Summer Cleaning Series Part 3: Windows, Screens, and Blinds

Summer Cleaning Series Part 3: Windows, Screens, and Blinds

Welcome back to our Summer Cleaning Series! In [Part 1](/blogs/news/summer-cleaning-series-part1-ac-fans), we tackled AC units and ceiling fans. [Part 2](/blogs/news/summer-cleaning-series-part2-outdoor-furniture-patio) covered outdoor furniture and patio spaces. Now it's time to let the summer light in by giving your windows, screens, and blinds the deep clean they deserve.

Nothing makes a home feel brighter and fresher than sparkling clean windows. But between pollen buildup, winter grime, and dust-caked blinds, this job can feel overwhelming. Let's break it down into manageable steps.

Close-up of hand cleaning window with squeegee outdoors using yellow gloves.

Why Summer Is the Best Time to Clean Windows

Summer offers the longest daylight hours, making it easy to spot streaks and smudges. Warm temperatures also help cleaning solutions work more effectively. Just avoid cleaning in direct, intense sunlight — the solution can dry too fast and leave streaks.

The ideal conditions: a mildly overcast day or cleaning windows that are currently in shade.

Step 1: Remove and Clean Window Screens

Before touching the glass, start with the screens. Here's the process:

  • Remove screens carefully. Label each one if your windows are different sizes so reinstallation is easy.
  • Rinse with a garden hose. Lay screens flat on a clean surface (a tarp works well) and spray off loose dirt and debris.
  • Scrub gently. Use a soft-bristle brush with warm soapy water. Work in circular motions to dislodge pollen and stuck-on grime.
  • Rinse thoroughly and lean against a wall or fence to air dry completely before reinstalling.

    • For screens with pet hair embedded in the mesh, a lint roller or damp microfiber cloth works surprisingly well to pull fibers free before washing.

    Step 2: Clean the Window Frames and Tracks

    This is the step most people skip, but dirty tracks and frames can re-contaminate your freshly cleaned glass.

    • Vacuum tracks with a crevice attachment to remove dead insects, dirt, and debris.
    • Scrub with an old toothbrush dipped in a baking soda paste for stubborn buildup.
    • Wipe frames with a damp cloth. For vinyl frames, a mild all-purpose cleaner works well. For wood frames, use a wood-appropriate cleaner to avoid damage.

    Step 3: Wash the Glass

    Here's where the magic happens. For streak-free results:

    What you'll need: The technique:
  • Wet the entire pane with your cleaning solution using a sponge or spray bottle.
  • Starting at the top corner, pull the squeegee across in a straight horizontal line.
  • Wipe the squeegee blade with a clean cloth after each pass.
  • Overlap each stroke slightly to avoid leaving lines.
  • Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe any remaining drips along the edges.
    • Pro tip: Clean the outside of windows first. When you move inside, you can easily spot any remaining streaks against the already-clean exterior.

    Step 4: Deep Clean Your Blinds

    Blinds are dust magnets, and a quick dusting often isn't enough for a summer deep clean.

    For Horizontal Blinds (Wood, Faux Wood, Aluminum)

    • Close blinds one direction and dust with a microfiber duster or cloth, working top to bottom.
    • Flip blinds the other direction and repeat.
    • For deeper cleaning, wipe each slat with a damp microfiber cloth. For greasy kitchen blinds, add a drop of dish soap to your cloth.
    • For faux wood or aluminum blinds that are heavily soiled, you can remove them and soak in a bathtub with warm soapy water. Rinse and let dry completely before rehanging.

    For Vertical Blinds

    • Dust each panel from top to bottom using a microfiber cloth.
    • For fabric vertical blinds, check the manufacturer's instructions — some can be spot-cleaned or even machine washed on a gentle cycle.

    For Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades

    These are more delicate. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment on the lowest setting. For stains, spot-clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Never submerge cellular shades in water.

    Detailed view of a mirror being cleaned using a water sprayer, indoors.

    Step 5: Don't Forget Sliding Glass Doors

    Sliding glass doors collect grime in their tracks faster than almost any other surface in your home.

    • Vacuum the tracks thoroughly.
    • Spray with a cleaning solution and let it sit for five minutes.
    • Scrub with a stiff brush, then wipe clean.
    • Clean the glass using the same squeegee technique as your windows.
    • Apply a thin layer of silicone-based lubricant to the track for smoother sliding.

    Maintenance Tips Between Deep Cleans

    • Dust blinds weekly with a microfiber duster to prevent heavy buildup.
    • Wipe window sills every two weeks.
    • Spot-clean glass as needed — fingerprints and pet nose prints tend to accumulate fast.
    • Keep a small squeegee in your cleaning caddy for quick touch-ups.

    How Often Should You Deep Clean Windows?

    For most homes, a thorough window cleaning twice a year — once in late spring and once in fall — keeps things looking great. If you live near busy roads, construction zones, or in areas with heavy pollen, you may want to add a mid-summer session.

    Coming Up Next

    In Part 4 of our Summer Cleaning Series, we'll tackle pool areas and outdoor entertaining spaces — just in time for summer gatherings. Stay tuned!

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    This is Part 3 of our Summer Cleaning Series. Catch up on [Part 1: AC Units and Fans](/blogs/news/summer-cleaning-series-part1-ac-fans) and [Part 2: Outdoor Furniture and Patio](/blogs/news/summer-cleaning-series-part2-outdoor-furniture-patio).
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