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Painfully Dirty Windows

111407_window.jpg

Foggy, dirty windows. Yuck. We've been putting off washing our windows. Not only are we on the second floor with double hung windows, but it keeps raining so it seems like a waste. But now that the weather is nice again we're not so sure waiting is the way to go. So we looked into our options

 
 

For one, if we pay someone, we're intrigued by this guy Dave the Window Washer who says no job is too small (really, we only have 5 windows, and they aren't huge) and estimates are free!

We still don't like the idea of paying someone to do something we might be able to do ourselves though, so we're trying to concoct some cocomamie plan involving squeegees and leaning out the window. Regardless, we'll forgo windex this time and opt for a greener solution of 1/4cup vinegar and 3/4cup of water (add a little dishsoap if that's not doing the trick) put it all in a spray bottle and clean.

But the other problem we're having is that 2 of our windows are doublepained and moisture has gotten between the 2 so they're fogged up from the inside out. in doing some research, we found that there is a solution (we even found it on AT!). It involves paying someone to drill a hole in a part of the window (which totally freaks us out) but people are claiming that it works.

Have you guys got any secrets for window washing?

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Comments (6)

If the windows are new or recent and double hung, you may be able to drop the top of each sash down so you can do the outside surfaces from inside your home. Have a look and see if there are some levers to pull inward to release the top have of a sash and go from there.

The vinager and water solution should work well and try newspapers as the inks helps to avoid streaking when drying.

posted by ciddyguy on 2007-11-15 18:06:21
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I'm pretty sure the windows in my apartment are either original (1925) or remodel (1952).
Either way, to clean the outside of my apartment windows, top pane only, I have to lean halfway out of a third story window. Bottom panes have window film on them, so no need to clean.
I think I'll live with the dirt streaks rather than give my family life insurance money for Christmas.

posted by bramasoleiowa on 2007-11-15 19:39:54
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We are also on the second floor and so we thought we'd give some of that window washing fluid you screw onto a hose a try. BAD IDEA! Luckily, one of us was in the house watching the windows while the other sprayed but needless to say leaks abounded due to our 1950's windows.

posted by gragegrl on 2007-11-15 20:03:11
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you can buy magnetic window washers that you clip together one on each side. they also have a squeegy on them so it cleans and queegy's both sides in one go.

posted by venus_thames on 2007-11-15 21:33:11
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"It keeps raining"? Really? In Los Angeles? Please, do tell where!

posted by GetReal on 2007-11-16 12:37:59
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GetReal--

I guess I'm sensitive because my place flooded the last 2 times it rained! SO maybe it doesn't rain all the time, anything to procrastinate on washing the windows....

Venus_thames--I'm looking that up right now. It sounds like a god send...

posted by laure on 2007-11-16 15:21:16
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