How to Clean Windows in a New House?

You can clean windows in a new house yourself with the right tools and steps. New house windows need special care because they often have construction dust, paint spots, and sticky tape from building work. This guide will show you exactly how to make your new windows sparkle without damaging them.

When you move into a new home, clean windows help you see the beautiful view outside and let in more natural light. Plus, dirty windows can make your brand new house look less than perfect.

Why New House Windows Need Special Care

New house windows are different from regular dirty windows. They have thick construction dust that can scratch glass if you're not careful. This dust comes from cutting wood, sanding drywall, and other building work.

Construction dust is much thicker and more abrasive than standard household dust. If you try to wipe it away with paper towels, you might scratch your new windows.

You might also find:

• Paint spots from painting walls
• Sticky tape marks from protecting windows
• Glue from window labels
• Stucco or caulk spots

Essential Supplies for Cleaning New House Windows

Before you start, gather these supplies:

Basic Cleaning Tools

• Squeegee - Get one with a rubber blade that you can replace
• Scrubber or T-bar - For applying soap to windows
• Microfiber cloths - These won't scratch glass like paper towels
• Bucket - For your cleaning solution
• Extension pole - For high windows (safer than ladders)
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Special Tools for New Houses

• Shop vacuum - Regular vacuums can get damaged by construction dust
• Razor blade scraper - For removing paint and sticky spots
• Soft bristle brush - For cleaning window frames
• Drop cloths - To protect your floors

Cleaning Solutions

The best homemade window cleaner is simple:

• 2 gallons of water
• 1 teaspoon of dish soap

For tough spots, you can add:

• 1/2 cup of white vinegar per gallon of water
• 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol per gallon of water

For a basic vinegar cleaning solution, mix one part distilled vinegar to 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Windows in a New House

Step 1: Safety First

Before you start cleaning:

• Open windows and doors for fresh air
• Put on your protective gear: a good dust mask (preferably an N95 or higher), safety goggles, and gloves
• Clear loose items from the room
• Lay drop cloths on the floor

Step 2: Remove Construction Dust

Start by getting rid of the heavy dust:

1. Vacuum the window frame - Use a shop vacuum with a soft brush attachment
2. Wipe the frame - Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove remaining dust
3. Check for damage - Look for cracks or loose parts before cleaning

Window seals should be given careful attention, going over them with a vacuum cleaner and then wiping them down with a damp rag.

Step 3: Remove Sticky Spots and Paint

For paint spots and tape marks:

1. Wet the window - Spray with water first
2. Use a razor blade scraper - Always use a new blade to avoid scratching the glass. Wet the window first and push the blade across once
3. Work carefully - Don't use razor blades on tempered glass
4. Clean each section - Rinse the blade between uses

Step 4: Apply Cleaning Solution

Now you're ready to wash:

1. Fill your bucket - Use the soap and water mix
2. Dip your scrubber - Get it wet with cleaning solution
3. Scrub the window - Start by scrubbing the glass, working at all angles to clean the edges. Make sure to cover every square inch of the glass
4. Work from top to bottom - This prevents drips on clean areas

Step 5: Squeegee the Window

This is the most important step:

1. Start at the top corner - Tip the squeegee so that only the corner contacts the glass. Then, starting at the top corner of the glass, clean a narrow strip of glass from top to bottom on one side
2. Pull across steadily - Press the squeegee blade against the glass in the upper corner and pull it steadily across the window
3. Clean the blade - Wipe the blade on the clean towel in your front pocket or wipe it across the scrubber to remove dirt and excess water
4. Repeat each row - Work your way down the window

Step 6: Dry and Detail

Finish with these steps:

1. Wipe the edges - Use a microfiber cloth to dry window edges
2. Check for streaks - When you're cleaning, wipe one side of the window horizontally and the other vertically. If any streaks do form, you'll easily know whether they're on the outside or the inside
3. Clean the sill - Wipe dry with a clean cloth

Cleaning Different Types of Windows

Interior Windows

For inside windows:

