Large windows are a wonderful feature in a home, letting in plenty of natural light while also providing beautiful outdoor views. But during the winter, they can make a room feel cold and drafty, especially if you have slightly older windows. Curtains for large windows can help your house stay warmer in the winter and, by blocking out hot sunlight, can help it stay cooler in the summer as well. They also add additional color and style to a room, providing beauty as well as functionality.
Have you ever cleaned your windows only to see them dry with water spots and streaks? Where did you go wrong? It may have had nothing to do with your technique and everything to do with the water you used. Tap water may be perfectly safe to drink and it’s possible to add to your solution for cleaning floors or counters but using it to clean your windows is a different story. Windows show the impurities in the water used to clean them. What’s the point in taking the time and effort to wash windows only to have them still look dingy after you’re done? Learn why tap water isn’t the best option for cleaning glass and what you can use instead to clean windows like a pro. Related Topic: The Hard Truth About Hard Water Stains
Why Tap Water Isn’t Best for a Window Cleaner
Despite looking clear, tap water contains mineral sediment that can dull the shine of your windows. Depending on where you live, you may have higher or lower mineral content in your tap water. Water in the west is commonly higher in calcium, magnesium, sodium, and copper than in other parts of the U.S., while water from the south is moderate to low in the same minerals. Another element that makes tap water less than ideal for cleaning windows is the level of acidity. When the pH is high, it doesn’t bind with particles as it should which makes it difficult to lift dirt and grime off windows. Adding a water softener helps lower the pH and makes it easier to lift grease off windows, but it doesn’t remove all the sediment that leaves water spots and streaks. So, what should you use? Is distilled water good for cleaning windows? Because distilling involves evaporating water and capturing the condensation—which completely separates the minerals from the water—it’s a great way to purify tap water at home.How to Purify Tap Water for Window Cleaning
To keep your windows sparkling clean, you can purify your tap water at home by distilling, installing a reverse osmosis system, or investing in an ionizing machine or bio-ceramic filter. Distilling Process: You can make your own distilled water at home using a large pot, a smaller pot, and some ice. Here are the steps required to distill water: First, fill the large pot with 8 cups of water and set the smaller pot inside. Place the lid upside down on the large pot. The condensation from the steam will trickle to the center of the lid, where it will drip down into the smaller pot. Place ice on top of the lid. The difference in temperature will speed up the condensation. Finally, turn on the stove and wait. Keep an eye on the water level and replace the water in the bottom pot as needed to prevent damage to the cookware. Reverse Osmosis: Reverse osmosis uses pressure to force water molecules through a semi-permeable mesh that mineral sediment is too large to fit through. This allows you to separate the water from the minerals and purify your tap water for sparkling windows. To do this at home, you will need to install a RO system and run your tap water through it. Ionization: Another purification process that can remove sediment from your water is ionization. One of the simplest ways to do this at home is using an ionizing machine or passing the water through bio-ceramic filters. The process uses magnetism to draw out the minerals and raise the water’s alkalinity, which enables the water to better lift dirt and grime from windows, leaving them spot and streak-free.What Streak-Free Windows Every Time?
If you would rather put your time and effort into something more enjoyable than making your own purified water, contact the cleaning pros at Window Genie. We’re experts at keeping windows sparkling clean, both inside and out. To learn more, give us a call at 877-243-8624 or request a quote online today.
