The windows in the house should be cleaned when they are dirty. Actually logical. However, it's not quite that simple. If you want to achieve optimal results without too much effort, you should not only focus on the degree of dirt, but also choose the right time for cleaning windows. Both the season and the time of day play a role that should not be underestimated.
Problem situation
The question of when is the best time to clean windows may seem a bit irritating at first glance. You just have to keep in mind that the dirt on the windows and the frame depends largely on the weather. For example, no one will start grabbing a rag in the pouring rain. You can usually save yourself the work. The weather, in turn, is influenced by the seasons. In summer, for example, there are significantly more remains of insects and birds on the windows than in winter, when these animals are not on the move or only to a very small extent. Ultimately, it also depends on the time of day. Cleaning windows in the blazing midday sun usually leads to unsightly streaks. So the question of when is definitely justified.
Seasons
The four seasons bring different weather conditions in our latitudes. These conditions have a direct impact on the level and type of window contamination. Spring is particularly critical, when the awakening of nature plays a special role. Basically, the following pollution occurs in the respective season:
- Spring: Pollen and pollen dust
- Summer: Insects, droppings of birds and insects
- Autumn: Sand and dirt due to strong winds
- Winter: Ice and snow, mud flying from the road
In addition, summer and winter can be viewed critically when it comes to window cleaning. In summer, for example, it can get so hot that the water from the windshield evaporates immediately. As a result, unsightly streaks usually form, which you definitely don't want. In winter, the water and cleaning products can freeze on the window pane, making it even more dirty.
Best seasons
To put it bluntly: The windows need to be cleaned, of course, especially if they are dirty or very dirty. Nevertheless, intensive cleaning in two seasons is particularly recommended. On the one hand, this is the case in spring when the pollen count is mostly over. Normally you can expect this by the end of April at the latest. The pane can then be thoroughly cleaned of pollen dust. You then have the right perspective for the approaching summer - also because there is plenty of time before summer pollution with insects and excrement occurs. A second good season for cleaning windows is autumn from the end of September. Then the summer dirt can be thoroughly removed. You shouldn't clean the windows in winter. And in summer only when it's not too hot.
Time of day
As already mentioned, the weather has a direct or indirect influence on window contamination. When it comes to the right time to clean windows, you should not only consider the season with its typical weather conditions, but also the time of day. Early mornings are ideal for cleaning windows in spring, summer and autumn. As a rule, there are almost perfect temperature and lighting conditions. Above all, it is not too cold and not too hot. The morning light also makes it easy to see even smaller dirt and streaks. Midday, early afternoon and evening are absolutely unsuitable for cleaning windows.
Golden Rules
It should now be clear that time plays a role that should not be underestimated when it comes to window cleaning. If you don't necessarily want to determine the right time based on the season or the time of day, you can follow two golden rules:
Rule 1: Never clean windows in direct sunlight
To clean, the glass pane in the window frame must necessarily be wet. Direct sunlight causes the water to evaporate very quickly. This evaporation causes streaks to immediately form, which you then usually brush against in vain. If you want to avoid the infamous streaks, you have to work as quickly as possible and make sure that the pane does not dry immediately.
Tip:
Cleaning work is usually quicker with a window wiper than with a rag. However, correct handling is important.
Rule 2: Never clean windows at temperatures that are too low
If it is very cold outside, there is a great risk that both the washing water and the cleaning agent will freeze directly on the window. On the one hand, this basically prevents cleaning and also causes contamination due to the ice crystals that form. Therefore, never wipe when it is cold. By the way, the temperatures don't even have to be below zero. In conjunction with the wind, icing can occur even at low plus temperatures.
Tip:
If you still have to clean in the cold, you should add some antifreeze to the cleaning water. The manufacturer's dosage instructions must be followed.
Moon phases
There are people who are firmly convinced that the respective phase of the moon also has an influence on the right time to clean windows. They swear that windows should only be cleaned when the moon is waning because only then can optimal results be achieved. However, there is no solid evidence for this theory. Ultimately, everyone has to decide for themselves whether they want to follow the moon when cleaning their windows.
