Friday

tip-o-day

It’s time for spring cleaning (well for those of you finished up with your shoveling).
I will probably have several spring cleaning tips over the next few weeks.

Aren’t you excited?

I think you may like this one… because I am going to tell you NOT to clean something.

Don’t be too eager to wash your windows yet. With all the sand/salt and winter dirt still on the roads, washing the windows now would be futile. If you have great resolve you can even hold out until after spring pollen week. At the very least wait until the street cleaners have come.

On window cleaning day, gather all the screens in the yard for a good hosing off. (the screens you removed last fall…right? Well, if you didn’t remove them… take them down for a rinse now). Let the screens air dry as you wash the windows. Remember to wipe the sills inside and out. When you are looking out of your windows on a beautiful spring day, the last thing you want to see is a grungy sill (specifically that spot under the window when you open the sash).
During this process check any caulking that has been installed to make sure it’s still supple and intact. Replace any damaged or cracked caulk.
Also remember to wipe down the tracks, window frame and muntins... again inside and out.

To make the outside cleaning even easier we hose down the windows prior to washing. We take this extra step in the spring to rinse away the accumluated grit, where in the fall we usually just wash the windows when the screens are taken in.
These simple steps will keep your windows looking great, and in good working order for many years of service.