Category: Home Improvement

Home Improvement

What Is a Shade?

Forrest Dickens

Shade is a dark color that can block light from reaching something. It can also refer to the varying degrees of darkness of a particular color.

Shade

Cellular shades use honeycomb-like pockets to insulate windows by keeping warm air in during winter and hot air out during summer. They also provide excellent light control and energy efficiency, while offering a sleek and modern look. Visit https://www.customblindsandshadesky.com/ to learn more.

Light filtering window treatments can enhance a space by transforming harsh sunlight into a soft glow and decreasing the need for artificial lighting. They also reduce glare and protect furnishings, flooring, artwork, and other valuable possessions from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Many fabric types offer varying degrees of light-filtering capabilities, including sheers and honeycomb shades. Pleated shades, in particular, are ideal for larger windows and can help conceal blinds, making them an excellent option if you’re worried about privacy.

The amount of light-filtering capability a fabric has depends on its openness factor, weave pattern, and color density. In general, lighter colors and looser weaves allow more light into a room than darker colors and denser fabrics. However, some fabric styles can feature an optional light-blocking liner, which transforms the shade into a blackout window treatment and offers enhanced privacy.

If you’re looking for the best light control, consider our pleated and cellular shades. These window coverings are perfect for larger windows and oddly shaped windows such as arches, angled tops, and skylights. Their wide range of fabric options gives you a variety of textures and light-filtering capabilities, while their thicker linings block out more UV rays and infrared radiation.

Some light-filtering window treatments even have the ability to redirect incoming sunlight. For example, Pirouette and Silhouette window shadings use vanes to redirect light and can be positioned to create a custom look.

While light-filtering curtains and shades provide an array of benefits, sometimes a room requires total darkness to achieve the desired ambiance. This is particularly true for bedrooms, where darkening the room can improve sleep quality and prevent sleep disorders.

Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between a bedroom that’s cozy and comfortable or a well-rested one. Hunter Douglas’s innovative Duolite operating system allows you to customize a single shade with two separate fabric opacities. The top shade features a light filtering opacity, while the bottom features a room-darkening opacity. Together, they can be seamlessly adjusted for the right level of light and darkness.

Privacy Options

If privacy is a concern, consider the options that can prevent people from seeing into your home. Light filtering shades and sheer curtains are an affordable way to block out the light, and they can also be paired with semi-opaque and opaque liners for more control over sunlight.

For a more natural look that still blocks out light, try bamboo shades or grasses and reeds in woven woods. They add warmth and dimension to any room, while providing protection against harmful UV rays.

Another great option is cellular shades, which have an innovative honeycomb design that traps air for superior insulation. This helps keep your home regulated for more comfort throughout the year, and it may even save you money on your energy bill. Cellular shades come in a range of colors and styles to suit your interior décor, and many can be upgraded with a top down bottom up feature for enhanced privacy at night.

Blackout shades are essential in children’s rooms and nurseries, where maximum privacy is important for a good night’s sleep. They completely block out external light and noise for a tranquil sleeping environment. Many shades are designed with cordless operating systems that eliminate the risk of entanglement, and they come in a variety of patterns and colors to suit any room.

The Duolite option, available on Vignette(r) Roman shades, combines the light-diffusing capabilities of Silhouette(r) with the privacy of a room-darkening roller shade. This allows you to lower the front shade and adjust the opacity of the back shade to your exact preference, giving you full privacy during the day and gorgeous views out at night.

If you prefer the simple design of a roller shade, Nantucket(r) shades are a stylish yet cost-effective choice for privacy and light control. They use 3″ horizontal fabric vanes that rotate to filter and soften light, and they can be customized with a range of fabrics and colors.

Another great option is Designer Screen Shades, which provide privacy plus sun protection. They block out up to 75% of the sun’s rays, protecting your flooring, furniture and artwork from damage. They also help to reduce heat and cold loss in your home, and they can be customized with a wide range of materials, slat widths and finishes.

Energy Efficiency

Shades are designed to keep heat and cool air in your home during the winter, as well as block the sun’s harmful UV rays during the summer. These benefits make them an attractive option for homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs. However, not all shades are created equal when it comes to energy efficiency. The type of fabric, color, and weave determines the level of insulating value, with some fabrics performing better than others. Specialized cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are the most efficient when it comes to keeping warm air in during the winter and blocking out solar heat. These insulated window treatments can reduce heat loss by 40% and lower your energy bills by 10% during the heating season.

