House and Window Cleaning

When it's time to tidy up the house, window cleaning is a very important chore. Some housekeeping services state that they "do not wash windows" but they should! Clear and sparkling glass makes a big difference. Smudged, streaked and grimi surfaces are unsightly and obscure the view.

On household surfaces such as the bathroom and kitchen fixtures, there are a multitude of germs that can be hazardous to your health. The solutions that are used for these tasks can range from inexpensive to pricey. They can also range from mild and safe to toxic. Want to tidy up the interior of your home safely and effectively? Here are some things to think about:

– What surface needs to be cleaned? If it is porous or delicate, it would be wise to use an non-abrasive product. Certain chemicals are too harsh for wooden items. Reading the label to discover what a cleanser's recommended use is would be wise.

– Solvents: A solvent is meant for dissolving oil and greasy debris. Most are designed to be water soluble and should not leave a film or residue.

– Abrasives: Abrasives are designed to smooth surfaces, get rid of rust, and to scrub and polish. Many that are meant to be used in bathtubs or porcelain have a bleaching agent in them, as well.

– Antibacterial: These cleansers are meant to eliminate germs and bacteria upon contact. If a person was trying to keep family members from getting sick or curtail the spread of diseases, these would be the best choice.

– Homemade window cleaners: A person can purchase a product such as Windex or they could make their own solution. A typical homemade recipe for this would be vinegar, something most homes stock in the pantry, and plain old tap water. White or apple cider vinegar will do the trick. Save the balsamic and other fancy types for salads. Mix c cup vinegar to every quart of water. Another variety would use 1 tablespoon of ammonia to the quart of water. It's important to use non-sudsing ammonia if this recipe is selected.

– Squeegee or rag: Some people swear by squeegees while others prefer rags, paper towels or even old newspapers. The newspapers are reportedly great for leaving the glass streak-free.

– Cloudy weather is best: Believe it or not, it's best to wash windows on cloudy days as a sunshiny day will be too quickly drying. Gray skies are beneficial for sparkling up window surfaces. When the sun comes out, it will shine through wonderfully.

– Cleaning direction: If washing both sides of a window, it's smart to go in a vertical direction on one side and a horizontal direction on the other. With this method, it's easier to discover which side streaks are on in order to wipe them away.

Window cleaning and general housecleaning can be done by a homeowner or hired out to a service. There are pros and cons to each. If a household has windows that are difficult to reach and require ladders and scaffolding, it might be better to bring in the professionals.