Now that (hopefully) the cold weather is drawing to a close, I’m looking at ways to get my home Spring ready. While I know that we may have a few more cold snaps, I choose to focus on the beautiful weather that will soon work it’s ways into my corner of the world. While I’m not a huge Spring cleaning type person, getting my windows ready for Spring is a big deal to me. You see, when we bought our home a few years ago, the windows and rustic mountain views were what sold me. I love feeling almost like I’m living in a treehouse. However, after a winter of endless ice and snow, most of my windows are in pretty bad shape. So, instead of hanging my head in defeat I did what any good Southern girl does….whipped up some easy DIY Window Cleaner! Read on to find out how to make it! Plus, just in case your windows are beyond repair (it happens), I’ll tell you more about when to replace them and the benefits of making those replacements in the Spring!
Now, we all know that after a long winter, windows are one of the first things in a home that need to be tended to. They are almost always dirty. Screens are sometimes broken. And truthfully, it’s a great time to consider if new windows might be in your near future. My first step in prepping my home for Spring and taking in the condition of what I consider the “eyes of my home” is to clean my windows and clean them good. Now, I know I could use everyday cleaning products but over the years I’ve discovered that two simple ingredients that everyone has in their home work fabulously to get rid of winter grime on windows! All I do to make my easy DIY window cleaner is mix together 3 parts water and one part white vinegar in a spray bottle. After a good shake, it’s ready to go to work and let me tell you, this stuff breaks straight through that icky grime that winter leaves on windows.
Now, while I’m cleaning the windows, it’s a great time to check and see if my screens are in need of repair or if the seals on my windows are broken. Since I know that outdated windows can cause wasted energy and higher cooling bills in the spring and summer, I like to inspect my windows yearly and determine if they are in great condition (nothing to worry about), good condition (everything’s OK but I need to start thinking about replacing in the next few years) or poor condition (it’s time to replace them today!). If my windows happen to fall into the poor condition category (it happens…windows have a life of 10-40 years depending on the type) there are lots of reasons to replace them during the coming spring months! Here’s just a few!
Reason 1: The Weather Is Nice
Let’s face it….if you’re going to have big gaping holes in your home while your windows are replaced, there is no better time to do it that in the Spring months! While I know it’s still cold in many areas, NOW is the time to schedule the instillation of your new windows from Sears Home Services. Doing window replacements in the spring is the best way to ensure that your life is disrupted as little as possible since chances are, you’d have the windows open this time of the year anyway! If you think a window replacement is in your future, be sure to call and schedule your FREE in-home consultation with Sears now so that you can ensure you’ve got a place on the often-busy Spring schedule!
Not sure if you’re going to be needing new windows before the summer heat hits? Be sure to check out these easy ways to know if it’s time for window replacements!
Reason 2: It Makes Your Spring Cleaning Easier
Windows are one of the worst parts about Spring Cleaning! You have to get the inside and the outside and it takes a ton of time….not to mention that you likely have windows in places that are kinda hard to reach!
My question is, why waste the time if you’re going to be needing window replacements soon anyway! Spring is the perfect time to go ahead and replace those windows. Even better, if you’re looking at replacing them in the next few months anyway, you can skip that Spring Cleaning and instead let Sears Home Services do the work that will leave you with beautiful, clean, energy efficient windows to enjoy all year long!
Reason 3: You’ll Save on Summer Cooling Bills
Truth: If your house is outdated, there’s a good chance you’re wasting energy! While the cold winter months where wind whistles through the window edges is drawing to a close, the hot summer months where you’ll feel like your cooling the whole neighborhood are on their way. Windows that allow air out during the summer and in during the winter can have a HUGE impact on heating and cooling bills. Here in the South, summer weather seems to really stick around for a while and we generally use our air conditioner from April till October. That’s why for us, it’s important to have energy-efficient windows that help us reduce the air that leave the house and instead keep everything inside so that when we walk in the front door, we’re greeted with an amazingly cool home!
If you’re ready to save on your summer air-conditioning bills and really keep the cool air in your home where it’s supposed to be (inside), you’ll want to check out the over 2,000 styles that Sears Home Improvement offers! From bay and bow windows to double-hung and tilt-in designs along with a variety of shutter color options, it’s a great way to make an investment that will help you save on cooling bills for years to come!
