For those who would like to start their year-end cleaning soon, Kunio Natori of Kajitaku Co., a Tokyo-based housekeeping support service, has some useful tips on how to properly clean windows.
The cleaning expert recommends starting with the tracks, moving to the screens, then the exterior and interior of the sliding windows, before returning to the tracks.
Prepare a brush to clean the tracks, a bucket filled with water, a bathtub cleaning sponge and two types of microfiber cloths -- long pile and short pile. The latter is usually used for cleaning eyeglasses and similar items. Microfiber cloths trap and easily remove dirt.
"Windows get different types of dirt and dust depending on the location, so various cleaning methods and tools are applied," Natori said.
In the tracks, soil, dust and mold are typically found. When these take on moisture, they get stuck in the grooves, so sweep them out when dry with the brush, then vacuum them up. A toothbrush can also be used to clean the tracks.
Sponge screens
The screen should be washed from the outside, after making sure you close the windows. Since the screen is exposed to the outside air, it is heavily coated with dust. Soak the sponge in water and squeeze it lightly before wiping the screen from side to side.
"Make sure you move the sponge gently on the screen because it may come off the frame with extra force," Natori said.
Wash the sponge in the bucket when it gets dirty. After cleaning the screen, wipe it gently with the dry long pile microfiber cloth.
If you can't reach the upper parts of the screen, you should use a stable footstool, but leave the parts alone when it is too dangerous to do so.
Next, prepare the bucket with water to which two to three drops of a neutral dishwashing detergent has been added. Use the sponge to wash the windows' exterior.
"The sponge moves smoothly with this mixture, making it easier to wash the windows," he said, but warned, "Too much detergent makes it too foamy, so only a few drops is enough."
Lightly drain the sponge and move it from side to side to remove dust on the windows. After removing dirt and dust to some extent, dip the long pile cloth in the water, wring it out and thoroughly wipe the window. Then use the short pile cloth to finish wiping the window.
The short pile cloth can also be used to clean the interior of the window, which tends to get spotted by people's hands.
Natori also recommends using disinfectant alcohol sold in pharmacies to remove streaks and similar marks left from wiping. Spray it on the glass and rub away with kitchen paper.
Get in the groove
Finally, wipe the tracks with the long pile cloth. To clean the grooves that are too narrow for a finger, use an unneeded plastic card with the cloth, as shown in the photo.
"When the windows are clean, the sunlight streams into rooms differently, showing the results of your work," Natori said. "Try the methods in a way that's not too strenuous for you."
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