This new year is ushering in a simplified and more relaxed trend in window treatments. With people spending more time at home, they are turning to minimalistic looks that soothe the eye. Warm neutral colors are also on the rise as opposed to the cool grays we’ve seen in the past few years. Another theme homeowners are embracing is sustainability. They’re choosing recycled and natural materials, such as cotton, linen, and wood. Homeowners and interior designers are also using bold shapes and patterns, including vintage floral patterns, as accents to give interior spaces personality and texture. Related Topic: Window Treatment Ideas for Sliding Glass Doors
Current Window Treatment Trends for Your Home
We’re letting go of perfection this year. Your home doesn’t need to look like something out of Better Homes and Gardens. Rather, it should embody what feels relaxing, energizing, or homey for you and your family. If you’re looking for new ideas to inspire you this year, these top window treatment trends are definitely worth considering: Embrace minimalism: Bring peace to your space by opting for a modern look with clean lines and neutral colors. Some homeowners are employing Roman shades for smaller kitchen windows and Japanese blinds for larger or floor-length windows. Focus on natural light: Natural light maximizes our intake of vitamin D and may increase productivity for those working from home. However, with natural light comes issues of privacy, glare, and damaging UV rays. That’s where light filtering treatments come in: Tinting your windows or adding sheer shades or sheer curtains can offer some privacy and protection from UV rays, while not damping your natural light. Choose natural materials: Choosing classic materials, such as cotton and linen, for window shades and drapes is popular this season. This embrace of a natural look also protects indoor air quality (from the off-gassing that can come from artificial materials). Wood and faux wood blinds are also popular choices—with an emphasis on lighter woods that provides an easy, airy feel. Recycled and sustainable products are in demand this year as homeowners want to feel good about their home’s impact on the world. The colors to highlight: As with the choice in wood tone, the larger trend in 2022 is leaning toward more neutral colors, but not the dull grays you’ve become bored with. The hot neutrals for 20222 are lively and warm, making the home feel like a soft burrito blanket you could roll yourself up in. Buttery creams, milky tones, and soft beiges are on the rise. But that’s not all. Designers are using natural greens, browns, purples, and blues to emphasize the beauty of nature. Bold accent colors are also popular. For instance, using chocolate tones, deep blues, and peach colors to make a statement. Now that you’ve spruced up your windows, it might be a good time to make the rest of your home match. Our friends at your local Five Star Painting can help. They offer expert painting services, for both the exterior and interior of your home.Get the Help You Need to Bring Your Window Treatment Ideas to Life
Giving your windows a fresh look can transform a few rooms and your entire home—and things like window tinting can even help improve energy efficiency. If you would like to learn more about window tinting and some of the other services we offer, contact your local Window Genie today. You can request a quote online or give us a call us at 877-243-8624. Window cleaning in the summer is different from fall window cleaning. There are a lot of extra obstacles and dangers to consider when cleaning windows in the fall. In the article below we’ll review some of the following issues: Ladder safety Rainy weather Slippery leaves Cold temperatures We hope to guide you and your family toward a safer autumn season (and cleaner windows, of course).
Ladder Safety and Cleaning Windows in Cold Weather
Ladder safety in the fall often means taking extra steps. First, you’ll need to consider the colder temperatures and the possibility of ice and frost. Before using your ladder, make sure there’s no ice on the rungs and that it’s secure in its spot on the ground.Window Cleaning During Rainy Weather
With fall also comes more frequent rainy weather. This, naturally, complicates the process of cleaning windows. While we recommend waiting for clearer weather, if you must clean, we highly suggest only cleaning first-floor windows. Attempting to climb a ladder to reach your higher windows in wet conditions is very dangerous because your ladder’s rungs are going to be slippery. Related Topic: Experimenting with window cleaners? See the truth behind the magnetic window cleaners you’ve been hearing about.Danger! Slippery Leaves
After the rain, the leaves underfoot are going to be seriously treacherous. We suggest using a rake to clear out any slippery leaves from the area where you want to place your ladder. Once your ladder spot is clear of leaves, make sure your ladder is secure before climbing. If you can, get another person to hold the ladder steady for you.Cleaning Windows in the Cold
When working with water in possibly near-freezing temperatures, we suggest wearing protection on your hands. Switch out gloves if they get soaked. Additionally, wearing shoes with good traction is important so that you don’t slip on the rungs of your ladder. Even though you think you’ll work up a sweat with all that cleaning, also consider wearing a jacket to stay warm, and a waterproof shell to keep it dry.Peace of Mind with Professional Window Cleaning
Not feeling up to cold weather window cleaning, and looking to hire a professional? Your local Window Genie can clean both the interior and exterior of your windows, no matter the season. To learn more about our window cleaning services or to get started, visit us online today! While cleaning your first-floor windows is a relatively easy job, if you have a second story, you might be concerned about how to get up there to clean. Not all windows are located in an area that is readily accessible, and if you aren’t a professional window cleaner, figuring out how to safely and effectively wash those windows can be difficult. In this article, we lay out a few different ways to clean those hard-to-reach windows.
