As a window cleaner, I’ve learned that clean windows are about more than just how a house looks from the street. They’re about taking pride in where we live and enjoying the view of the place we’re fortunate enough to call home.
Living here in Bastrop and Cedar Creek, we’re surrounded by natural beauty. From the Colorado River to the Lost Pines, this part of Central Texas has a lot to take in. Our windows are the frame through which we experience it all — watching a storm roll in across the trees, spotting deer early in the morning, or keeping an eye on kids and dogs playing in the yard.
But if you’ve lived here for any length of time, you know our weather and environment can be tough on windows and home itself.
One of the biggest challenges in Central Texas is hard water. The minerals in our water leave behind white spots on glass that regular household cleaners can’t remove. Add in pollen during cedar season, dust from construction, a few windy afternoons, and it doesn’t take long for windows to start looking cloudy.
If you prefer cleaning your own windows, there are a few simple things that can make the job easier:
First, make sure to clean windows early in the morning or later in the evening or under serious cloud cover. Direct Texas sun causes the cleaning solution to dry very quickly, which will lead to streaks. For your solution, you can simply mix dawn dish soap and water until it’s a light blue color. Second, use a microfiber cloth or a soft scrub pad instead of paper towels but make sure there is absolutely no debris of any sort in the towel, or it will scratch your window. You will need a wet towel to scrub with and a drying towel to wipe everything away. You will use more towels than you may think. Bonus points if you have a squeegee!
For those hard water spots, a mixture of white vinegar and distilled water can help break down mineral buildup. Apply it to the glass, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and gently scrub before rinsing. If the buildup is heavier, there are specialty products designed specifically to remove mineral deposits from glass, and a razorblade may be necessary.
Clean windows may seem like a small detail, but they make a noticeable difference in your home. They allow more natural light into your home, help protect the glass over time, let you see if there has been any damage to the windows, and it creates a welcoming feel both inside and out.
Sometimes it’s the simple things that make a house feel its best. Clear windows let in more sunshine, give you a better view of the outdoors, and remind you just how beautiful our corner of Texas really is. Stay blessed out there y’all! Always remember, “Your Pane is our Pleasure!”
