Don’t use this common cleaning product (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
It’s getting colder and damper which means one thing: mould.
Windows can be the perfect home for it, but if you’re about to clean yours in time for hosting this Christmas, there’s a common mistake you should avoid.
It turns out, that using bleach simply won’t do the job.
‘Bleach doesn’t work,’ Jade Oliver, showroom stylist at Express Bi-Folding Doors says.
But never fear, she’s got a handy tricky for you to try instead.
‘White vinegar left for around an hour with a scrubbing brush, or even a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water should do the trick.
‘Remember to always wear gloves and a mask.’
To clean your window properly you need to dust them before spraying them (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Jade also added that cracking a window can help with mould. ‘As much as we might not want to, one of the best ways to avoid mould is to leave our windows open for a few hours potentially whilst you’re out or in a different room,’ she says.
If you don’t have a mould problem, but you’re still unsure how to make windows sparkle, Jade says you need to start by dusting.
She said: ‘For both inside and out, there will be a build-up of dirt on windows all over the home.
‘It’s tempting to spray each area with hot soapy water immediately, however, this will make the dust stick to the glass and you’re simply moving it around rather than removing it.
‘Use a duster to loosen any dust particles first, and then try gently vacuuming with the bristle attachment to avoid scratching the surface.
‘Finally, to get into any tougher nooks and crannies such as the corners and rims, work in a feather duster to manipulate the grime.’
After dusting, vinegar can help here too.
Jade explained: ‘Window film is a magnet for streak marks, so adding a splash of white vinegar to your cleaning routine will help remove them. In fact, mix equal parts white vinegar and hot water for the ultimate budget-friendly window cleaning spray.’
And, Jade says you need to be make sure you’ve got the right equipment (e.g. a really great cloth).
‘Using an old rag, duster or newspaper will only spread the spots on the glass, whereas a microfibre cloth folded correctly will do the trick,’ she added.
‘Ensure that it’s folded over at least once so no oils from your skin make their way through the material and smear on the glass.
‘The small fibres in a microfibre cloth will absorb whatever they encounter.
‘Ensure there is distance between your hand and the window by folding the cloth, and scrub from left to right. Rubbing in circles will create a static that dust can stick to.’
And lastly, if you really want to level up your cleaning game, Jade said picking the right day is key.
When the sun is out and shining, it may make housework seem a bit more bearable but it’s not ideal for the cleaning process. Jade said if the sun is out and facing the window, the cleaning products could dry too quickly, leaving streak marks.
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This everyday product isn’t the miracle worker you think it is.