Clean windows key to a healthy home

It’s a big job to prepare your home for sale, but a necessary one if you want to impress potential buyers and boost its resale value. Giving the property a thorough clean is the key to making a good first impression and washing your windows is one way to achieve this goal.

Clean Windows: the recipe for a great first impression?

With more Australian first homebuyers joining the property market, it’s worth putting in the extra effort to outshine the competition. ‘But they’re just windows, does it really matter how clean they are?” Think of this from the perspective of a buyer. When they walk up to the property, one of the first things they’ll notice – besides the condition of the fence, garden and exterior building – is your windows. If the windows are dirty and covered in cobwebs, they might think the property is in poor condition and will start to wonder if the place has been looked after. Even if the indoor space is 100 per cent spotless, that initial first impression may impact what they think the value of the property should be. But if the windows are sparkling clean and fresh, they’ll think the home has been cared for and will most likely view the house more favourably. Of course, you have to make sure the entire house looks perfect! Another good reason to clean your windows is to increase their lifespan. Over time, dirt, insects and other debris can build-up and either clog the tracts of a sliding window or cause the frame itself to become corroded. These problems can make the window harder to open and close and potentially lead to permanent damage. If you want to avoid the cost of replacing your windows, a regular cleaning and maintenanceschedule – either by yourself or a professional – will make all the difference.   [caption id="attachment_10406" align="alignnone" width="690"] If you have trouble getting rid of certain stains, add a cap of methylated spirits to the cleaning solution for improved results.[/caption]

How to clean your windows like a pro

There’s really no secret to achieving a clean, streak-free finish. All you need is the right tools and a basic understanding of a few techniques. Before you start, either check the cupboard or head down to the local hardware store and get these supplies:

• Cobweb brush
• Rubber or stainless steel window squeegee (for stainless steel, make sure the blade is fresh)
• Microfibre cotton window washer
• Bucket
• Low-streak glass cleaner or home-made solution of water and a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent

Once your equipment is ready, follow these simple steps from the professionals at Bax Window Solutions:

1. Use the cobweb brush (if you don’t have one, use a broom or similar brush) to gently remove dirt, cobwebs, dead insects and other debris from the window. Be sure to scrub along the window frame itself and the surrounding area.

2. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent. Dip the microfiber window washer into the solution and squeeze out the excess water. Scrub each section of the glass panel by working your way from top to bottom so that dirty water does not drip down to areas that have been cleaned. If you have trouble getting rid of certain stains, add a cap of methylated spirits to the cleaning solution for improved results.

3. Wet the blade of the squeegee and position it at the top left or right corner of the window. Gently glide the squeegee from one side to the other and make sure the blade stays in contact with the top edge of the window. Remove dirt and other contaminants from the blade with a clean towel. Repeat this process with a combination of horizontal and/or vertical strokes until the surface is clean.

4. Use a clean rag to wipe excess water off the surface along with every edge and corner.

  [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="690"] With their specialist tools and knowledge, a professional window cleaner can get the job done in a fraction of the time.[/caption]

The professional touch for time-poor homeowners

Depending on the size of your house, cleaning the windows can either be a really simple job or take an entire afternoon to complete. If the thought of adding another chore to your list sounds daunting, you can always call a professional window cleaner like Dax to get the job done right. With their specialist tools and knowledge, they can easily achieve a streak-free finish and advise you on any maintenance work your windows may need in the future.