Windows: Let the Sun Shine In!

Windows

Sometimes it's hard to tell just how dirty your windows are until you clean them, especially on the exterior of your home where weather, dust and dirt builds up over time.  A good rule of thumb is to clean your windows twice a year: Spring and Fall. If you can only manage once a year, do it in the Spring after winter has come and gone and left you with filmy, dusty windows.

Look at the difference a clean window makes. You want potential buyers to be able to see: 1) the natural light coming in, and 2) the views from inside the house.

I'm not sure how long these windows had been neglected, but when they were filthy it just made the house seem cheap and neglected. Look at the difference we made just by cleaning them!

Now, one of the reasons I have my windows cleaned again in the Fall is because holidays are right around the corner and if you decorate your home like I do, you want your house to look especially beautiful during the holiday light season.  When I decorate, I consider what it's going to look like from the street as well as from inside.  Clean windows are a must!

Window Boxes

What would a post about windows be without at least one photo of a nicely designed window box? Window boxes are an easy way to add more greenery and color to the exterior of your home, and add a nostalgic look, too.  Like you see in Italy with the arched windows, brightly painted shutters and gorgeous window boxes filled with flowers and herbs.

For all exterior surfaces, including windows, 

I use this with a high pressure garden hose attachment:

Especially handy for 2nd story windows where you just can't reach to clean them. There are other products that are similar. One thing to look for when you are choosing one is if it's "Rinse" or "No Rinse."  Some cleaners need to be rinsed off the glass or else it will just look filmy again when it dries. I like the no rinse formulas simply because it saves me a step and I don't have to go around the house twice.



Next: Basic Rule of Thumb. Rules of Thumb. Thumbs. Gosh.