Look out of your window right now. What do you see?

Streaks? Dirt? Grime? All three? Then it’s time to give your windows a quick clean. This may seem like a pain, but it’s a high-reward chore. Not only will your windows look great, they’re also one of the top five surfaces that make us feel happiest when they’re clean. We’re guessing it’s the extra sunshine!

Need a little more incentive? Here are a few tricks of the trade to make window cleaning easier:

1. Buff Scratches with Toothpaste

If you have tiny scratches in your glass, toothpaste can make them disappear (just make sure you grab a brand with baking soda). Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft cloth, then gently rub the scratch for about 30 seconds. Wipe it away with a clean cloth and kiss your scratch goodbye!

2. Wash the Interior First

Unless you have indoor rain, the outside of your windows is going to be a lot dirtier. To prevent nasty cleaning supplies (and potentially a new, inside mess), tackle the interior side of your windows first.

3. Use Coffee Filters

Paper towels tend to leave a messy, cloudy shine. Use coffee filters instead!  Due to their texture, they leave a streak-free shine. Bonus: Coffee filters cost about $1 for a pack of 100!  

4. Skip the Store-Bought Cleaner

Instead of buying a cleaner at the store, make one at home by mixing equal parts vinegar and warm water. We recommend adding one cup of each ingredient at a time. The vinegar will break down any residue or grease on the surface of the window.  

5. Choose a Cloudy Day

If you pick a cloudy day to clean, your windows will look cleaner! This is because sunshine can actually cause streaks (the warmth dries the glass too quickly).

6. Don’t Ignore the Blinds

Dust loves blinds like bees love honey. To keep dust from piling up immediately after you clean, use an antistatic spray (Static Guard is a good option) on the window blinds right after you clean them.

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

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When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.