Cellular shades work by insulating your windows with small, hexagonal-shaped cells that trap air and provide insulation. The size of these cells affects the insulating quality, with larger pleat sizes providing more insulation than smaller ones. Additionally, the number of layers within each cell impacts your shade’s R-value. The higher the R-value, the more effective the shade.

In addition to R-value, the amount of light that filters through your shades depends on the opacity of the fabric. A shade’s opacity is measured by its openness percentage, with higher numbers allowing more visibility and lower numbers blocking more light.

The opacity of your shades is important because it determines how much natural light and privacy you’ll have in your home. A shade with a low openness percentage is perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and other areas where you want to maintain a high degree of privacy. A shade with a high openness percentage, on the other hand, is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where you don’t need privacy but still want to let in lots of sunlight.

The word “shade” means partial darkness, as well as something less bright than its surroundings. The term may also refer to a dark figure cast upon a surface by an object intercepting sunlight: the shade of the tree. It is also the name of a beer and wine vault at Brighton, England, as well as a U.S. slang word for something that affords protection from light, heat, or weather.

Customization

Shades offer a wide range of customization options that allow you to tailor your window treatments to fit your aesthetic and functional preferences. For example, you can choose different opacities for roller shades, solar shades, and cellular shades to let in varying amounts of light or blackout your space. And you can also customize the design of your Roman or Sheer shades by choosing the fabric, color, and fold style.

With the addition of smart motorization, you can even program your shades to open and adjust automatically at set times throughout the day and night. For more information about the customization options available for shades, schedule a free design consultation today.

To shade means to introduce degrees of darkness into (a drawing or painting) to render light and shadow and give the appearance of depth. The architect shaded the skyline to make it appear more three-dimensional. In other words, it was a way to soften the sharp contrast between light and dark in the city’s celebrated buildings. To throw shade at someone means to criticize them in a hurtful or derogatory way.

Home Improvement

Cabinet Refinishing – A Cost-Effective Alternative to Replacing Cabinets

Forrest Dickens

Cabinet Refinishing is a process that involves sanding and staining the existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts to provide a fresh new look. This is an eco-friendly alternative to replacing the cabinets.

Cabinet Refinishing

However, refinishing is a surface-only refurbishment and does not change the overall appearance of your cabinets as much as refacing or replacing them. For professional help, contact San Jose Cabinet Refinishing.

The cost of Cabinet Refinishing depends on a few factors. First, there is the labor cost. It can vary between $35 and $75 per hour for professionals, depending on their experience and geographic location. Second, there is the material cost. The type of paint and stains used can impact the overall cost, as well as the quality of the finish. For example, using high-quality polyurethane or conversion varnish will usually be more expensive than using a standard kitchen or hardware store paint.

The type of materials in your cabinets also impacts the cost. Cabinets made of solid wood are typically more costly to refinish than those made of laminate or other materials. However, refinishing can be an economical option for solid-wood cabinets that have become dinged and scratched over time. Solid-wood cabinets also last much longer than laminate or other types of cabinet materials, so they are a good investment.

Other costs can include the sanding and chemical stripping needed to prepare the surface for refinishing. This process can take up to a day, and it is important to use appropriate safety equipment to avoid exposure to the chemicals. Finally, there are the additional costs that may be incurred for any new hardware you may want to install, such as handles or hinges.

A professional cabinet refinishing company will typically use high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting. They can also add decorative touches, such as glazing or distressing, to your cabinets. These options can increase the visual appeal of your kitchen and potentially add resale value to your home.

The best way to determine the cost of Cabinet Refinishing is to get a quote from a professional. They will be able to assess the current state of your cabinets and provide you with an accurate estimate. They will take into account the type of finish you are looking for, as well as any other work you want to have done on your cabinets. This will help you decide if Cabinet Refinishing is the right choice for your project. If you are interested in learning more about our Cabinet Refinishing services, please contact us today.

Time

Cabinets are often considered to be the heart of any kitchen, but over time they can lose their luster and appeal. When this occurs, homeowners face two options: replace their cabinets entirely or opt for refinishing. While replacement is a costly and time-consuming process, refinishing offers a cost-effective alternative. By preserving the existing structure and focusing on surface-only refurbishment, this option allows you to achieve a refreshed aesthetic without breaking the bank.

