vertical strokes, wiping the blade with a clean, dry cloth after each pass to prevent reapplying dirt.
Handling Difficult Areas: For windows that are hard to reach, like those on the second story or in high-rise buildings, use a telescoping pole or extension rod with a squeegee attachment. Be careful and make sure the equipment is secure before use. If the windows are dirty or haven’t been cleaned in a long time, you might need to repeat the cleaning process.
Step 3: Cleaning Interior Windows
Cleaning interior windows means considering different factors, including:
Approach: Interior windows typically have less exposure to dirt and weather, but you still have to manage condensation and humidity. Use water and dish soap, which is less likely to leave streaks or residue.
Managing Condensation: Dealing with condensation in cooler climates can be a challenge. Clean the windows at room temperature and use a dehumidifier or ensure there’s proper ventilation to reduce moisture build-up.
Window Sills and Frames: Remember to clean the window sills and frames. Dust and wipe down these areas with a damp cloth to remove any grime or buildup. Use a cleaner designed for wooden frames to avoid damage.
Step 4: Drying Techniques
After you’ve completed the cleaning process, you’ll want to ensure you’ve successfully dried your windows. This will help you avoid streaks and keep your windows looking like new.
Microfiber Cloth: After cleaning, dry the window using a microfiber cloth. Microfiber is great at absorbing moisture and picking up any remaining dirt without leaving lint or streaks. Wipe the glass in a circular motion so that all moisture is removed.
Specialized Tools: Some specialized drying tools, like window-cleaning blades or squeegee towels, can also help give you that streak-free finish. These tools are designed to work with minimal effort and can be especially useful for large windows or glass doors.
Cleaning Tips for Different Types of Windows
The window styles we offer at Golden Windows are unique in their construction and the benefits they offer homeowners. When it comes to keeping your new windows clean, there are different considerations we recommend to get that streak-free glow.
Double Hung Windows
Double hung windows are a popular choice among homeowners because they’re one of the easiest styles to clean. Both sashes can be tilted inward, allowing you to clean both the interior and exterior surfaces from inside your home. This is especially convenient in cooler climates where outdoor cleaning might not always be an option.
Steps for Cleaning Double Hung Windows:
- Start by lowering the top sash slightly and tilting it inward. This will give you access to the exterior side of the top pane.
- Use mild soap and water and a microfiber cloth or sponge to clean the exterior side of the top pane. Then, dry it with a squeegee or a clean, dry cloth.
- Once the top pane is clean, raise the bottom sash slightly and tilt it inward. Clean the exterior side of the bottom pane using the same method.
- Finally, clean the interior sides of both panes. Dry them thoroughly to ensure you have streak-free windows.
At Golden Windows, we have a selection of premium double hung windows, including:
GoldenVinyl® 1000 Series Double Hung Window
This double hung window features double-wrap foam compression weatherstripping at all critical points for year-round comfort and a traditional sloped sill to divert water to the exterior. Key features include:
- 30 Optional and custom colours available
- Available in dual and triple glaze
- Increased jamb depth to 4 5/8” frame
- Pre-primed jamb extension
- Hidden steel reinforcement for larger-sized windows
- Increased energy performance
GoldenClad® Double Hung Window
The GoldenClad® Double Hung window offers versatility with a beautiful wood interior and a maintenance-free, aluminum-clad exterior. Featuring:
- 4 different Low E glazing options, all including Argon gas
- 3 standard and 2 optional hardware finishes to choose from
- Exterior Brickmould and sill nosing are available
- Multiple grille options, including grilles between the glass and simulated divided lights (SDL)
GoldenWood® Double Hung Window
These windows are perfect for log or heritage homes. The wood interior and exterior combined with our in-house mill allows you to customize your windows to fit almost any application. Featuring:
- Clear Unfinished Pine interior
- 4 different Low E glazing options, all including Argon gas
- Choose from Colonial, Victorian, Muskoka and Custom Grille Patterns
- 3 standard and 2 optional hardware finishes to choose from
Bay and Bow Windows
Bay and bow windows are known for adding elegance to living spaces in the home, but because they’re designed with multiple panes, they can require more work to clean. These windows extend outward, creating a small nook that can be challenging to reach and clean thoroughly — but these tips can help.
Steps for Cleaning Bay and Bow Windows:
- These windows typically have several individual panes set at angles. Start by cleaning each pane one at a time. Use a small squeegee to help with the angles, and apply the cleaning solution evenly.
- An extension pole can be very helpful if your window extends high or is difficult to reach. Attach a squeegee or microfiber cloth to the pole to reach the higher panes without straining your body or risking a fall.
- Since bay and bow windows stick out from the house, dirt and debris can accumulate more easily around the frames and sills. Wipe these areas with a damp cloth and dry them thoroughly to prevent mould or mildew.
Skylights
Skylights are great ways to bring natural light into your home, but because of their height and angle, they can be challenging to clean. Proper skylight cleaning not only guarantees a clear view but also helps maintain the window's integrity by preventing the buildup of dirt and debris — two elements that could cause damage over time.
Steps for Cleaning Skylights:
- Because accessing skylights is often difficult, an extension pole with a squeegee or cleaning attachment is usually needed. Choose a pole long enough to comfortably reach the skylight from the ground or a secure ladder position.
- Skylights can be prone to streaking, especially if cleaned when the glass is warm or in direct sunlight. Choose a cloudy day or clean early in the morning or late afternoon when the glass is cooler. This helps prevent the cleaning solution from drying too quickly and leaving streaks.
- If your skylight is especially high or difficult to reach, hiring a professional window cleaner might be safer. If you do clean it yourself, ensure your ladder is stable, and never lean too far out to reach a spot.
Let Golden Windows Help You Protect Your Windows
Investing in new windows for your home is a long-term commitment and should be treated with care and attention. That’s why Golden Windows is committed to helping homeowners make the most of their new purchases, with ways to guarantee your windows will look their best season after season. Whether you’re looking for awning windows or tips for cleaning casement windows, we can help.
And when it comes to living in areas with cooler temperatures, we understand that there are special considerations you have to take to keep your windows clean. Our helpful tips and resources are designed to bring out the best in your windows — because we take great pride in the products we manufacture and sell.