How to Clean Windows?

If you are living in an HDB apartment in Singapore, one of the challenges you may be facing in terms of maintaining you home is cleaning your HDB window. Aside from the dust that will accumulate on them overtime, you may also have to remove mildew that could form on the frame. Once you clean them, keeping them streak-free is also a challenge. This is very true when you are dealing with glass surfaces, like mirrors and tabletops. No matter how clean they are, they will still look dirty if there are smudges of water left on the surface. To keep your HDB window in your Singapore apartment sparklingly clean, here are some tips that will help you.

Use the Right Cleaning Solution and Tools

When it comes to windows, the less suds you have in your cleaning solution, the better. Soapsuds usually cause the streaks that are left behind after you clean glass surfaces. Ideally, just a little squirt of dishwashing liquid mixed with a bucket of water will do. Only use bleach for hard to remove stains or mildew.

Newspaper and paper towels are what most people are accustomed to using when dealing with windows. They actually add static charge on the surface that attracts dirt and dust. As a result, your windows will look dirty again soon after leaving them shiny. What you should equip yourself with, instead, is a squeegee, a toothbrush, a strip applicator, and a rag. You may also use an antistatic spray to keep your windows free from dust longer.

Dealing with Window Corners

Dust and dirt love to find their way in the creases and corners of your windows. You can remove them by using a soft toothbrush or swabs of cotton. Do the corners first before doing the entire face of the window. Otherwise, any dirt that smears from the corners to the glass will just force you to clean the entire surface all over again. In the same manner, make sure that you clean from top to bottom too.

Removing Streaks

This is your number one enemy when dealing with windows. As mentioned, a solution with fewer suds will minimize the formation of streaks. After applying the solution using a strip applicator, run your squeegee from left to right in one surface of the window, and top to bottom on the opposite surface. This will help you identify which side of the window has streaks based on its direction. Remember to wipe the blade of the squeegee with a rag after each stroke to keep it dry and clean. Another good tip is to dry a small portion of glass in one side first. This is where you should start each stroke of your squeegee. Running your squeegee from a dry surface will prevent water streaks. For an additional tip, clean your windows on a cloudy day. Too much sun will dry the surface of your window fast, making it more prone to streaking.

Scratch-free Windows

In case you see any scratches on your window’s surface, you can try polishing that area with a little toothpaste. You may also try some glass polishers that you can find in hardware stores.

Eliminate Mildew from Frames

Windows are parts of the house that do not get regular attention. In fact, most homeowners only get to clean them thoroughly twice or thrice a year. Hence, it is possible that mildew could form on its frames. To remove them, mix together an ounce of detergent, two ounces of bleach, and quart of water. Use a sponge to apply this solution on the affected spot and leave it to soak on the spot for at least ten minutes before rinsing. Remember to use a pair of gloves to protect your skin.

Extra Shiny Windows

Clean windows are not enough. You would definitely want them to become shiny because that helps give them the instant impression that they are clean. To achieve this, simply polish the window surface with a dry cotton cloth. A blackboard eraser also provides the same result.

The interiors of your Singapore apartment may be impeccably clean and well-designed, but nothing can transform and brighten it more than having clean windows. If your HDB window is free from dust and grime, natural light can easily shine inside your home and breathe some life into your interiors. Your home will become more welcoming to guests and, most of all, you will find your place more comfortable and relaxing.