The best way to keep your windows in top condition is to keep them clean. While many people think that this is a simple job, doing it well requires the right tools, and a well-informed technique. No matter what window design you’re working with, cleaning them correctly is a huge step toward extending their lifespan. Cleaning windows improperly can wind up looking unattractive at best, or damaging them at worst. Today, we’ll take a close look at how to best approach the job.
Here’s what you’ll need to get it done quickly and effectively:
• Window Washer
A proper window washer is a lifesaver. It’s worth tracking one down – the kind that uses a removable microfiber cloth on a T-bar. Many people who avoid washing windows do so because they associate the chore with the frustration of trying to wash entire windows with just paper towels. A proper window-washer makes the job quicker, easier, and allows you to reach high up windows safely.
• Squeegee
A squeegee is a rubber bladed tool, used for clearing a window of the leftover cleaning solution. They can generally come apart, so you can clean or replace the blade itself.
• Cleaning Product
Cleaning solutions are generally mixed with water, rather than used straight.
• Bucket
Finally, you’ll need something to keep your cleaning products in! It’s best to use a clean bucket – any dirt or grime in it before you start will be transferred onto the window that you’re trying to clean.
Now that you’ve got your tools in order, it’s time to learn what it takes to clean your windows correctly.
1. Mix Your Cleaning Solution
Start by getting the right ratio of cleaning solution to water in your bucket. Most people tend to assume it won’t matter how much water to cleaning solution they use, but following the manufacturer’s recommendations on the packaging can make more of a difference than you realize!
2. Soak Your Windows
When you begin to use the window washer to gently scrub the solution onto the glass, be sure not to miss any corners. Don’t worry scrubbing for a long time – one or two coats is fine. The most important part of this step is to be aware of how fast the solution is drying. You don’t want it to dry to fast and leave streaks, so you may need to wash very large windows in sections.
3. Dry the Glass
The last step is to use your squeegee to remove the solution. This is the step that a lot of people struggle with, so the best way to approach it is methodically. There are many different techniques that professional window cleaners use, but a way for beginners is to do one horizontal stripe from the top left corner to the top right corner, dry the squeegee with a towel, and then dry the rest of the window with downward strokes, from left to right.
If you’re looking for Auckland glaziers who know windows inside and out, look no further. Atlas Glass are the local glass experts, with over 40 years’ experience, and a number of services, including retrofit double-glazing – great for boosting your home’s insulation in the coming summer months. For more information, contact Atlas Glass today.
The world of window design has a deeper creative undercurrent than some might think, and this extends all the way to decorative glasswork, too. Everyone has a mirror above the bathroom sink, and we’ve all seen glass table tops before, but beyond that, how else does glass feature in a home?
Glass is practical, but often underused – or misused – in décor. There’s no shortage of common areas to place glass fixtures, so today we’ll explore some stranger ones. If you’re planning on redecorating or renovating, browse this article for inspiration!
If you want to bring your kitchen into the modern age, why not try a glass backsplash?
There are a number of different ways to use glass instead of tiles in your kitchen. Tinting or frosting glass can boost its character and really help it become a cohesive element within your kitchen’s overall aesthetic, especially if you lean toward neutral palettes. Alternatively, using panels of glass to cover painted surfaces is a great way to get intricate designs that still function as a backsplash.
Rather than hanging art, filling oddly shaped or ornate frames with mirrors by custom-cutting them to fit is a fantastic option for wall décor. If you don’t want to highlight one large mirror, you can also explore the idea of grouping several together. This way, the dimensions of your wall space open up to all sorts of possibilities.
Hanging mirrors is also a great way to make your spaces seem bigger than they really are. Despite being a well-known optical illusion, using mirrors to enlarge rooms is still an underutilised interior-design trick.
Other ways to use glass in a decorative context is to use glass tiling around your fireplace, if you have one, or as a faux-window above the mantlepiece. This look works best in homes that employ a distinct, rural aesthetic.
Mirrors are expected in the bedroom. Whether you have a mirror over your bedroom dresser, or a full-length mirror by your wardrobe, they are a well-established staple of bedroom design. In order to break the mould, you have to get creative – try turning mirrors into mirror mosaics, or using a faux-window where you would expect a mirror.
Mirrored furniture is also an option, though it’s worth mentioning that you should try not to overdo it - you don’t want your room to blind you every time you walk in. Pick one or two statements pieces, and stick with those.
If you need the help of an expert glazier, get in contact with Atlas Glass today. Our friendly team has been providing the greater Auckland area with quality double glazing for more than 40 years, so you can trust us to see your windows done right. Whether you want help with broken windows, reflective glass, or even UV protection, we can help. Call today to get a free quote!