Reason 4: You Can Score Great Savings
While all the above reasons are enough for me to consider when thinking of replacing my windows with more energy-efficient options from Sears, the thing that takes me over the top when deciding to replace windows NOW is the great savings that I can benefit from. You see, Sears Home Services knows that NOW is the perfect time of year to replace your windows and because of that, they’s got an amazing deal to help you do it for less. From now until April 30, 2018 you can save $325 on window purchases of $1500 or more. Some restrictions do apply so be sure to check out all the details HERE.
If you’re even thinking that you might need new windows in your home, NOW is the time to find out if you’re right and Sears is the perfect place to start!
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION TODAY!
Now tell me, when is the last time you replaced your windows and how did you benefit from making the updates?
We replaced our windows a few years back. When we bought the house, it still had the original windows that were installed when the house was built….in 1954!
As soon as it warms up enough, I’ll be cleaning all of my windows. They always need a good cleaning at the end of winter. We replaced our windows with double paned energy efficient windows a few years ago and it really does help on the electric bill.
We have replaced our windows a few years ago and I hope they are more efficient than the old windows. I know my windows need cleaning but I will wait until spring and I will try your formula.
I rent so I don’t have to worry about the upkeep of windows and screens. I do however wash the fool out of them so your DIY window cleaner is going to come in handy.
Good windows always equal great energy savings. You can lose so much of your heating and cooling through bad windows.
I need to be better about keeping my windows clean! Kind of gross, but we adopted a cat from a rescue, and she has respiratory issues, so she sneezes all over the windows. There are spots all over most of my windows as a result. I like that your cleaning solution is non-toxic.
When it comes to DIY, some of my favorites are home cleaners. It really helps out with my family’s budget!
I love the idea of making a DIY window cleaner, and I love that it cuts through the grease and grime. We rent at the moment so we don’t have to worry about replacing the windows, but it is always worth keeping an eye out for cracks.
Double pane and windows are the best. The ones with the blinds in the middle are so awesome. Keeps everything cool in summer and warm in winter.
This is something that I will need to remember when I purchase my first home. I’m going to keep these tips handy. Very informative post!
We got new windows recently, but I could definitely clean the windows. They can get so dirty after all the weather we have had recently. I love your diy cleaner.
We literally had our windows replaced in the condo we moved into last month! But I am certainly going to make this DIY window cleaner! Great idea 🙂
I’ve tried a DIY similar to your recipe and I can say it worked amazingly well. I’ll have to try your cleaner out for this season’s cleaning. I think a room is never finished being cleaned until the windows are clean too. It makes such a huge impact!
I never knew Sears has these services. I think it is really helpful to have trusted professionals do important installs.
My winters are fairly new but they are quite dirty from the fall and winter. I can not wait to wash them in the Spring!
I’ve never made my own window cleaner like that beforehand. I need to try this out.
I need to try and make this cleaner. It’s been ages since I’ve cleaned the windows and they could use it. We might have to get new windows in a few years! I always love to save money.
I think it’s a lot easier to replace the windows on the warmer months when the weather is a lot better. It can also help you clear up and be more efficient on energy on the warm months.
We just replaced a few of our windows in the summer. I have noticed such a big difference in how warm the house is this winter. I will have to try this diy window cleaner in the spring.
I love making my own cleaners. I will have to give this one a shot. Sounds perfect for me!
Having good windows is so important to keep the heat regulated. I also love cleaning my windows. The house always feels cleaner with clean windows.
Your house is beautiful! I love the porch, it must be relaxing waking up to that kind of surroundings. I will try your DIY cleaner. We just replaced all of our windows last year.
We will be replacing our windows soon. Thankfully, winter barely touched us but the windows are getting worn out.
These are great tips. We have a big problem in Florida with moisture getting in between the double pane windows. Have to always keep an eye on them.
This is such a good reminder for all of us who are maintaining a home. I think it’s really important that we check our windows before the next season hits. Sears is definitely offering a great deal!
Awesome tips. I like that by making small adjustments, we can drastically reduce our expenses for heating and cooling the home.
Our windows were installed 6 years ago and have 8 year warranty and they still do the job and look excellent. I am loving you DIY window cleaner though