Safety Concerns
The number one thing you may be thinking about when trying to clean hard-to-reach windows is safety. There is nothing more important than keeping you and your family safe when working on your home, so making this a priority is essential. When you take on the task of cleaning tough to reach windows there is going to be some risk involved, hence the term “tough to reach”. However, you can reduce the risk of injuries by taking some precautions before you start, and by making sure you follow safety steps during the cleaning process. First, make sure you have all the necessary equipment and supplies before you start the job. Towels, brushes, sponges, buckets, squeegees, cleaning supplies, and anything else you might need to do the job should be gathered and staged in the area where you will be working. This should help minimize the number of times you have to go back and forth for supplies. Next, if a ladder is needed make sure it extends beyond the area you need to reach so you’re not working from the top few rungs. Make sure the ladder is secure against the exterior of the house so it doesn’t shake or wobble when you’re on it. A best practice is to have someone at the base of the ladder to steady it while you are working. If this isn’t possible, make sure the ladder is secure, so it doesn’t move or fall. It’s also a good idea to wear protective gloves when cleaning the glass in case the glass breaks unexpectedly.Get a Telescope
If you are trying to clean windows that are higher up and harder to reach, consider using a telescoping rod that has a mop attachment on the end. This cleaning method is one of the safest ways to clean through tough-to-reach windows because you don’t have to leave the ground. Just make sure you are aware of your surrounding and keep the cleaning rod clear of any low-hanging wires.Remove the Windows
Removing the windows is another effective way to clean glass that is hard to reach. If possible, taking the windows down from the inside and cleaning them in another location will allow you to get a better angle on cleaning without putting yourself in an awkward position. This is one of the best ways to get a complete, thorough window cleaning done.Roof Access
If your roof is easily accessible, and you don’t mind heights, you may be able to access some of those hard-to-reach windows from your roof. Provided your roof does not have a steep slope, it may be safer to lay on your stomach and clean the windows from above rather than trying to reach them from below. However, you still need to be extremely careful whenever you are walking on the roof.Forget the Ladder
No matter how convenient it might seem, using a ladder to access tough-to-reach is a risky endeavor. Not only is it hard to get the right angle to clean the glass while on a ladder, but it can also be very difficult to maintain proper balance while cleaning. Falling off a ladder can cause serious injuries. Therefore, it’s best to leave cleaning those high, hard-to-reach windows to professionals, like Window Genie.Avoid Magnetic Window Cleaners
Magnetic window cleaners are one of those contraptions that seem like a good idea in theory but don’t always work as well in practice. These devices use a magnet to attach two sponges together on either side of the glass. But the magnets don’t take the thickness of the glass into account which results in the cleaning device either separating or being too strong that it scratches the window glass. Either way, your windows don’t get any cleaner. The safest and most effective way to clean your hard-to-reach windows is to call the window cleaning professionals at your local Window Genie. We have the knowledge, experience, and tools to do the job thoroughly and safely. So if you’re tired of looking at those dirty, hard-to-reach windows, don’t risk doing it yourself, contact Window Genie.Nothing is as tough on your windows as hard water. Hard water is a term that is often associated with large cities or a very industrialized area. The nasty truth about hard water is that it can rear its ugly head at any time. Hard water is simply water that has a high mineral content. It is formed when water percolates through deposits of limestone and chalk. The main minerals that make up hard water are calcium and magnesium carbonates.
Almost any water that hasn’t gone through a softening process will have trace amounts of these minerals. A lot of homes in areas where hard water is prevalent are equipped with softeners that use sodium to filter the water. This method is enough to make your water taste fine, but it may not be enough to prevent deposits on your windows. Continue reading "Hard Water Stains on Windows: What to Know"
Updated on 08/18/2023
Whether you’re refreshing your trim with a new coat of paint or removing old marks, taking paint off windows can sound intimidating. You don’t want to scratch your glass, after all. However, here at Window Genie we’ve got you covered with our complete guide for how to remove paint from glass.
What if we were to tell you that removing paint from your glass is much easier than preventing it from getting on your windows in the first place? With a few simple tools and techniques, flawless windows can be achieved.
If you want your windows to be professionally cleaned, check out Window Genie’s elite window cleaning services here. Otherwise, read ahead!