Refinishing is also a greener option than replacing. By reusing the existing materials, you are saving on the costs associated with purchasing and transporting new material. This also helps reduce landfill waste, which is a major contributor to global warming.

The refinishing process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the project size and whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional. Before you begin the process, it is important to empty your cabinets and remove all hardware. It is also important to keep in mind that refinishing can cause fumes and other hazardous materials, so it should be done in a well-ventilated area. If you are doing the work yourself, be sure to wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from potential harm.

It is also important to properly prepare the surface before applying the paint or stain. This will ensure a lasting finish that is free of streaks and brush marks. You can use a variety of techniques to prep the surface, but it is best to leave this step to professionals. They have the knowledge and experience to properly clean, sand, and prime the surface for application.

Refinishing also takes a fraction of the time required for full replacements, meaning you can enjoy your refreshed space sooner. The shorter timeframe also reduces disruption to your home or business, minimizing downtime and keeping your daily routine intact.

Environment

Cabinet refinishing is an eco-conscious alternative to replacing cabinets. By reusing existing materials, the process saves energy and reduces waste. It also helps to preserve wood resources, which are vital to our planet’s health. In addition, refinishing provides flexibility and customization to suit your taste and home decor. Whether you want a modern, sleek finish or a more traditional look, refinishing can achieve it without the cost and hassle of a complete replacement project.

Refinishing typically requires stripping the old cabinet doors and hardware, sanding the surfaces, and then applying a new coat of stain or paint. This can be a messy and time-consuming process, but it is important to follow proper safety measures to prevent environmental damage. These include removing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, using degreaser to clean the surfaces, and covering surrounding areas with tarps or drop cloths to avoid over-spray. In addition, the refinishing contractor should wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves to protect themselves from harmful chemicals.

The refinishing process can take weeks or even months to complete, and requires quarantining the kitchen. It is a messy and chaotic process that can be stressful to live through, especially if you are juggling family commitments and work responsibilities. Cabinet refacing is a less-expensive, more efficient option that can be completed in just 1 to 3 days.

While the refacing process is faster than refinishing, it cannot completely restore the appearance of the original cabinets. In addition, it can be challenging to find matching wood to replace damaged portions of the cabinet frame and box. Lastly, refacing is not a good option for thermofoil cabinet doors, which will not accept a fresh coat of paint or stain.

Refacing and refinishing are both effective methods for updating your cabinets, but the latter is more environmentally friendly. The refacing process involves removing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, replacing the hardware, and modifying the interior box and framing materials. However, refacing uses new material, which can cause more waste and creates additional environmental concerns. Refinishing, on the other hand, allows you to keep your existing doors and drawer fronts while reducing environmental impacts by eliminating the need for new wood.

Safety

Cabinet refinishing involves using chemicals and tools that are dangerous if they are not used properly. Even a small mistake can cause damage that is expensive or impossible to repair. It is important to use protective equipment like gloves, goggles, and a mask to avoid inhaling fumes and dust. It is also important to protect the surrounding surfaces by covering them with plastic sheets and utilizing ventilation.

Before applying the new finish, it is essential to check whether the existing wood can withstand the stress of refinishing. If you find any damaged areas, it is better to conduct repairs than to attempt to cover them with paint. It is recommended to sand the surface of the cabinets thoroughly to create an even and smooth surface before applying primer. Insufficient sanding can lead to poor adhesion and a finish that looks uneven and bubbly.

Once the primer is applied, sand the surfaces once again to remove any imperfections and prepare the surface for finishing. Then, apply the chosen stain or paint to the cabinets. It is advisable to apply multiple thin coats, allowing each one to dry and cure in accordance with the product instructions.

A quality finish can enhance the look of your kitchen and increase the resale value of your home. It is also important to protect your cabinets from moisture by wiping up spills promptly and using coasters or mats. You should also use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels in the kitchen, which can cause swelling or warping of the wood.

Home Improvement

How to Fix Common Home Window Repair Problems

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It is important to keep windows in good repair because they help keep drafts out and heat in. A do-it-yourselfer can fix many wood-framed window problems but consult a professional if the problem is serious.

