Windows are a versatile element of your home. They provide light to your and allow you to view beautiful sceneries from the outside. Moreover, they also play a part in making your home more appealing and pleasant to the eye
A dirty window can definitely ruin all this. Stains and dirt on your window change the way light comes in and the way a view may appear. Not to mention that, in general, these are just an ugly sight to see.
This is why we have to know what these stains are and the methods that should be used in cleaning them. Here are the most common window stains and how to deal with them:
-
Hard Water Stain
Hard water stains are the most common kind of glass stains. These look like water spots that are white to grey in color. These stains form when water hits your window. As the water evaporates, mineral compounds are left to mark on your window.
You can see this mostly if your windows are near sprinklers or other sources of water.
The best way to avoid this is to automatically wipe down your window when you see water or any kind of moisture on it. Use a clean piece of cloth to wipe this down so that you do not just leave and spread more dirt.
-
Glass oxidation
Glass oxidation happens when your glass is near metals that get wet often. One good example is if your window is connected to metal screens.
Metals that are exposed to rain or humidity start to wear down and deteriorate. This oxidation affects any glass substance that is near it and penetrates through the material.
This leaves a grey haze over your window. This may sometimes also look like etching or screen burns
-
Chemical damage
Chemical damage is usually done by window owners themselves. When we use aggressive chemically with the intention of cleaning our windows, this may actually end up accidentally causing even more harm.
When the glass can no longer take the harsh substances, the chemicals start to etch and stain onto your window. These may look more like scratches than just simple stains.
These may sometimes cause discoloration to your windows as well.
How to Clean the Most Common Window Stains
There is no need to worry if our windows start to stain and accumulate dirt. There are a couple of quick solutions for this problem to go away.
-
Keep Moisture Away from Your Windows.
The most common window stains have a lot to do with exposing your windows to moisture. So the obvious fix would be to avoid water exposure to your windows.
Sprinklers, pipes, fountains, and other sources of water should be kept away.
-
Use Window Sealants.
If you cannot avoid water exposure, you may use different kinds of sealant to repel the moisture.
Make sure to thoroughly wash your windows first before applying anything. Otherwise, you may just have more difficulty cleaning dirt off.
-
Good Old Soap and Water.
It can really be frustrating to look outside your window and see all sorts of stains and dirt in the way. Which is why you should clean your windows regularly so that dirt does not build up.
Good old soap and water can do the trick just as good as any cleaning solution. You can use dish soap or window cleaning products to clean away all those nasty stains. Make sure to then rinse with clean water and towels.
-
Chemical Removal
You can use more aggressive acidic or alkaline cleaners to get rid of the grime. Just do not use too much as these can cause damage to your windows.
Get the right kind of cleaner for whatever kind of glass your window is made out of. As long as you know how to use them, chemical cleaners can be good for your window.
-
Glass polishing
Glass polishing is a bit more difficult and expensive than using simple cleaning agents. However, you can be sure that it will do the trick.
You will need a special window buffer to smoothen out any grooves there are on your window. Polishing pads and polish for your buffers will also be used to get an even cleaner finish.
Your windows will be as good as new after a session of heavy polishing. This process is also less harmful than using chemical agents.
-
Glass Restoration
In order to best remove the hazy look of etching, a process called glass restoration will be done. Not only will you remove all the dirt and stains, all the scratches will be gone as well.
This, however, must be done by professionals through a very meticulous process. Even the most common and difficult to remove window stains can be dealt with. Contact Prestige Property Services for more tips on how to clean your window.