Tips for Your Home: DIY Window Cleaning & Care

Regular window maintenance is an important measure to keep your house windows in great condition, help them function properly, and can extend their life. Well-maintained windows offer many practical advantages, but as well, a shiny, clean window can simply overall make you feel better. 

Streak-free windows are a beautiful thing! Here are a handful of window maintenance tips from the pros to help you learn how to keep your house windows shiny, clean, and clear.



• The best way to clean windows is to use liquid dish detergent. Washing windows with the mixture is great to help cut grease and dirt off your windows, leaving them smudge free. Just add a teaspoon of detergent to a couple gallons of water, pour in a spray bottle, and clean away. 
• Have multiple rags at the ready. One to clean windows sills, and a microfiber towel for wiping down the edges of the glass.
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser does a great job at removing water stains and excess silicone caulk from your house windows.
• Rubber squeegees provide streak-free shines. Use both sides of the rubber for more even wear and replace them often.
• Razor blades will remove gunk and paint overspray. Be careful to use a new blade each time though, as microscopic rust particles that can develop on an old blade can leave to scratches on the glass.

Streak-free, shiny windows are a thing of beauty and when they’re clean and clear, they allow in more sunlight and more natural light improves everyone’s moods. Window cleaning can be incredibly rewarding. We often take our windows for granted, but regular window maintenance adds so much more than we realize to our comfort and homes.

When it comes to energy efficiency and appeal, windows often take a back seat to many other elements of your home – paint, doors, appliances. But in fact, house windows are actually a critical element that aids in keeping your family secure, improves energy efficiency, and adds beauty and real value to your home. Here are several tips from the pros of window maintenance that will help you keep your windows in good working condition.

Both the interior and exterior sides of your house windows are directly impacted by its environment. This means every window, glass, and window frame, is subjected to the elements of nature: the outside elements of wind blowing dirt and particles, insects, the heat of summer, the cold of winter. And on the inside of the house, dust particles, doggie snouts, and little fingers add to the grimy buildup. 

Keeping your house windows clean not only helps them stay looking nice, but as well, a clean window makes for easier inspection. A clean window will help make cracks in the glass more noticeable, reveals Low-E film degradation, glazing issues, and possible cracks in the window’s seams. 

In the drive to improve a home’s energy efficiency, Low-E (low emissivity) window films are becoming more prevalent. They work by blocking or slowing the transmission of UV rays. This helps to maintain the inside temperature of your home. If your windows are coated with this film, be attentive to regular inspection and maintenance. It’s durable and usually comes with a warranty, but improper cleaning can result in film degradation. 

Be sure to follow proper cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer to avoid film damage. During cleaning, be watchful for potential issues such as scratches, peeling, discoloration, or bubbling that will impact the film’s functionality. 

If you notice a crack in a window, it’s important to take steps to replace it right away. When your window has a crack, the strength of your window has been weakened so your window is no longer doing it’s job well. Even a small crack will allow air to seep in and out of your home, lowering the efficiency of your HVAC system which often leads to higher utility bills.

If this is the case for any of your windows, it’s important to use a qualified professional for window repair and replacement. If you find yourself in need of glass repair or replacement, click to learn more about residential or commercial glass repair or glass replacement from the experts at Becky’s Glass Works. 

When cleaning your windows, it’s always wise to do a thorough inspection of your windows including all the areas around the frame. Be watchful for any holes or cracks in the seams that will allow air to seep in and out, which leads to decreased energy efficiency and, in turn again, paying higher utility bills than necessary. Holes and cracks will also allow moisture in which leads to wood rot, mold, and mildew. 

Prevention is the best method to keep from ending up with the costly project of whole window replacement. Replacing weather stripping around each window regularly will help to keep your windows in excellent condition and functioning well. 

DIY window cleaning and window maintenance will help save you money in the long run, but if you find yourself in need of the experts, Becky’s Glass Works is the way to go. Becky’s Glass Works has been voted #1 for glass repair and installation in both Mount Airy and Surry counties. We pride ourselves on being able to handle any glass replacement or repair job at a level that will exceed our customers’ satisfaction. From standard jobs to custom cuts, Becky’s Glass Works is here to get the job done right and quick. Call 336-789-3998 today to learn more!