Why You Shouldn't Clean Your Windows On A Sunny Day

The idea of cleaning every single window of your house inside and out can feel like a massive undertaking, but it's a necessary task that will keep your home looking bright and welcoming. My Window Washing advises that most residential homes can get by with doing so twice per year. Of course, you may need to clean your windows more often if you live near a busy highway or your yard has trees that produce an abundance of pollen. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to get this chore taken care of because they tend to be dusty, high-pollen seasons, and thoroughly cleaning your windows can help you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to seasonal allergens and pollutants. 

Still, it's hard to find the motivation to clean all of the windows in your house when you just want to relax and enjoy the nice weather. It turns out you don't need an excuse to skip this chore when warm, clear skies beckon. Here's why you really should sit back, relax, and enjoy the next sunny day.

Ammonia evaporates quickly, which makes it an important ingredient in streak-free cleaning products (via Chemical Safety Facts). However, if the ammonia in your window cleaner evaporates too quickly, it will leave behind a sticky residue. When ammonia is exposed to sunlight, it evaporates faster than you can keep up with it, resulting in windows that aren't actually clean. This can be frustrating because the smudgy residue and streaks will make you want to spray and clean again, but there's really no use, as it will just keep drying before you can wipe down the window. 

If you simply can't resist the urge to clean your windows on a sunny day Miami Affordable Window Cleaning Company recommends using white vinegar for a cheap, non-toxic, and streak-free alternative. To make a homemade window cleaner, mix 1 part distilled white vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Vinegar is a very effective glass cleaner that's better for your health and evaporates much slower than ammonia. You'll still need to move quickly if you're cleaning on a sunny day, but you'll have a little more time to scrub if you use a vinegar spray.

Wait until a cloudy day to clean your windows if you want flawless results. Start by spraying window cleaner or the vinegar solution at the top of your window, then promptly wipe it away with a microfiber towel. Microfiber or T-shirt material is ideal for windows because basic, rough rags are less absorbent and often lead to scuffs and streaks. Keep spraying and wiping until you get to the bottom of the window, then gently clean around the frame and window sill. 

The key to having gorgeous windows is cleaning them from the outside, too. Over time, rain, dust, and pollen can build up on the outside of your windows, so no matter how much you clean the inside, they'll still look dingy and dark. To clean the outside of your windows, Angi recommends employing your garden hose and scrubbing with a sponge or mop to soak away dirt, then following up with a squeegee to get the clearest results. For those who have especially tall or high windows, you may need to look into a magnetic cleaner which will allow you to clean the outsides of your windows from the inside of your home.