Clean the Windows: Spring Cleaning Cure 2022

Spring is officially here, and with it comes a chance to shake off the stagnation of winter. I’m talking about spring cleaning your home — this is Day 1 of the Spring Cleaning Cure, after all — but I’m also interested in spring cleaning your soul. I know I need a fresh perspective on what the rest of 2022 could have in store, and I can’t be alone in that. And what better way to change your point of view than by literally changing your point of view?

That’s why today’s assignment, the first and probably most important task in this 10-day series, is to clean your favorite window. Not only will you gain a sparkling-clean pane and the deeply-satisfying knowledge that even its tracks are spotless, but you’ll also have the ability to see through it more clearly — you know, on an introspective level. Maybe you’ll notice that there are spring buds starting to pop up in your backyard, bringing color back to bare branches. Or perhaps you’ll admire how the city skyline you usually take for granted actually sparkles at sunset. Even looking out on the street and spotting neighbors who make up your community can be invigorating.  

Whatever it is that you take in when you look out from your pristine window to be, I hope you’ll also be able to take a moment of gratitude for what’s there. As we discuss how to go about cleaning this area of your home, keep that end goal in mind.

Since this is spring cleaning, we’re going to go deeper than just spritzing your glass to shine. We’ll start with the dressings, then move onto the sills and tracks, and finish with the actual window pane. It might sound like a lot, but since you’re just doing one, I promise it won’t take long. 

And remember, it’s your spring cleaning challenge, so do this task as thoroughly as you can, but don’t burn yourself out.  

Clean the curtains. If your curtains are in pretty good shape, you can vacuum or steam clean them in place. Otherwise, remove them from the window and give them a wash. A cool, delicate cycle with a small amount of regular detergent should work for most fabrics, but check the label for cleaning instructions — and follow them, if they’re there. Whether you machine wash or hand wash, let your curtains air dry in a breezy, open-air spot until they’re just slightly damp and the rest of your window-cleaning tasks are done. Then hang the curtains back on their rods. 

Clean the blinds. In my opinion, dusty window blinds are so satisfying to clean, especially if you use a glove, sock, or dryer sheet that lets you see the results up close. If you got your vacuum out for your curtains, you can also use that to get the job done.

Clean the sills and tracks. With the windows open, vacuum your window sill and tracks to get up as much dirt as possible. Use an old toothbrush and all-purpose cleaner, or the more natural pair of baking soda and vinegar, to scrub away at the tracks and other hardware around your windows. Finish by wiping everything down with a damp rag or microfiber cloth.  

Clean the window glass. You’ll want to use either store-bought glass cleaner or a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for this task. Spray all over your windows, then wipe clean with one rag a or a microfiber cloth. Do a second pass with another dry rag or cloth, and use pressure to get a streak-free shine. Repeat on the outside of the windows as well.

Extra credit: Clean the screen. If you have a screen and some extra time, clean that as well. The easiest way to do this is to remove the screen, spray with a hose, and let air-dry. If you need to clean the screens indoors, rinsing them in the bathtub works well.

When you’re done, make sure to take a minute to look outside and be thankful for what you see.