If you avoid cleaning your windows and fly screens, you're likely putting off a task that's easier than you think.
We asked cleaning professionals for their tips on achieving a streak-free finish on windows and maintaining clean fly screens.
Use simple tools for the job
It can be tempting to splurge on special sprays and fancy tools for your windows, but some good-old-fashioned elbow grease and a couple of key pieces of equipment are all you really need.
Gold Coast/Yugambeh Country-based specialist bond cleaner Emma Morris says a high-quality squeegee is essential.
"You want to invest in something that's going to last long term, with the soft sponge on one side, and also a rubber back to squeegee the water and residue off the windows."
She uses water with a little detergent and also a dry microfibre cloth.
"Go over the window with the soft side of the squeegee, squeegee it off with the rubber side, and the microfibre cloth just takes off any of those water marks that might be left … so there's a streak-free shine," she says.
Nick Palomo, a residential and commercial window cleaner who operates in Brisbane/Meanjin, also says a squeegee is his weapon of choice, and admits he "never thought about using squeegees" until he started cleaning windows professionally.
He uses microfibre sleeves, placed over a T-shaped bar, for the cleaning, then the squeegee to dry.
Mr Palomo recommends using "the S technique" when drying. Starting in the top left-hand corner of the window and moving the squeegee down in a motion that resembles the letter "S".
He says the trick is "to always have it in contact with the glass".
What do professional window cleaners use in their water?
Ms Morris says she avoids using brand-name cleaning sprays and in her experience, a little dishwashing liquid — "usually whatever's on special" — is enough to do the job effectively.
Mr Palomo also relies on a splash of "regular dishwashing liquid".
If you live somewhere particularly hot and humid, avoid using water that's too cold on your windows, and likewise, don't use water that's too hot during cold weather.
"Windows are susceptible to cracking under pressure from water that's too hot or too cold, especially windows where you might get that odd stone chip from mowing lawns," Ms Morris says. She recommends using lukewarm water.
What shouldn't you use on your windows?
Products that are not specifically designed for cleaning windows can leave them smudged and make it more difficult to get a streak-free finish.
"When I'm going into properties and cleaning windows, there's often quite a lot of residue from products that are unsuitable for using on windows, and they're not cleaned off properly," Ms Morris says.
And although vinegar is often recommended as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to window-cleaning sprays, Ms Morris advises against it.
"Vinegar attracts flies, which is not what you want for your windows," she says.
Cleaning your fly screens and doors
Insect screens and doors generally do a good job of what they are supposed to — keeping flies, mozzies and other unwanted creatures out, while letting fresh air and breezes in. But those breezes can also carry dust and other particles, which can leave your screens dirty.
Modern screen doors and fly screens are often made from a steel weave to provide better home security and counter fire risk, or are a fibreglass mesh.
Max Kincade, who works for a Melbourne/Naarm-based company that sells security doors and mesh screens, says a soft brush from a dustpan can be used to remove any surface dust, grime, and spider webs, but says "a microfibre cloth or mitt" soaked in warm, soapy water is ideal.
What if your screens need a more intensive clean?
Sometimes, screens will be on the inside of windows and doors. Kate Croukamp owns a cleaning company based on the Gold Coast, in the traditional Yugambeh language region, and says these types of screens can generally be lifted out and taken outside for a more thorough clean.
She says a small pressure cleaner is ideal, but you should make sure the pressure isn't so powerful that it will damage the screens. If you don't have a pressure cleaner, a hose will do the job, and if hosing from the outside isn't possible, she suggests dipping a broom in warm, soapy water and running that broom over the entire screen".
If you do remove all your screens, make sure you label which screens belong where to make it easier to get them back in the right place.
Some riveted-in screens need special tools to remove them. Ms Croukamp recommends leaving these in place and sticking to a microfibre cloth.
How often should you clean your windows and screens?
Mr Palomo says cleaning your windows "at least every couple of months" will make it "much easier … than waiting like two years when it's dirty and caked on".
Ms Croukamp says "some areas attract more dirt and dust than others" but recommends cleaning screens "at least once a year".
"It seems to be that thing in the house that people don't get around to doing because it [can be] quite a big job."
