Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • May 1, 2013 Dirty windows are unsightly and can prevent beneficial sunlight from entering a home. Cleaning windows need not be done every week, but it should not be overlooked completely, either. While it certainly may be a chore to clean windows, there are ways to make the task much more tolerable. Curb appeal can be very important when selling a home. Even a home with a perfectly manicured lawn and new roofing and siding can seem unappealing if the windows are dirty. Keeping windows clean requires a good deal of work – and, for some, cleaning second-story windows can test the nerves. Having the right tools on hand and a strategy in place will make the job easier to manage. Cleaning windows won’t necessarily be easy, but the following process can make the task less difficult and time-consuming. Make the windows in your home sparkle Choose an overcast day so you will not be blinded by the sun while cleaning. This also helps prevent streaking. Begin by gathering your supplies. Having everything at the ready will enable you to move from one window to the next. Here are the basics: cleaning solution, cloth/newspaper or squeegee, towel, spray bottle, extension pole to reach high windows, vacuum, ladder or step stool, and a garden hose. Take down and clean drapery or blinds when cleaning the windows. Start with the interior of the windows, as they are easier to access. Place a towel on the sill to catch any drops so the sill or the floor will stay dry. Spray a lint-free cloth or the window directly with the cleaning solution. The edges and corners of the window tend to accumulate the most grime, so begin by cleaning those areas. Once they are clean and you will not exchange dirt to the center of the window, work on the middle. Wipe the windows in a horizontal direction to help alleviate drips. To create a streak-free surface, some people prefer to use a squeegee to drag out any pockets of moisture for more even drying. Be sure to wipe the rubber strip of the squeegee after each pass on the window. You may choose to buff out any other streaks with newspaper. Vacuum the window sill and frame afterward to catch any dust and debris. Repeat the process for all interior windows. Move outdoors and start by spraying the window with a hose to loosen any accumulated grime. Use your cleaning solution to dissolve the rest of the dirt. You may want to let it sit on the window if there is stubborn grime. Repeat the cleaning process used indoors for each window. If exterior second-floor windows are hard to reach, consider using a ladder and extension pole to extend your reach. Upper windows will not be scrutinized as closely as lower windows, so you may have a greater margin for error. If the windows are simply too high up, rely on a professional window cleaner to get the job done rather than risk falls or other injuries. Mix your own cleaning solution. It may take trial and error to find a solution that works. Here is one recipe to try: 1 cup white vinegar 1 1/2 cups rubbing alcohol 2 drops of dish soap Pour into a clean and empty spray bottle.