Spring Cleaning Windows: Get Ready with this Free Checklist

Spring has sprung, and that means it’s time to shake off the cobwebs and give our homes a good cleaning to let the sunshine in.

One of the most important chores to tackle first is cleaning your windows.

Now is a great time to give your home’s beautiful windows a good scrub so that you can see clearly through them. You’ll also be amazed at how much this can improve the appearance of your home’s exterior, especially if you have an eye-catching bay window or picture window at the front of your house.

Spring cleaning windows is a must if you want your house to look and feel great as the weather warms up.

This can definitely be a daunting chore, though.

Read on for a free checklist that will tell you everything you need to know about cleaning your windows to leave them sparkling and streak-free.

Gather Your Supplies

Spring Cleaning Windows: Gather Your Materials

Before you can tackle your windows and give them the thorough spring cleaning they deserve, start by making sure you have all the supplies needed for the job. The following are the most important tools to have handy for cleaning your windows:

Microfiber cloths (to prevent streaks)
A soft-bristle brush and vacuum with an extension hose (to get rid of dirt or dust buildup)
A sponge (for cleaning window sills and frames)
A bucket
Soap and warm water
A residue-free glass cleaner

There are tons of glass cleaning products on the market that claim to be residue-free. Do some research to see which ones are the most effective and have the best ratings.

Cleaners that are fragrance-free, dye-free, and soap-free tend to be good options.

Don’t be afraid to take a DIY approach and use a vinegar-based cleaner, either. These cleaners work wonders and they don’t contain any harsh chemicals.

Prep Your Windows

Spring Cleaning Windows: Prep Your Windows

Whether you’re sprucing up a stunning picture window or an everyday double-hung window, it’s important to prep these surfaces before you clean them. This helps you ensure you see the best results from your efforts, and it saves you from having to go back over them to get them clean.

Here are some key steps to take when preparing your windows to be cleaned:

Plan Ahead

It’s not a good idea to pop out of bed one morning and decide to clean your windows. For the best results, plan ahead and check the weather report.

If you clean your windows on a dry, cloudy day, this helps you to avoid streaks. If it’s hot outside, the cleaning products can dry on your windows and leave streaks before you’re able to wipe them away.

Take Down the Curtains

Always take down your curtains before cleaning your windows.

This helps you see clearly and make sure you’re not leaving any streaks behind.

It gives you an opportunity to shake off the dust and give those curtains a good washing as well (after all, what’s the point of having clean, shiny windows if they’re surrounded by dirty curtains?).

Get Rid of Dust and Dirt

Next, take some time to get rid of any dust or dirt that has built up around the window. Dust the blinds, then use a soft-bristle brush to loosen up dirt that has become caked onto the window sill or around the window frame.

When you’re finished, vacuum up the dirt and dust using your vacuum’s hose attachment.

Line the Window Sills

Use microfiber cloths to line the windows sills before you start wiping down the windows.

They will absorb water and cleaner while also preventing it from falling down onto your floor as you work.

Wipe Down the Screens

After the window sills are lined, use a sponge dipped in soapy water to wipe down the window screens.

Start Cleaning the Glass

Spring Cleaning Windows: Cleaning your glass

Now that your windows are prepped, it’s time to begin the glass-cleaning process.

Follow these guidelines for clean windows that will enhance your home:

Use Plenty of Glass Cleaner

Once you’ve found a glass cleaner that doesn’t leave any streaks behind, use plenty of it to clean your windows.

If you skimp on the cleaner, you could still end up with streaks, even if you’re using the best product on the market.

Divide and Conquer

Cleaning all the windows in your house on the same day might be overwhelming.

Consider dividing the task up and tackling one room per cloudy day instead.

You could also clean all the windows on one floor one day and all the windows on a different floor another day.

Work from the Top Down

When you’re ready to start cleaning the glass, always work from the top down.

This gives you a chance to address any drips of water or cleaner that may fall as you wipe and saves you from ending up with streaks or watermarks.

Watch the Way You Wipe

Many people like to wipe in different directions for the interior and exterior sides of the window.

For example, use a horizontal wiping motion for the inside and a vertical motion for the outside. That way, if a streak does show up, you know on which side of the window it’s located.

Whatever you do, though, don’t wipe down the windows in a circular motion. Moving in circles can create a static charge. This, in turn, may attract dust to the surface of the windows, which nobody wants to deal with after they’ve just taken the time to clean them.

Tackle Your Spring Cleaning Checklist Today

Spring Cleaning Windows: Checklist

If you were unsure of where to begin when it comes to spring cleaning windows, hopefully, now you have more insight into what your home’s windows need.

Keep this checklist in mind and you’ll have no trouble getting clean windows that show off the beauty of your home and make it the envy of all your neighbors!

Download FREE Printable Checklist >

Are you looking to completely replace the windows in your home? We can assist with that, too.