For example, a misfit mortise plate can be loosened by applying a low-viscosity oil such as WD-40. A strip of strong-hold tape will also stop superficial cracks from worsening. Contact Window Repair Naperville now!

Cracked glass is one of the most common window problems. It can be caused by anything from a bad storm to a pebble from your lawnmower hitting the windowpane. Broken glass doesn’t look good and creates a security risk. It can also make it hard to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

If your glass is cracked, you must act fast before it worsens. Thankfully, you can do some simple things to repair it and get your windows back to normal.

First, make sure you’re working in a safe area. If you’re working with shards of glass, cordon off the area and put on heavy gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from injury. Next, take the time to clear away any loose shards of glass and dispose of them properly.

If you’re working with a single pane of cracked glass, a quick fix is to apply heavy-duty tape to hold it together. Tapes like masking or packing tape will work for a while and can prevent the crack from spreading until you can replace the pane.

Another easy solution is using a clear plastic cover to prevent the crack from spreading. This will help keep drafts out and your home’s temperature stable until you can get the cracked glass replaced.

For cracked window glass that’s difficult to replace, a solvent-based adhesive can help. This type of glue is formulated to be stronger than super glues and can provide a long-lasting seal for your window.

Using a rag, wipe the surface of the glass where the crack is to remove any grease or dirt. Apply the adhesive to both sides of the crack and press them together carefully. Be careful not to flex the window, as this may cause the crack to spread.

A common error in repairing a new window is adding too much or too little putty to the frame. If you add too much, the frame may swell and cloud the new glass. Too little putty will leave the new pane loose in the frame and allow drafts into your home.

Sash Problems

As time passes, sash windows can lose their functionality. This is common in wood sashes, but can also affect aluminum window frames. Some sash problems can be addressed by a little general maintenance, but others require professional attention.

If your sash window doesn’t open or close properly, it could be caused by broken sash cords or a misaligned track system. These issues can lead to moisture infiltration, which can have a number of negative side effects. For example, water can promote mold growth, and damp wood is prone to swelling and decay.

It’s important to regularly inspect sash windows for moisture. This will help to identify problems before they worsen. For example, you might notice that the sash frame is warping or that the paint has cracked and peeled. These are signs that there is excessive moisture in the air, which can cause serious problems with the integrity of your sash.

Another issue that can arise with sash windows is that the wood can begin to rot. This can be caused by a variety of things, but it’s usually a result of improper ventilation or exposure to the elements. In this case, it may be necessary to replace the sash with a new one made of an alternative material.

A common problem with sash windows is that the sash weights can become unbalanced or break. This can affect their operation and make them difficult to operate. The solution is to replace the sash weights or alter their pulley system.

Another thing that can cause sash windows to break down is that the putty holding them together becomes hard and cracks. This can loosen the hold of the glass on the frame, allowing it to leak and lead to further damage. If the putty has gone bad, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to use caulking to seal the joints of the sash. This will help to prevent moisture from seeping in and causing damage to the frame and glass. If you have a lot of old paint buildup on the sash, it’s also a good idea to remove it.

Drip Caps

A drip cap is a piece of formed flashing, usually metal, that’s installed above windows and doors. It’s designed to shed water away from a window and prevent it from infiltrating into the house. Also known as head flashing or z-flashing, it’s a critical component in protecting the integrity of a window installation.

Most flanged windows require them, but vinyl and other uni-body window installations often don’t have drip caps. It’s easy to overlook their importance, but not installing a drip cap could lead to moisture problems down the road.

Drip caps are typically L-shaped, and one leg goes over the brick mold of a window or door frame, while the other lies behind the siding that will go above. Some window and door frames have built-in drip caps, but they’re also commonly installed separately. It’s important to avoid caulking the area where the drip cap meets the lower edge of the siding, as this could create a leak point.

When a drip cap is properly installed, it should slope outward to encourage drainage and protect the top of the window seam. A flat drip cap, on the other hand, can cause water to run backward toward the corners of the window frame—weak spots that could eventually lead to moisture intrusion and structural damage.

If you notice that a drip cap isn’t properly sloped or if it’s missing altogether, you can easily fix it. Most commercially available drip caps have a back leg that can be bent down, and you can also fabricate one yourself if you’re handy with a metal-bending brake. Just bend down the end-dam leg of the drip cap so that it covers the trim and is flush with the face of the window, then use a bit of silicone or other weather stripping to seal the gap.

