Our Top Tips for Windows that Shine as Bright as the Central Otago sun.

 

Living in the stunning region of Central Otago, we know we’re lucky with breathtaking views and often an abundance of sunshine. But we also live in a fairly dry & dusty spot and, (at least during the spring months) some relentless winds. This means that keeping our windows sparkling to enjoy those views is something we need to do on a regular.

We want you to know – if you need some help with your window cleaning please get in touch. However, if you’re more of a DIY person – here are our top 10 tips for perfect sparkling windows. 

1. Do you need to do a full clean?

You can easily freshen up slightly dirty windows – ones that have the odd smudge or smear – using a cleaning spray and a microfibre cloth. However, every three months it is a good idea to get the rubber blade out and do a proper clean. 

2. Invest in quality tools.

As with most things, the right tools can make all the difference. When it comes to window cleaning, it’s a great idea to replace your cloth with a rubber blade. Unlike cloths, rubber blades efficiently remove water and dirt, leaving your windows beautifully streak-free. 

3. If you’re going for cloths or sponges instead of a rubber blade – prepare two sets.

Keep in mind that the external side of window panes is exposed to more kinds of dirt and pollutants and can make your tools very dirty. Make sure to have more than one cloth or sponge or wash them as you go to keep up with the clean. 

4. Choose lint-free cloths.

Central Otago’s dust and wind can easily leave particles on your windows. To avoid trapping lint on the glass, opt for lint-free cloths. Micro-fiber cloths are excellent choices to take off all the dirt from your windows. After the cleaning, use a clean towel to polish your windows. 

5. Filtered water works wonders. 

In Central Otago, where water quality is generally high, using filtered water can be a game-changer. It reduces the likelihood of mineral deposits and streaks, leaving your windows pristine. If you don’t have a water filter, you can buy distilled water or use rainwater for the same effect. 

6. Cleaning solutions from your pantry.

Sometimes, you’ll need to clean your windows but will find out you don’t have a window cleaner. A great option is to concoct your own DIY solution. A simple mixture of white vinegar and water can work wonders. Just mix it in a spray bottle, and voila! It’s an effective, environmentally friendly, and budget-friendly alternative. 

7. Work on cloudy days.

Central Otago’s sunny days are spectacular, but when it comes to window cleaning, cloudy days are your friends. Direct sunlight can cause cleaning solutions to dry too quickly, leaving streaks behind. Overcast conditions allow you to work at a more comfortable pace, ensuring that your windows dry evenly for a spotless finish. 

8. How to use your rubber blade.

Please note that it takes a little practice to get squeegee-ing just right. Here are some things to remember:

• Align the squeegee so that the blade is flat against the window pane.
• For beginners: start at the top corners of the window and go directly down. Then, move the squeegee horizontally, making sure to overlap slightly with the previous path.
• A more advanced method is called fanning. This involves moving the squeegee using short strokes in different directions so that the soapy water doesn’t get under the blade and get splattered across the glass.
• Have a piece of cloth or sponge ready, so you can wipe your squeegee on it after every stroke.
• Repeat the process until the entire pane is clean.
• Use a clean and dry towel cloth to remove suds from the edges and corners of the window panes.
• Last, but not least, give the window a final wipe-down with a fresh micro-fibre cloth to catch any streaks.

9. Try an old t-shirt.

Old t-shirts are ideal to substitute a micro-fibre cloth for cleaning glass because they won’t have any lint residue and are absorbent enough to get a window clean.

Plus, using old tees instead of paper towels is a great way to save money on housekeeping costs – and is good for the environment. You also can use an old and clean towel to polish your windows after cleaning with the T-shirt. 

10. Inside and out: double duty.

Don’t forget to clean both the inside and outside of your windows. Over time, outdoor windows can accumulate more dust and grime. A comprehensive cleaning routine, inside and out, is the key to consistently sparkling windows. 

 

 

So there you have it! All the cleaning tips in our knowledge vault to help you keep those windows sparkling clean.

And if you need some extra help, or want to schedule a deep window clean with us- just give us a call on 0800278732. We’re here to help.