Cleaning the windows is also necessary in winter. This is especially true if the windows face a busy street or the weather side. Now the classic method with water doesn't work because it freezes at temperatures below zero. However, there are various ways you can clean your windows even in cold temperatures.
The problem with cleaning water freezing
The fact that water freezes at temperatures below zero is a physical law that of course also applies to the cleaning water you use when cleaning the windows. Using warm water poses two problems. On the one hand, the window panes are under tension when it is very cold. If the water is too warm, the window can crack. You are probably familiar with this phenomenon from your windshield, which you should never remove ice from with warm or hot water. When cleaning the outside of the windows, the water freezes at a temperature of five degrees below zero. This also applies to the use of cold water. Once you apply it to the window, it sticks. Cleaning is therefore not possible.
Avoid cleaning the windows in winter
A good recommendation is to only clean the windows from the inside in the winter months. In many regions of Germany there are many days in the winter months when the temperature is well above freezing. You can use this time very well to clean windows. A very thorough cleaning in autumn before the weather changes and in spring when the first rays of sunshine break through is a good idea. It is often enough if you stick to these intervals. But there are situations in which cleaning windows in winter is necessary and important.
This includes:
- Removal of bird droppings
- Windows that quickly acquire a layer of dust due to the location of the house
- unfavorable location near an industrial area
- Windows facing the weather side
If you follow a few rules, it is possible to clean these windows all year round. Always make sure that you choose a day on which the temperatures do not drop too far below freezing point.
Attention:
The windshield water freezes when the outside temperature is five degrees below zero. If the temperature is above freezing, window cleaning is possible without any additional effort.
General additives for cleaning windows in sub-zero temperatures
There are commercially available chemical additives that ensure that the water does not freeze. You can add these to the mopping water. For this purpose, use windshield washer fluid that you can get from car accessories. The advantage is that the water already has a cleansing effect. You do not need to add any additives to the rinse water.
You can also use alcohol in small quantities. It does not harm the windows or frames and allows for quick and easy cleaning. However, both variants develop very strong smells. These are not only uncomfortable, but they can burn the eyes and irritate the skin. If you want to clean your windows with these chemical additives, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Wear gloves and possibly a face mask
- Close the window if possible so that the smell cannot penetrate inside
- Use a small amount to avoid undue impact on the environment.
- Clean only the outside of the windows with the additives and use normal washing water inside.
The cleaning itself is carried out in the same way as with normal window cleaning products. The result is very clear, especially with spirit. However, you should only use this procedure if your windows urgently need to be cleaned in cold weather and waiting for higher temperatures is not possible.
Good to know:
Alternatively, you can also use high-percentage clear alcohol for cleaning.
Cleaning windows with thermal insulation
Modern windows consist of several layers. These ensure that the heat is kept in the room. But there is also a certain level of noise protection. These thermally insulated windows are significantly colder on the outside than on the inside. Take this into account, especially on days when temperatures are slightly above freezing. Normally cleaning windows is not a problem even in winter. The window can still be colder than the outside temperature. If the panes freeze while cleaning, this may be because it is a thermally insulated window.
Using rubber gloves when cleaning
Rubber gloves are generally recommended for cleaning windows. If you don't normally like this, you shouldn't miss it in the winter months. In the worst case scenario, the icy cold combined with the cold cleaning water can lead to frostbite. The rubber gloves protect the skin from the cold water and you can clean the windows faster and more effectively.
Rub the window thoroughly dry after cleaning
Surely you know this tip from classic window cleaning. In the cold season, however, it is particularly important that you wipe the windows thoroughly dry. The night after cleaning the windows, temperatures can drop below zero degrees. If there is still moisture on the pane, it will freeze. Also keep in mind that a wet window pane will not dry as quickly when the outside temperature is low as on warmer days.
Good to know:
By dry rubbing you also remove the additives that you have added to the water. Therefore, proceed with particular thoroughness.
Why removing bird droppings is so important
Bird droppings can collect on windows even in the dead of winter. Depending on the region in which the house or apartment is located, this is not that rare. Many bird species live in our latitudes in winter. If you have set up a bird house to provide for the animals in winter, you will attract them. This can appear on your window panes or on the window frame. Remove bird droppings as quickly as possible, regardless of how cold it is outside.
The reasons:
- Bird droppings contain corrosive substances
- Window panes and window frames can be attacked
- Bird droppings on the windows look very unsightly
Since it is usually a contamination that is very small in area, it can be removed quickly. Use simple home remedies and avoid cleaning the entire window pane when it is very cold.
Removing dust and soot from the heater
Similar to bird droppings, you should also remove dust and soot that can settle on the window panes during the heating season. The residue on the window panes can darken the room considerably. As a result, the quality of life decreases. If you leave the dust and soot on the windows for a long time, it not only looks very unsightly. Due to the special consistency, dust and soot can harden or form a greasy film when combined with rain and moisture. If this freezes, removal becomes very difficult. Therefore, do this regularly, even in winter.
The energetic aspect of winter window cleaning
When weighing up the pros and cons, you should also take the energetic aspect into account and then decide whether you feel that cleaning the windows is necessary or whether you would like to wait for a warmer day. If it is a balcony or terrace wing, you should lean on it firmly while cleaning the exterior. This means no heat can escape to the outside. This is not possible with classic window sashes. You have to open these wide in order to be able to clean them from the outside. As a result, you are basically heating outside and wasting a lot of energy.
Please note the following points for these windows:
- Turn off the heating while cleaning the windows in the room
- Prepare the window cleaning well in order to keep the time the window is open for cleaning as short as possible.
- If possible, only clean the areas that are really dirty.
- If possible, do not use alcohol as the smells can stay in the room for a long time.
- You can close roller shutters on windows that open inwards to keep the heat in the room.
In very cold temperatures, it can take a while for the room to warm back up to the classic room temperature. You should take this into account when using the room.
Good to know:
Treat all seals with a care milk. This is particularly important in winter because it protects the rubber from drying out. This means it can't become porous so easily.