Window Casing

Window casing is the trim that frames your windows and adds to your home’s aesthetics. It also seals gaps and prevents drafts, which helps with energy efficiency. If your window casing is damaged, it’s important to repair it. Otherwise, you’ll be letting cold air into your house and paying more for heating. This guide will show you how to fix your trim using a variety of tools and materials.

When repairing your window casing, it’s important to be careful and take your time. You don’t want to accidentally damage the window. The first step is to remove the old casing. This is easily done by scoring around the edges with a utility knife and prying it off with a crowbar. You should then scrape off any caulk that’s stuck to the wall.

Once the old trim is removed, you can start assembling the new casing. Begin by measuring from the side of the window to the inside of the top/bottom casing. Then, cut two 1x3s to that measurement. Then, measure from the back of the top/bottom casing to the inside of the side casing boards and add.5” to that measurement. Then, cut the bottom board to that measurement. Now you’re ready to nail the sides of the new casing in place.

Before you start putting the trim up, make sure that you have all of the right tools and supplies. You’ll need a miter saw, a hammer, a level, and a utility knife. Make sure to wear earplugs or earmuffs when working with the hammer and saw.

Once the new trim is in place, you can begin painting. When you’re finished, you should have a beautifully restored window! It’s important to keep your windows in good condition, as they serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. If you have any questions about repairing your windows, give us a call! Our experienced team will be happy to help. We specialize in all types of interior and exterior window repair. So, whether you have a broken pane, leaking sill, or need a full window replacement, we’ve got you covered!

Home Improvement

How to Properly Clean Your Windows

Aston Colson

Window Cleaning can help them last longer by preventing buildup of dirt and grime. It is important to take your time when cleaning so you do not miss any spots or leave streaks on the glass.

Windows

Start at the top of the window and draw your squeegee down in straight strokes, wiping off the rubber edge after each one. Be sure to wipe the frame as well.

Before you wash the windows, you have to get rid of the dirt and dust that collects on your window screens. If the screens are detachable, you can simply run a vacuum cleaner hose attachment over them to remove loose debris like dust, pollen and pet hair. If your screens are attached, or if they can’t be removed, use a lint roller or a soft-bristled brush to scrape away loose dirt. You can also try a stiff-bristled brush, like a toothbrush, to get to tough dirt or grease spots in corners and crevices.

If the screens are particularly dirty, make a solution of hot water and a little dish soap, and allow them to soak. This will loosen caked-on grime and make the cleaning process much easier. If you can’t soak your screens, use a sponge and a small amount of detergent to wash them. When you’re finished washing the screens, rinse them well with clean water using your garden hose. Be sure to keep the water pressure low enough so that you don’t bend or damage your screens, and then lay them out to dry completely before reinstalling them.

You can also clean your window screens with a spray bottle of your favorite window cleaning solution. Fill the bottle with a capful of dishwashing liquid, then add water to make the solution as concentrated as possible. Spray the solution generously over your screens, and use a cloth or sponge to wipe it down gently. Be sure to clean both sides of the screen, and then let it dry completely before reinstalling it.

If the frames around your windows are rusty or have a sticky film on them, you can use household vinegar to remove it. Pour the vinegar over the rusted areas, and then allow it to sit for a couple of hours. Then, scrub it with a bristled brush, and then wash the area with clean water. If the rust is really bad, you may need to repeat this process a few times before it’s fully gone. You can also sand the frame with fine grit sandpaper to help remove any remaining rust and then apply a coat of car wax to protect it from future rusting.

Clean the Glass

When your windows are clean, they let in more light and show off the colors of your home and yard. Keeping your window glass clean also helps prevent the buildup of dust, pollen and other allergens that can make your family sick.

Before washing the glass, it’s important to sweep away loose dirt from the frame, sill and track of the window. A brush found in the sporting goods section of your local store works well for this purpose, and is especially useful when it comes to sweeping off cobwebs in corners.

It’s best to begin cleaning windows at the top and work your way down. This will help you avoid spilling cleaning solution on areas you haven’t washed yet. When you’re ready to wash the glass, squirt a small amount of cleaner on the window and wipe it with a soft cloth until the surface is wet.

