Spring-Cleaning: Windows
Now that spring is officially here, everyone at the farm is busy with many spring-cleaning projects, including cleaning the woodlands, pruning various trees, and washing all the windows of all the houses - inside and out.
During the year, debris and film can build-up on windows, sills and tracks. Windows should be dusted and washed regularly to keep them sparkling clean. For my windows, I like to use a white vinegar and water solution. Vinegar safely kills germs and is much more economical than chemical cleaners - plus, it’s completely non-toxic and anti-bacterial.
My housekeeping crew has made a lot of progress with this time-consuming chore. Here are some photos. What spring-cleaning projects are underway in your home? Share your comments below.
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- Some of the first windows to get cleaned this year are those in my Tenant House, where my daughter and grandchildren stay when they visit.
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- Carlos is busy cleaning the inside of the windows on this cold day.
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- My windows are dusted regularly, but a film caused by air pollutants that hit the window can accumulate.
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- A good all-natural cleaning solution using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle will clean them well.
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- Spray a small amount on each pane, being careful not to spray directly on the frames. Choose a time of day when the sun is not shining directly on the windows. The heat from the sun can cause the cleaning fluid to dry, which will result in streaks or water spots.
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- Carlos wipes the vinegar-water solution around entire window with a damp washcloth, making sure to get into the corners.
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- This can take some time, especially if there are lots of panes in the windows, but it is well-worth the effort to get them sparkling clean.
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- Carlos follows up with a dry cloth. Always wipe the windows completely dry to avoid any more film from accumulating.
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- And then he wipes the pane again with a microfiber or lint-free cloth to prevent streaks.
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- It’s a good idea to use rubber gloves when doing any chores to protect the hands.
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- My storm windows are still in place in all the houses – soon, these windows will be removed and cleaned and then put away for the season. The outside of the regular windows will be washed afterwards – all in time for Easter.
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- My Summer House windows are also on the list to be cleaned.
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- Fernando gently sprays a little vinegar-water solution on each pane.
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- And follows up with the wet cloth, dry cloth and lint-free cloth.
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- Downstairs, Carlos also wipes the frames and the hardware.
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- And, don’t forget to get up high – all areas of the window are important.
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- Sanu is doing the windows in the Winter House.
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- She is also careful to wipe all the tight corners.
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- As well as the window sill, head and jams – here, Sanu wipes the sill with a damp cloth.
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- The windows look so clean, shiny and as fresh as spring itself.
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- Next – the many windows of my blog studio.
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- Remember, there are lots of great cleaning tips in my “Homekeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home”. Everyone should have a copy. http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewarts-Homekeeping-Handbook-Everything/dp/0517577003
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