For most homeowners, the warmer weather inspires spring cleaning. Okay…maybe it inspires visits to the beach, but cleaning is definitely a close second. Spiffing up your home is a great way to start fresh after the winter months. Before you spend valuable time and money tackling your to-do list, consider these three spring cleaning methods you may be doing wrong so that you get it right from the start.
Cleaning Low-E Glass Windows
Window technology has advanced in recent years. For homes with replacement windows in Jacksonville, low-e glass windows are a common feature. Although, we must mention that windows with low-e glass can’t be cleaned the same way as traditional windows. You risk damaging the coating or scratching your windows if you don’t follow proper cleaning instructions.
“Low-e” stands for “low emissivity coating.” This is a very thin coating applied to windows to minimize the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that passes through the window. The coating provides extra insulation for windows and helps improve home energy efficiency.
When you clean windows with low-e glass, we recommend that you never use ammonia or commercial window cleaning solutions. Instead, use either a mixture of water and a small amount of dish detergent or a solution of one-part vinegar to ten-parts water. Both of these mixtures are safe for low-e glass windows and clean effectively.
Also, don’t use a squeegee or any metal tools on low-e glass windows. For hard to clean stains, apply a small amount of acetone to loosen the stain and then wipe away with a fiber cloth. Any metal used on a low-e glass windows will likely damage the coating.
Follow these simple steps to clean your low-e glass windows:
- Apply the approved window cleaning mixture.
- Remove dirt and debris with a soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth.
- Dry with a lint-free cloth.
If you’re uncertain whether your windows have a low-e coating, contact your Jacksonville, FL window experts at American Window Products to schedule a window inspection. If you take care of your low-e glass windows, they will offer extra energy efficiency and last for years.
Self-Cleaning Oven Damage
Another spring cleaning task that can go awry is cleaning your self-cleaning oven. From the name, it sounds like the job should be simple, but understanding how to use your self-cleaning oven can help you avoid unnecessary damage.
Similar to low-e glass windows, you don’t want to use commercial cleaners on your self-cleaning oven. Commercial cleaners can quickly damage the walls of your oven. One quick solution to help avoid deep grime stains is to apply salt to spills immediately. The heat from the oven combined with the salt turns the spill into ash that’s easy to clean. This eliminates the need for abrasive cleaners.
Actually, you may not want to use the self-cleaning feature on your oven at all. The super high temperatures used for self-cleaning can actually shorten the life of your appliance over time. Also, the fumes released into your home during the self-cleaning process can lower your home’s air quality.
You don’t have to choose between the high temperatures and bad smell of using the self-cleaning feature or the harsh chemical cleaning solutions. Instead, try a natural approach for deep cleaning your oven.
Follow these steps to spring clean your oven:
1 – Remove racks from the inside of your oven.
2 – Create a paste of baking soda and a small amount of water.
3 – Coat the inside of your oven with the baking soda paste and allow to sit for at least 12 hours.
4 – After 12 hours, wipe off the baking soda with a damp cloth.
5 – Spray any remaining baking soda with a small amount of vinegar. The bubbling effect will dissolve the baking soda.
6 – Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe out all the remaining vinegar or baking soda until completely clear.
7 – Replace the racks, and enjoy your clean oven!
Clean your oven regularly to avoid difficult stains and maintain the life of your appliance. Remember to avoid commercial cleaners and consider using a natural cleaning method over the self-cleaning oven feature.
Clean Your Home from Top to Bottom
Don’t spend any more time cleaning than you have to. One mistake homeowners make when spring cleaning is cleaning things in the wrong order. The most efficient way to clean your home is from the top to the bottom. If you clean the lower surface areas like floors before you clean higher areas like windows, the falling dirt, water and debris requires you to clean the floors again. Avoid unnecessary work! Start from the top and work your way down.
According to Household Management 101, following a cleaning plan can help save you time and energy. Follow this outline for an efficient cleaning plan.
1 – Start with jobs that require the cleaning solution to sit like with the oven cleaning method above. This way you don’t waste time and can continue working on other tasks.
2 – Start upstairs and work downstairs.
3 – Clear off clutter and put away all loose items before you clean.
4 – Dust, then clean surfaces like counters, and when everything else is complete, finish by cleaning the floors.
If you follow a common-sense order for cleaning your home, you can avoid unnecessary work and make your spring cleaning more efficient. Also, if you don’t want to tackle spring cleaning yourself, you can always hire a professional.
Remember, the experts at American Window Products in Jacksonville, FL are here to help with tasks like inspecting your low-e glass windows. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.