Despite regularly cleaning your windows, have you ever wondered what causes them to become dirty? It's nothing short of frustrating to clean all the windows in your house only to discover they have smudges or a dirty film after a month or so. Let's take a look at 4 reasons why windows get dirty.
#1 Pollution
Pollution is most everywhere and the type or amount of pollution varies by climate and location. Common pollutants that cause buildup on windows include pollen, car exhaust, lawnmower smoke, rainwater, and even tap water from sprinklers. Each of these substances can cause windows to spot or appear blurry as they accumulate on the glass.
#2 Kitchen Grease and Steam
Kitchen windows are notoriously dirty because of greasy residue and steam produced by delicious home-cooked meals. This buildup not only creates an unsightly film on windows, but is also difficult to remove.
#3 Essential Oils and Smoke
With all the pleasant aromas and air cleansing properties derived from essential oils, the residue will eventually end up on your windows. Cigarette smoke and burning candles produce stubborn film as well. If left on for a long time, these substances can be difficult to remove and damage the glass.
#4 Curious Hands and Noses
If you have kids or pets, then most likely your windows have imprints of hands or noses as well as some unrelenting slobber from a vocal dog. Even though the smudges left behind can be frustrating, it is likely that the little ones were captured by what they saw outside and innocently left their mark. Still, the result is the same!
#5 Hard Water
Whether you have city or well water, most tap water contains minerals that leave hard water stains. So rather than being tempted to spray down your windows with the water hose, take time to wash your windows properly. If washing windows with water, consider distilled water over tap.
#6 Window Screens
Window screens make it possible to open windows and let the fresh air flow in while keeping the bugs and dirt out. But when raindrops pass through the screens, the dust and dirt attached to the screens end up on the glass. Regularly cleaning windows and screens can help prevent this.
#7 Cleaning Solutions and Techniques
Often, dirty windows are caused by the window cleaning solutions and techniques used. Some solutions can leave behind a residue that attracts even more dirt. Also, when washing windows, try to avoid the heat of the day and clean small sections at a time, as this helps prevent the cleaners from drying which causes streaking.
How To Keep Your Windows Clean Longer
By cleaning your windows at least every six months, there will be less buildup to contend with. Also, when cleaning your windows, opt for a simple water and vinegar solution in warm distilled water. If there’s lots of buildup, scrub it with a sponge, wiping off the excess with a quality squeegee and buffing it for a finished shine.