We are blessed with warm sun and stunning views in Newcastle, NSW! So having large, clean windows lets the light flood in, making our homes appear larger, and also allows us to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and cityscapes New South Wales is famed for. But the truth is that keeping those windows clean and spotless is often a chore, especially when the weather changes for the worse or when you have curious kids or a family dog that likes to leave a mark on your windows, and that’s not including the everyday hustle and bustle which also doesn’t help those windows shine. Well, if you’re searching for a window cleaning Newcastle guide, this article is for you! Let’s take a look at how you keep your windows crystal clear the Aussie way! Let’s dive in.
Aussie Weather: When to Clean Your Windows
The best moment to start your window cleaning journey is on a cloudy day, but not just any cloudy day; we mean one of those days with a few white clouds scattered across the sky, not when big black rain clouds threaten to break into a storm. With the Australian heat, a sunny day can cause the cleaner to dry too quickly, leaving streaks, while a windy day can bring more dust right back onto your windows. Of course, you can clean windows in almost any weather; otherwise, professional window cleaning services would be in trouble. But a dull, slightly cloudy day with no chance of rain will make the task easier.
Eco-Friendly Window Cleaners – The Weapon of Choice
In today’s world, we are surrounded by pollution and chemicals, so why add to that contamination every time you clean our windows? While many window cleaning products are on the market, few are eco-friendly. If you want to do your part in reducing the chemicals around your home, we’ll explain how you can make cleaning products at home to keep your windows sparkling. Here are some green Aussie-approved cleaning solutions:
- One part water and one part white vinegar will cut through grime and is gentle on the planet.
- A dash of good-quality dish soap and water is a classic for window cleaners worldwide. If you add some vinegar or lemon juice, your windows will shine!
- For fingerprints, a mix of water and rubbing alcohol does wonders
- If you have a really ingrained patch, one part water to four vinegar, a sprinkle of bicarbonate soda and a little elbow grease will do the trick
I remember my father using old newspapers to get a non-streak finish on windows, but a newspaper can be hard to find in today’s digital world. But if you have a microfiber cloth or an old t-shirt, you can get the same effect!
The Step-by-Step Guide to Streak-Free Windows
Now that you have your cleaning products, what else do you need? If you want to get a good finish, you’ll need good tools!
Tools
What tools are we talking about for window cleaning? Well, let’s take a look:
- Bucket – Chances are you’ll have one of these!
- Washer – This can be replaced with a sponge or cloth if needed
- Squeegee – This is a must-have if you’re going to clean your own windows
Many more tools are available for window cleaning, basics like extension poles or steam cleaners. Then there are many more professional window cleaning tools like Water Fed Pole Systems, but we won’t go over anything more than the three most basic tools in this article.
The How-To
Now you have everything, let’s get to work:
- Prepare Your Space. Remove anything away from the windows you’re going to clean. Be especially careful for things like paper that could get wet, or other things that could get knocked over. If you’ve got wooden floors, you might want to lay down an old towel or a sheet or just have a mop at hand.
- Clean the Frames First. Make sure to remove any dust and dirt from the window frames and windowsill before you start. If not, you might end up having to clean your windows twice!
- The Cleaning Process. Start to wet the window with the cleaning solution of your choice with the washer or replacement. Wipe the border of the windows, where the glass meets the frame, with a damp cloth. And then begin with the squeegee; try to avoid brusk turns of the blade so as not to leave streaks, and always start from the top and work down!
- The Drying Step. Using a lint-free cloth or an old t-shirt, dry the edges of the window and polish out any streaks you have left on the window. Replace the cloth when it starts to get wet.
Aussie Home Hacks for Crystal Clear Windows
- The Potato Trick: Cut a potato in half for seriously grimy windows and rub it over the glass before cleaning. The natural starches in the potato break down tough dirt and are, of course, completely biodegradable.
- Hard Water Solution: Where I live in Newcastle, this isn’t a problem for me. But shower doors can be a nightmare if you’re in an area with hard water. Add ¾ cup of white vinegar, ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol, and a cup of water with a dash of dish soap in a spray bottle and mix well. This miracle mixture will keep hard water stains at bay.
- The Cornstarch Clarifier: If your windows have lost their sparkle, you can get glass polished, but there might be an easier solution! Mix a cup of vinegar with two tablespoons of cornstarch. Apply with a spray bottle and clean as usual for glass that shines.
Enjoy the View, the Aussie Eco-Friendly Way!
In Australia, where the environment is as diverse as its people, taking an eco-friendly approach to household chores like window cleaning is not just a choice; it’s a responsibility. Don’t use harsh cleaning products when there are safer options available. By choosing the right time to clean, using homemade, green cleaning solutions, and following a few simple steps, you can enjoy crystal clear windows that enhance your view and protect our beautiful planet.
But please be careful! Washing windows might seem simple, but mixing water, soap, and heights can be dangerous! If your windows are hard to reach or mean using a ladder, why not ask for a free quote? You might find that a professional window cleaning service in Newcastle is cheaper than you think!
