Something I look forward to every summer is reading books while sitting on my apartment’s “balcony.” By balcony, I mean my ancient fire escape. And by sitting on it, I mean opening my window and awkwardly perching on the window tracks, for fear of actually putting my body weight on the rickety fire escape.
And after doing this periodically throughout the summer, it’s safe to say my window—and the surrounding area—typically accumulates some significant dirt and dust. So before I shut my windows for fall this year, I thought it would be a good idea to do a deep clean.
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That said, what exactly should I be cleaning for fall before closing my windows?
To find out, we spoke with Scott Benson, Director of Operations at The Cleaning Authority, a national residential cleaning company. Not only did Benson share the seven things you should clean before closing your windows at the end of summer, but he also shared exactly what products you need and what methods you should follow. Keep reading for his insights!
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Why You Need to Clean Your Windows Before Fall
“By the end of summer, your windows have likely accumulated months of pollen, dust and dirt,” Benson tells Parade.
“The same is often true for window tracks, screens, blinds and curtains, especially in homes where windows are frequently opened to let in fresh air,” he continues. “Cleaning these areas before cooler weather arrives provides a seasonal reset. It helps prevent buildup from sitting for months and becoming more difficult to remove, reduces allergens in the home, and allows your windows to bring in more of the natural light you’ll appreciate during the winter months.”
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7 Things a Pro Cleaner Recommends Cleaning Before You Close Your Windows for Fall
1. Window glass
Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images
Benson is starting off with the most obvious part of the window: the glass.
To clean your window glass, you’ll need: water, white vinegar, a spray bottle and three clean microfiber cloths. To get started, simply wipe the glass down with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any dust.
“Next, mix half a cup of vinegar with 4 cups of warm water in a spray bottle,” he says. “Spray the vinegar and water mixture onto the window. Use a clean microfiber cloth to rub in the solution, then use a new cloth to dry off the window.”
2. Window tracks
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Window tracks can accumulate endless dust and dirt, and they need a deep clean before fall. To clean your window tracks, you’ll need: a vacuum, a spray bottle, water, vinegar, baking soda, an old toothbrush and a microfiber cloth.
“First, vacuum out as much loose dirt and debris as possible from the tracks,” Benson explains. Then, “fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. Next, sprinkle baking soda in the window tracks and spray with the vinegar solution.”
After letting this sit and fizz for around five minutes, “take an old toothbrush and scrub the tracks to loosen any stuck-on grime. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.”
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3. Windowsills
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“Cleaning windowsills is very simple,” says Benson. All you’ll need for this is two microfiber cloths, dish soap and water.
“First, vacuum any loose dust and debris. To make it easier, do this step while vacuuming any loose dirt from the window tracks,” he says.
Then, “take a microfiber cloth, squirt a few drops of dish soap onto it, and wet it completely. Wring out any excess water, then wipe down the windowsill. Dry with a separate, clean microfiber cloth.”
4. Blinds
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“Blinds often have multiple sides and shapes, so they can sometimes be a hassle to clean,” Benson says. The best way to clean them is with a microfiber cloth and a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water.
“Take a mixture of half vinegar and half water and use a microfiber cloth to swipe over each section of the blinds,” he says. “The embedded dust and dirt will come right off.”
5. Curtains
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“For most curtains, it’s best to gently vacuum regularly to remove dust and pet hair, and to spot treat stains with mild dish soap,” says Benson. However, between seasons, it’s worth giving your curtains a more intense reset.
“For a deeper clean, check the care label to see whether the fabric is machine washable,” he advises. “If so, follow the instructions to wash at home. If not, you can hand-wash or take the curtains to the dry cleaners.”
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6. Window screens
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“Window screens can be delicate,” says Benson. So, rather than cleaning your screens while they’re still in the windows, he recommends carefully removing them, and laying them on a flat surface. To clean the screens, you’ll need a microfiber cloth, dish soap and a sink or hose.
“Take a microfiber cloth, add a few drops of dish soap and wet the cloth,” he advises. “Gently scrub the screen on both sides, rinse, and let it air dry completely. Depending on the size of your screen, you can rinse with a hose or in your sink.”
If the screens are still gunky after rinsing, try scrubbing them with a soft-bristled brush. “Just be sure to scrub gently to keep your screen intact,” Benson warns.
7. Nearby lamps
Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images
“Many people have lamps near their windows, especially in living rooms,” says Benson. And the best way to clean them is often with a lint roller!
“The lampshades can easily collect dust and pollen and, in many cases, just need a simple refresh,” he says. “To remove dust, use a lint roller and work from top to bottom for quick removal.”
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