Keeping your windows shiny
Thursday, May 10th, 2012
If your home possesses a lot of windows, you may find your current challenge is keeping them shiny. Having bright or glossy windows is always nice when it comes to the appearance of your homes but you most definitely have to maintain this look.
It’s so very easy to just spray on the Windex but then you get possible streaks. It’s also easy to just use soapy water but yet again streaks and possibly a grimy and faded look. It’s worth the effort to keep them looking great but how can it be done and effectively?
- Vinegar poured on a dry cloth helps remove spots, stains, and mineral deposits.
- Alcohol and sudsing ammonia mixture about 1/2 cup and 2 cups (alcohol), makes a great overall cleaning solution for your windows. Wash from side to side. The rubbing alcohol helps prevent streaking.
- A chamois will effectively dry your windows without any dirty build up.
And there you have it, shiny windows! Doing this once a week will keep a nice appearance to your windows. Your windows could potentially be the shiniest in the neighborhood!
Source: eHow
Image: Wikimedia Commons
How to wash second story windows on your home
Thursday, April 5th, 2012
Window washing your windows can be a challenging task. What about those second story windows? This may sound even more challenging than first story windows and quite frankly, a problem. It can be done believe it or not and without the added headaches. Here are are few tips that you may find helpful:
- Use a ladder to remove the screen. Bring down and wash thoroughly with soapy water. Give a good rinse.
- Hang a bucket at the top of the ladder and begin washing the window with a good squeegee.
- Wash the windows thoroughly and rinse.
- Replace the screen
- Clean siding windows from inside the house.
- Use magnetic squeegees
The magnetic squeegees can be effective for second story windows but they also can leave major streaks if not done properly. It is just best to use a ladder for the overall job.
Source: eHow
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Tips for cleaning window blinds
Thursday, February 9th, 2012
Whether you have large or small blinds on your windows or fabric, metal or plastic, they can still be a challenge to keep clean. Dirt, dust, and grime is very noticeable on white blinds or off white blinds. What are some tricks and tips to keeping your blinds clean?
- Vaccuum or dust your blinds. You can even use a cloth but be sure to clean both sides of the blinds thoroughly.
- Clorox wipes or some sort of antibacterial wipes are great for removing excess dust and dirt all the while disinfecting.
- If the blinds are made of metal, be sure you don’t wipe too hard or press down on them. These types of blinds tend to bend very easily.
- Dusting sprays work great on blinds. If you spray one side and wipe thoroughly, flip and then repeat the process. It is said that wood polish works nicely on the blinds too.
- If your blinds are made of fabric, it is best to simply use a vaccuum cleaner and then spot clean areas that need cleaning.
- Rubbing down window blinds with dryer sheets are known to slow down dust build up. Keep in mind it doesn’t prevent it!
- Dust your blinds weekly and clean then throughly with the steps above at least every 3-4 months. Once every 6 months is even okay.
Source: eHow
Image: Wikimedia Commons
The best kind of window cleaner
Friday, November 11th, 2011
Keeping windows streak free and shiny can be a challenge in itself that is why it’s better to stick with window cleaners that truly get the job done without any hassles.
If you just want to go the simple route, good ole’ Windex glass cleaner is pretty reliable but if you are all for saving money but really cleaning your windows efficiently and effectively you may be surprised to know that a dab of dish soap, vinegar, and water will do just as good a job if not better.
What you will need
- Vinegar
- Liquid soap or detergent
- Water
Combine 1/4 cup of vinegar with a 1/2 cup of liquid soap or detergent and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. You will want to shake gently then spray your glass cleaner solution onto your windows.
Sometimes the simplest things work out better than that of products that may end up costing you more than you would really like to pay. If you think about it, soap should be the easiest ingredient to clean a window. The vinegar helps keep the streaks away and well water, it’s the foundation of a good cleanser.
Source: Care 2
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Window Blinds vs Window Shades
Friday, November 4th, 2011
When it comes to window blinds or shades, which is best? Everyone has different preferences when it comes to installing either shades or blinds. Realistically, what looks the nicest too?
Window Blinds
Blinds come in different styles and forms. Examples of window blinds are:
- Vinyl
- Aluminum
- Wood
- Faux wood blinds
Window Shades
Window shades have about the same amount of styles as you would see in window blinds. Examples of shades are:
- Roller shades
- Fabric shades
- Cellular shades
- Roman shades
The appearance of any type of window blinds can become pretty important especially when it comes to the decor of the house. When it comes to shades, there are so many color options available it makes it easy to choose from depending on the shades of the room the window is present in.
The style of a window comes into play when determining what’s the best option whether it being blinds or shades. Blinds can tend to offer a nicer appearance than that of shades but this is an opinion of course.
Which is easier to clean? Both options actually can trap the same amount of dust, etc. The best way to maintain clean blinds and shades is to vacuum them first then wash them thoroughly with soapy water and a sponge. It is best to take both blinds and shades off of the window for quality cleaning.
Here’s a rhetorical question for you. Which would you prefer, blinds or shades?
Source: eHow
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Prevent cloudy windows
Wednesday, September 7th, 2011
After you clean your windows do they continue to look spotted, cloudy, or stained? This can be such a pain and very unsightly to say the least. What exactly causes this problem? According to Crystal Clean Windows this happens for two reasons:
- Insulated glass seal failure
- Staining at the glass surface
With these two reasons in mind, what is the main contributor to most glass stains? Believe it or not it is your sprinklers. It is best to adjust the sprinklers away from spraying your windows since most likely hard water is adding to those cloudy stains you see appearing on your windows.