After you’ve wiped the window, it’s time to use your squeegee. It’s important to get a good grip on your tool and to keep the blade of the squeegee dry between swipes. A clean towel, like a microfiber cloth or surgical cloth, works great for this. Avoid paper towels, as they can leave lint behind.

The first step in getting a streak-free finish is to press the left side of your squeegee against the window frame and the right side against the window. This will create a strip of clean glass from top to bottom. This strip makes it easier to start your horizontal stokes.

A squeegee should be held at about a 45 degree angle when you start your strokes. A squeegee with a rubber blade is best for glass, but you can also find nylon or metal versions for some surfaces. For a truly professional look, consider purchasing a long-handled squeegee to make it easier to reach the top of taller windows.

Be sure to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like goggles, gloves and ant-slip shoes when washing your windows. A squeegee and bucket are the most common tools for professional window washers, but some window cleaning specialists have their own unique equipment to speed up the process. For example, some use a tool called a T-bar that has a rod and sleeve. It can be used to deliver and apply the cleaning solution and typically has a variety of sleeves that allow it to be used on various types of window panes.

Remove Water Left on the Glass

Whether you’re using a commercial cleaner or your own homemade solution, it is important to rinse the window thoroughly afterward to remove any remaining cleaning solution residue and prevent streaks. To do so, you can either spray the cleaning solution directly onto your microfiber cloth or spritz the window frame itself. Once you have wiped down the window frame, use a dry microfiber cloth to buff out any remaining solution residue. This is especially important for windows with a wide frame, where you may find that water drips down the sides of the glass and leaves streaks.

To avoid getting water stains on the glass when you’re washing windows, it is recommended that you place a towel or drop cloth under each window to catch any drips. If you don’t have a towel or drop cloth handy, you can also use the edge of a sponge to collect the excess water and then blot the surface dry with a clean microfiber cloth to ensure there are no streaks left behind.

If you’re dealing with stubborn water spots on your windows, you can try applying a little baking soda to the surface before scrubbing it with a washcloth. Baking soda can help remove tough stains like hard water deposits, rust and soap scum. Alternatively, you can opt for using a citrus-based household cleaner that’s designed to dissolve water spot build-up.

It’s important to select the right squeegee for the job, so you don’t have any issues with clogging or leaving streaks on the glass. A good quality squeegee will have a rubber blade that’s specifically designed to glide across the surface without leaving any marks. Additionally, the blade should be slightly angled for better results.

A microfiber washer sleeve works well with a squeegee because it provides a more durable surface for the squeegee to slide over. In addition, it has the added benefit of trapping dust and debris, which helps to keep the squeegee blade clean and prevent streaks. You should also consider a telescoping window squeegee when you’re cleaning high windows that require you to teeter on a ladder. This type of squeegee extends to more than five feet for you to easily reach those hard-to-reach windows.

Dry the Glass

Whether you’re cleaning your own windows or working with a professional window washing team, it’s important to dry the glass. Not only will this help prevent streaks, but it will also protect your windows from the elements. To do so, use a squeegee or some other type of flat blade to remove the remaining water from the window surface. Start at one of the top corners and work your way down, wiping the squeegee’s blade dry in between passes. Be sure to angle the squeegee so that it doesn’t drip down the sides of the window.

Professional window cleaners usually have a bucket, scrub brush, extension poles, and several other specialized tools. They also use safety goggles, gloves, and anti-slip shoes for protection from chemical solutions and dangerous heights.

If you’re cleaning your own windows, you should drape a canvas drop cloth or large towel on the ground underneath each window. This will catch any excess water and help keep your floor clean. It’s also a good idea to put down some plastic sheeting or old towels in case any cleaning solution seeps through the bottom of the window and leaves a mark on your carpet or furniture.

The best tool for drying the glass is a squeegee, but you can also use a rag or surgical towel. The key is to find a non-linty cloth that won’t leave any streaks. A terry cloth or micro-fiber towel works well. A crumpled up piece of newspaper will also work, but be careful not to leave any ink stains on the surrounding window frame.

For windows that are difficult to reach, you can use a telescoping window cleaning pole that has microfiber cloths at the head and rotates and extends more than five feet. Just make sure that it’s attached to a ladder that is stable and that you’re wearing safety goggles, a harness, and gloves for protection from the dangerous chemicals used in window cleaning.