It’s been a long, cold grey winter in Oakville and Burlington, but the sun is shining more, the snow is melting, and spring is approaching March 20th.
You can start your annual spring cleaning routine now. The sunshine and warmer days may have you wanting to start cleaning your windows and doors (especially those with windows) to let the sun inside.
Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools ready to go:
- Rubber gloves
- Soft cloths
- Hand dusters
- Paper towels
- Soap
- Squeegee
And when it’s time to clean your windows and doors, follow these helpful tips, courtesy of the team at Fasada.
Safety first
If you’ll be cleaning something like…
- The exterior of an upper-floor single-tilt slider window
- Very top (the transom) of a tall fibreglass door
…you’ll need a ladder.
Use the following precautions before climbing up:
- Always have someone steady the ladder at the base for you
- Set the ladder down on the flat ground (not an uneven garden bed outside or rolled-up rug inside)
- Only carry what you can
Spring cleaning your doors
Your exterior doors have been exposed to the elements all winter long.
Your interior doors may have dealt with many guests (if you hosted Christmas or New Year’s) and cold and flu season.
Here’s what you should do to get them nice and shiny.
Remove dirt and grime
- Add dish soap to warm water and use a soft cloth to wipe down the door
- For stubborn grime, a commercial-grade kitchen cleaner should do the trick
- Pay close attention to the edges of the door, as that is where the most significant build-up of dirt will be
Give the doorknobs special attention
- Remove brass doorknobs and soak them in paint remover to restore their lustre
- Scrub them with a soft brush (you don’t want to leave any scratches)
- Use a bronze cleaner to really make them sparkle before putting them back on your doors
Patio door care
- The sliding patio door handles can be cleaned using a damp cloth and soapy water
- For dirt on the bottom of the frame, use a tough scouring pad to clean it away, followed by a dry cloth treatment
- If the sliding rail is dirty, an oily cloth should clean it nicely and make the door run more smoothly over it
- Use a light detergent + water solution to clean the interior and exterior glass (don’t make the mixture too bubbly, though)
Check weather-stripping and caulking
- Worn-out weather stripping should be replaced
- Old caulking should be reapplied; otherwise, it could lead to rotting (which compromises the appearance and security of your doors)
Spring cleaning your windows
As lovely as the bright spring sun is, it also does a great job highlighting the dirty spots on your windows (especially if they’re big and expansive like bay windows or bow windows).
Here’s what you should do to get them looking crystal clear and clean.
Cleaning the glass
- Use a soft brush to remove the first layer of dirt on your windows (while you’re at it, clean the sills and frame too)
- Put a small amount of dish soap into a bucket of warm water and wash with a strip washer (that’s a squeegee with a cloth attached to it)
- Grab a regular squeegee, dampen the edges, and wipe the window top-to-bottom
- Dry any leftover water spots on the window with a fresh cloth
Don’t forget the screens
- Remove the screens from your windows
- Wash them clean with a soft-bristled brush (you don’t want to fray the screen material) and soapy water
- Leave the screens out to dry before installing them back into your windows
Spring cleaning window coverings
Firstly, if possible, follow the instructions which came with your shutters, blinds and especially for drapes. If those are not available, here are some generic cleaning tips:
Shutters
- California shutters should be dusted, then cleaned with water/dish soap mixture and a soft cloth (don’t use anything harsh or abrasive; that could damage the material)
- Vacuum your wood shutters using the soft brush attachment, then spray a soft cloth with wood polish and clean completely
Blinds
- Wood Venetian blinds need extra caution; use a gentle feather duster first, followed by a soft cloth covered with wood cleaner
- Don’t use hot water to clean vertical blinds; instead, grab a soft rag and dusting spray (that’s all you need)
Looking to transform your doors and windows (instead of just cleaning them) this spring? Fasada can help!
If your doors and windows are due for a complete overhaul (and not just a seasonal cleaning), make Fasada your first stop.
We have the products, experience, and professionalism to give you the doors and windows you want, no matter where you live in Milton, Hamilton, or the surrounding areas.
Here’s how you can start:
- CONTACT US with your questions or comments
- REQUEST A FREE QUOTE on the products you’re interested in
- VISIT THE GALLERY and get inspired for your project