• Use less water to avoid drips
• Pour cleaning solution into a plastic spray bottle, then spray the interior surfaces of the window
• Work quickly before the solution dries
• Immediately after spraying, clean the glass with a terrycloth rag, followed by a quick wipe down with the micro-fiber towel

Exterior Windows

Outside windows need more work:

• Spray the windows and any surrounding areas to remove dirt and debris from the surface
• Use a brush or sponge soaked in soapy water
• Scrub the window with a brush or sponge soaked in soapy water from top to bottom
• Rinse with clean water before squeegeeing

High Windows

For windows you can't reach:

• Use an extension pole - much safer than ladders
• One of the most effective ways to clean the outside of high windows is to use a telescoping pole that can attach to cleaning heads such as brushes, sponges, and squeegees
• Work slowly and carefully
• Before you begin cleaning, check to make sure your pole won't touch any electrical wiring

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Clean in Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can cause soap and other cleaning solutions to dry too quickly, leaving streaks or spots on the glass. Pick a cloudy day or work in shade.

Don't Use Paper Towels

Paper towels can leave debris from disintegrating paper, while everyday towels often leave behind lint. Stick to microfiber cloths.

Don't Skip the Prep Work

Many people rush to start washing without removing construction dust first. This is the biggest mistake you can make.

Don't Use Harsh Chemicals

Avoid using those that are heavily based in ammonia or alcohol. It may seem like they'd produce a more intense clean, but they can leave window streaks and even a thin film that attracts dust and moisture.

Safety Tips for New Homeowners

Window cleaning can be dangerous, especially in a new house where you might not know all the hazards yet.

Ladder Safety

• Ensure that the ladder is stable and won't tip over. Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times
• Never lean too far from the ladder, as it might cause you to lose balance and fall
• Consider using extension poles instead

Chemical Safety

• Always read labels on cleaning products
• If you have kids or pets, write the ingredients on the outside of the bottle for safety
• Keep cleaning solutions away from children and pets

Weather Considerations

• If it is rainy, windy or extremely hot, it is not a good time to clean your windows
• If it has just rained, the ground below the windows may be slippery

When to Call Professionals

Consider hiring professionals if:

• Windows are higher than one story
• You have many large windows
• There's heavy construction residue
• You're not comfortable on ladders

Professional cleaners have the right equipment and training to handle tough jobs safely.

Maintaining Your New Windows

Once your windows are clean, keep them that way:

Regular Cleaning Schedule

For most homeowners, washing your exterior windows 2-3 times yearly is enough. Interior windows can be cleaned more often.

Quick Touch-Ups

To remove smudges and fingerprints in between cleanings, consider using a professional-grade glass cleaner.

Protecting During Future Projects

If you do more work on your house, cover windows with plastic to protect them from dust and debris.

Special Considerations for New Construction

HVAC Filter Changes

If filters are looking dirty, replace them with new ones or clean them out with soap and warm water. Construction dust can clog your system.

Final Cleaning Steps

After cleaning windows, don't forget:

• Light fixtures and ceiling fans
• Air vents and returns
• Baseboards and trim

This helps ensure no leftover dust falls on your clean windows.

Choosing the Right Tools

Squeegees

Squeegees with either rubber or silicone blades are both favorites of window-cleaning pros. They prefer high-quality blades to cheap ones, however.

Extension Poles

Extension poles are lightweight and easy to transport, making route work and storefront window cleaning a painless process.

Microfiber Cloths

They are super absorbent, washable and leave the glass shiny and streak-free.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning windows in a new house takes more care than regular window cleaning, but the results are worth it. By following these steps and using the right tools, you'll have sparkling windows that let in all the natural light your new home deserves.

Remember to work safely, take your time, and don't be afraid to call professionals for high or difficult windows. With clean windows, you can truly enjoy the view from your new home.

If you're planning to move to a new house and need professional help with the transition, consider working with experienced movers who understand the challenges of relocating. A new house checklist can also help you stay organized during this exciting time.

Your new windows are an investment in your home's beauty and your family's comfort. Keep them clean, and they'll serve you well for years to come.