Cleaning Your Windows Before Winter

Oct 5, 2018 | Windows

Home » Cleaning Your Windows Before Winter

The autumn season is the perfect time to take care of some home exterior clean up jobs before the snow starts falling here in Chicagoland. While we suggest adding cleaning your gutters, spot checking your siding, and even looking at your roofing to your fall to-do list, we also recommend cleaning windows well.

Summer heat and dust can take a toll on your windows, leaving them looking dingy and lackluster. In just a few hours, you can get your windows sparkling again, leaving them ready to take on the cold winds of winter. Here are some of our favorite tips, time-tested by our customers and our staff members.

Soap and Water Does the Trick

You don’t need much when it comes to supplies for a complete window clean. Grab a bucket of warm soapy water, a sponge, a squeegee and a few paper towels. As you gather your supplies, be sure to get the ladder out of your garage if you need it to reach second story windows.

Start With the Hose

Now that you have your supplies, you are ready to go. Your garden hose is a good first step when working outside. Give your windows a good rinse with water from the hose. This takes care of extra dust on the windows and in the surrounding areas of the frame.

Squeegee, Don’t Rub

After your windows have had a nice rinse, it’s time to get the grime with your soapy water. Use your sponge to soap up your windows, but resist the urge to scrub a lot. Too much rubbing just moves the dirt around. Instead, soap up the window and then use your squeegee to eliminate the bubbles and dirt. Take care of any drips with a quick dry from your paper towels.

Head Inside

Once you have completed your chores outside, don’t forget to clean the inside of your windows as well. For the inside job, you can turn to window cleaner and a squeegee for a beautifully clean appearance you (and your guests) will enjoy.

As you clean your windows this month, take time to notice any damage or potential problem areas. Are your windows drafty or do the panes seem foggy? Is there a problem with the frame or did you notice condensation? If any of these ring true for you, it is time to invest in a replacement before winter weather sets in. Give the team at Rusco a call to learn more about your window options, or stop by our office, now located at 1740 International Parkway in Woodridge.

Contact Rusco Windows & Doors to Learn More

Name(Required)

Name

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Would you like to receive text messages from Rusco?

I'd like to receive updates about Rusco at the phone number provided. Note: Messaging frequency may vary and data rates may apply. Reply Help for assistance or STOP to cancel.

Yes

Comments(Required)

9 + 10 =(Required)

CAPTCHA

Name

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Choosing the Right Entry Door to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Have you ever judged a house by its door? Most people do (whether they realize it or not). Your front door is more than a functional slab of material. It’s the smile of your home, the first hello to every guest, and a subtle indicator of what may be inside. So, is...

How to Inspect Your Windows for Storm Damage

Storms don’t always announce their damage with a bang. Sometimes it’s a slow leak, a hidden draft, or a barely noticeable crack that becomes a major headache later. After a heavy storm rolls through, inspecting your windows isn’t just a precaution; it’s a necessity....

Dangers of Hiring Storm-chasing Construction Crews

These types of contractors typically descend upon a neighborhood or area in the wake of a severe storm. Especially one involving hail and/or wind damage. The process usually works like this. You hear a knock at your door, and a stranger is there claiming to be a...

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roof

If your roof could talk, it might whisper “Help” whenever it rains. Most homeowners don’t give much thought to their roof until there’s a leak; by then, it’s often not just the roof that needs attention. You could be looking at damaged ceilings, insulation problems,...

How Windows Can Affect Your Home’s Insulation

Have you ever wondered why your home feels like an icebox in winter and a sauna in summer despite your HVAC system working overtime? The culprit may not be your heating and cooling system but your windows. Heat gain and loss through your windows usually account for...

Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Front Door

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 30% of your home’s cooling and heating energy is lost through inefficient doors and windows. That’s more than a dent in your utility bills; it’s a complete budget ambush, and your front door may be the ringleader....

How Storm Damage Can Affect Your Home’s Exterior

In 2023, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information, weather-related damage cost United States homeowners more than $92 billion in property losses. And if you think your home’s exterior is built to withstand everything, Mother Nature may have...

The Environmental Impact of Window Replacement

When you think about upgrading your windows, you probably consider energy savings and home comfort—but have you ever considered the environmental impact? Your old, drafty windows could be doing more than increasing your energy bills; they may contribute to higher...

How to Maintain Your Windows for Longevity

Windows are more than ways to let in sunshine and spy on your neighbors—they’re a vital part of your home’s structure and aesthetic. But when did you last think about your windows' durability, longevity, and maintenance beyond wiping away fingerprint smudges?...

Energy Savings with Proper Window Sealing

Everyone loves a cozy home, but no one enjoys paying for it. If your windows are not properly sealed, they could leak energy faster than you can say, “skyrocketing electric bill.” According to the United States Department of Energy, windows are responsible for up to...