How to Remove Paint from Windows in 4 Steps:
Tools You'll Need
There are a variety of tools you can use. We recommend using a Triumph Scraper - it's meant to remove paint from glass and is easy to use. If you prefer something a bit safer, there are plastic options that cannot accidentally cut you.Step 1: Clean the Window
Before you start the paint removal process, you’ll want to clean the window. Wipe it down with warm water and an old cloth to get the top layer of grime off.
Step 2: Use a Razor Blade to Remove Paint
Once the window is clean, take a razor blade or paint scraper. Set it at a 45 degree angle, and begin to push the blade away from you in smooth strokes. Don’t pull the razor back towards you - pick up the blade and bring it back to the start with every scrape.
Step 3: Apply Solvent
Apply a solvent for glass cleaning to the window once the paint has been removed. This will help remove any remaining grime.
Step 4: Wipe Clean
Take a clean, dry cloth and buff away the solvent, leaving your window shiny and new.
How to Get Paint off Windows Without Using a Razor Blade
Tools You'll Need
Our favorite is Scraperite plastic razor blades - they look like your typical razor blade, but are much safer! These won't work as well as steel on really tough glass jobs, but they're worth a try. They are especially effective on getting accidental drips of paint off surfaces such as your wood floor or wall, however. In addition to using straight-edge blades, you can consider using 0000 steel wool. This is a super fine grade and is a personal preference over blades for some. Many claim it increases the threat of scratching, but if done properly with a fresh, clean pad, can remove a lot of paint in little time.Step 1: Make a Natural Solvent (water and vinegar)
To get started, make a natural solvent out of water and vinegar. You’ll want to use 1 part vinegar to 1 part water, so 1 cup and 1 cup of each should suffice to get started. Ideally, you should boil the water-vinegar solvent to heat it up for the cleaning process.
Step 2: Apply Homemade Solvent to the Window
Take a clean rag or cloth and dip it in the solvent. Then, apply it to the windows and paint you’d like to remove. You may need to scrub a few times to get the paint off. Repeat solvent application as many times as necessary.
Step 3: Wipe Away Paint from the Window
Once the paint is coming off, you’ll want to take the cloth and carefully rub away the remaining paint.
Step 4: Touch Up
Use a glass cleaner, and wipe up the windows with a clean, dry cloth. Enjoy!
What to Avoid When Scraping Paint Off Windows
The number one DON'T to removing paint from your windows is that you NEVER scrape or scrub glass while it's dry. ALWAYS use a lubricating solution to avoid friction that can lead to scratching. Most solutions can be made with a combination of common household products such as water, vinegar, and a few drops of dish liquid. Your favorite glass cleaner can also offer the necessary moisture needed to help your tools glide across the glass. Our WG-57 Glass Cleaner is ammonia free and has a clinging foam quality that helps you to see where you've applied it and where you may need more while removing paint. Ask your local Genie for a can or two! Find your closest Window Genie location today.
Need Help Removing Paint from Your Windows?
Some technique tips we can offer: always hold the blade at a 45 degree angle to the glass push the blade towards the frame, but do not push into the gasket (could break your seals) lift the blade after making a pass, do not drag it back and forthWe hope you’re better prepared to start removing that pesky paint on your windows… but when in doubt, call a professional. Window Genie is prepared to help you with all your window cleaning needs. Contact us today for a quote or explore our site for more services.
Window Genie is excited to be featured in Redfin’s latest article, “House Cleaning Tips: 6 Cleaning Mistakes You’re Making and How to Fix Them.” We were chosen along with a select group of experts from across the country, from those living in Washington, DC all the way to those living in Austin, Texas. Check out our contribution: Forgetting to clean window screens. There is a common misconception that rain causes dirty windows, but that’s not the case! Rain passing through a dirty screen will carry dirt and debris which causes those splotches after it rains. It’s important to brush and rinse window screens each time you clean your windows to ensure they stay cleaner, longer. Read the full article to learn what other cleaning mistakes you’re making and how to fix them.
Spring has sprung and the cleaning has begun! It has a nice ring to it, but the truth is after a long winter there is a lot of work to be done inside and out of your home. While the weather in the spring gets warmer, it is still bipolar. A lot of customers want to get their windows cleaned, but always fear the inevitable April shower.
Continue reading "Why Are My Windows Dirty After It Rains?" Window cleaning isn't rocket science - we'll be the first to admit it! Continue reading "Best Practices for Squeegee Window Cleaning"