Now that you know what causes your windows to produce these negative results, you may find that this small piece of information brought something to light where you have originally been in the dark with for so long.
Source: Crystal Clean Windows
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Home environment and its affects on your windows
Friday, September 2nd, 2011
Did you know that there are ways in which your home’s environment affects window cleanliness? Good examples of this might be grime from a city environment, or pollen and other concerns from a rural environment. This time of year can really come into play with these examples as well.
How can you keep your windows clean from these environmental elements that seem to occur every year?
- When it comes to tree sap that seems to invade your windows, try using a little bit of lemon juice or some sort of organic citrus cleaner. The citrus really seems to break down that nasty and sticky sap which would be harder to clean with traditional soapy water.
- For dirt and grime build up try using vinegar. It’s not as soapy and effectively removes any of these environmentally unfriendly issues.
- One thing you may notice when it comes to cleaning your windows, especially heavily soiled with pollen, dirt, grime, etc., the results can leave nasty streaks on your windows. To eliminate this problem try using rubbing alcohol. It apparently also keeps your windows from “fogging up.”
- Have you ever noticed that paper towel doesn’t always do the trick? Believe it or not according to Jaipi Sixbear, if you use old newspapers and crumple them up it works better with a vinegar solution would because the “texture is rougher.”
A nice little tip also from Jaipe Sixbear over at Associatedcontent.com, is to “oil down your windows.” Okay, sounds strange right? But apparently after a nice and thorough window cleaning, if you rub down your windows with vegetable or olive oil, it “keeps bird droppings and tree sap from sticking to your window making your windows easier to clean next time.” I have never heard of this tip and would most definitely love to try it, what about you?
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Source: Associated Content
Cleaning windows in the spring time
Wednesday, August 17th, 2011
Though we do not have to experience the frigid cold winter months like the dear people of the north our windows can still stand to see the better light of day after facing pollen, mold, mildew, grime, etc. Since it’s time to “Spring Clean” so to speak let us not forget our windows in the equation.
Why is spring considered the best time of year for the job anyways? Well, you most definitely want to clean your windows thoroughly at least twice a year since like everything else, the nasty germs, dirt, and grub and build up quickly. It’s most definitely a good time to make those things shine. And probably enough for those poor birds to mistake for open windows, yikes. (Consider some sort of distraction on your windows to keep that from happening.)
Anyways, a good way to get a quick but thorough cleaning of your windows is simply this:
- You can hire professionals to complete the job
- Or, get a power washer for the outside then wash with soap and water on the inside. You might need an old toothbrush to clean out the hard to reach spots, etc.
Source: Associated Content
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Protecting your boat from oxidation, UV rays, and hard water deposits
Monday, June 6th, 2011
If you possess a boat, most likely you have learned or are currently learning the ins and outs of boat maintenance. How about protecting your boat from oxidation, UV rays deteriorating the gel coat, and hard water deposits? Don’t fret. If you have never considered these important steps to protect your boat you can start now. Let’s first take a look at how you can protect your boat from oxidation:
Oxidation protection
- For signs of light oxidation, just purchase a removing compound applied to the hull. It will restore shine to your boat in no time at all.
- For signs of medium oxidation apply a polishing compound with some sort of machine buffer (in circular motion).
- For signs of heavy oxidation you will want to wash, sand and polish your boat completely. It will most likely take a lot of hard work to get your boat back to tip top shape in appearance.
Protect from UV rays deteriorating gel coat
We now have learned that oxidizing can restore your paint or gel coat finish to keep a nice shine. A nice fresh coat of wax will protect your boat from nasty UV rays while keeping salt, dirt, etc., from damaging your boat any further. It’s always good to take these steps.
Protect from hard water deposits
If you are searching for a way to effectively remove hard water deposits from your boat, your search is over. Captain John’s Boat Brite hard water and mineral deposit remover is the product you have been waiting for. “It is a concentrated and can be diluted.” Check out out the productalong with price and product description on captainjohnsboatbrite.com.
Sources: Power Boat on About,Boatsville, and Captain John’s Boat Brite
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Concerns with pressure washing:Why it’s better to have a professional do it
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
Image by Alexcua
Are you wanting to pressure wash your house siding, sidewalk, roof, or even your deck? You can attempt to do this yourself but it may be better to hire a professional to do the job.
Before I examine reasons why to have a professional do the pressure washing, let’s look at the benefits of pressure washing so that you can compare and contrast any ideas or opinions you may have.
According to Adam Maxwell over at ezinearticles.com, here are some benefits of pressure washing:
- It’s not as expensive as you think. Don’t replace with new siding, etc. Try pressure washing first to see the outcome. You may be saving yourself a lot of money in the long run.
- Pressure washing removes any mold present. Mold can cause health problems and allergic reactions. Mold can grow outside of the home so pressure washing even the outside of the home is very beneficial.
- Your roof shingles will last longer. Pressure washing your roof to remove anything like mold etc, will give your roof a longer life so to speak.
- Quality insulation and energy efficient. Pressure washing does more than one would think. Pressure washing aids in proper insulation, etc.
Now that you are brought up to speed on the benefits of pressure washing, let’s look at the reasons why it is better to have a professional do it vs. yourself:
- It’s cheaper to hire someone as purchasing the equipment yourself may be more costly. Everyone wants to save money right?
- You will most definitely save time if a professional does the pressure washing for you.
- The end results will be far greater than that if you do it yourself (DIY) Because a professional is trained in this line of work they understand how to produce quality work. If you know nothing about pressure washing, you will most likely end up doing a poor job.
Source: Ezine
Image: Wikimedia Commons
