Step One: Spray Down Exterior WindowsThrough winter and spring your exterior windows can become covered in dirt and everything else that was blown against them during storms. Since very few of us venture outdoors during the colder months to clean our exterior windows, all of the dirt and grime just layers up.By the time the warmer weather finally arrives, the filth that is covering your windows is so thick that if you try to wash it with a rag and window cleaner it will just make the window look worse. The dirt will smear around and you will have to repeat washing over and over again.To save yourself the time and trouble, spray your exterior windows down with water first. It is recommended that you use the most water pressure possible that won’t break your windows, but will get as many layers of dirt off as possible.It is not recommended to use any high pressure water on windows that are old or are already damaged.Step Two: Let the Exterior Windows DryDon’t attack the window right away after you have sprayed it down. Let the window dry for a little bit or the glass cleaner won’t work as well as it should and it will take more effort to clean your windows.If you have hard water, squeegee your windows dry to avoid water spots from forming.Step Three: Exterior Windows Sparkly CleanAfter letting the windows dry, spray them down with either commercial cleaner or homemade cleaner. You can make a good homemade cleaner for very, dirty exterior windows by mixing 1 tbsp. of ammonia, 3 tbsp. of rubbing alcohol (or vinegar) with one quart of warm water.Wipe the cleaner off starting from the top of the window, by moving a lint-free rag from side to side until it reaches the bottom of the window. Then go back and wipe off any missed cleaner or dirt. Wiping down the window this way prevents the cleaner from dripping into areas that you have already cleaned.Step Four: Drying the Newly Cleaned Exterior WindowsTo finish the task, use a squeegee from the top of the window to the bottom to get any excess cleaner. After each stroke dry the squeegee blade with a cloth and continue until the window has been completed.Lastly, you can use an old towel or bed sheets to finish drying. Only use towels and bed sheets that you have never used fabric softener on or the material will not absorb the remaining water from the exterior windows like it needs to.

Recent Blogs

Southern Indiana & Louisville's Heat Dome Is Here: How Renewal by Andersen Replacement Windows & Doors Keep Your Home Cooler This Summer

Beat Louisville's heat dome with Renewal by Andersen replacement windows and doors. Discover how Fibrex® frames block heat and humidity, lower AC strain, and cut energy bills—plus quick tips to cool your home now.

Renewal by Andersen's Window Cleaning Tips

Keeping your Renewal by Andersen windows clean is essential for maintaining their beauty, energy efficiency, and long-term performance for Louisville homeowners. Using gentle solutions like mild soap and water or diluted vinegar, paired with soft microfiber cloths and a squeegee, will protect the exclusive Fibrex® composite finish and keep glass streak-free. Follow these expert tips to extend the life of your windows and safeguard your investment for years to come.

How to Tell If Your Patio Door Is Costing You Money (And What to Do About It)

This blog outlines common warning signs that a patio door is hurting a home's energy efficiency- Such as drafts, foggy glass, and warped frames. As well as explains how these issues lead to higher energy bills and home damage.