Cleaning windows in winter

It is also necessary to clean the windows in winter. This is especially true if the windows face a busy street or the weather side. Now the classic method with water does not work because it freezes at minus temperatures. However, there are various ways in which you can clean your windows even in cold temperatures.

The problem with cleaning water freezing

The water freezes at sub-zero temperatures is a physical law that of course also applies to the cleaning water that you use to clean the windows. The use of 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 tear. You are probably familiar with this phenomenon from your windshield, which you should never remove from the ice with warm or hot water. When cleaning the windows from the outside, 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 disc, it will stick. Cleaning is therefore not possible.

Refrain from cleaning the windows in winter

It is a good recommendation if you only clean the windows from the inside during the winter months. In many regions of Germany there are many days in the winter months when the temperature is well above freezing point. You can use this time very well for cleaning windows. A very thorough cleaning in the fall before the weather changes and in the spring with the first rays of sun breaking through is a good idea. It is often sufficient if you adhere to these intervals. But there are situations in which window cleaning in winter is necessary and important.
This includes:

• Removal of bird droppings
• Windows that quickly take on 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 temperatures have not dropped too far below freezing if possible.
Attention: The windshield water freezes at an outside temperature of five degrees below zero. If the temperature is above freezing point, window cleaning is possible without additional effort.

General additives for cleaning windows when the temperature is below zero

There are chemical additives on the market that ensure that the water does not freeze. You can add this to the mopping water. For this purpose, use windscreen washer fluid that you get in car accessories. The advantage is that the water already has a cleaning effect. You do not need to add any additives to the rinse water.
You can also use alcohol in small quantities. It does not damage the windows or the frame and enables quick and easy cleaning. However, both variants develop very strong odors. Not only are these uncomfortable, but they can sting your eyes and irritate your skin. If you want to clean your windows with these chemical additives, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Wear gloves and possibly a face mask

2. If possible, close the window to prevent the smell from penetrating inside

3. Use a small amount so as not to unduly pollute the environment.

4. Only clean the outside of the windows with the additives and use normal ones inside

Wash water. The cleaning itself is carried out as with normal window cleaning agents. The result is very clear, especially with alcohol. However, you should only use this procedure if your windows urgently need to be cleaned in the cold and it is not possible to wait for higher temperatures.
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. Keep this in mind, especially on days when temperatures are slightly above freezing. Normally, window cleaning is no problem even in winter. The pane can still be colder than the outside temperature. If the panes freeze while cleaning, this may be due to the fact that the window is thermally insulated.

Use of rubber gloves when cleaning

Rubber gloves are generally recommended for cleaning the windows. If you don't normally like this, then you shouldn't be without it in the winter months. The icy cold in connection with the cold cleaning water can in the worst case 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

You probably know this tip from classic window cleaning. In the cold season, however, it is particularly important that you rub the windows thoroughly dry. Temperatures can drop below zero as early as the night after cleaning the windows. If there is still moisture on the pane, it will freeze. Also keep in mind that a wet windshield does not dry as quickly when the outside temperature is low as it does on warmer days.
Good to know: With the rubbing dry, you also remove the additives that you put in the water. You should therefore proceed with particular thoroughness.

Why bird droppings removal is so important

Bird droppings can collect on the windows even in deep winter. Depending on the region in which the house or apartment is located, this is not so rare. Many bird species live in our latitudes in winter. If you've set up a bird house to care for the animals in winter, attract them. This can be seen on your window panes or on the window frame. Remove bird droppings as soon as possible, no matter how cold it is outside.
The reasons:

• Bird droppings contain corrosive substances
• Window panes and window frames can be attacked
• Bird droppings on the panes look very unattractive

Since it is usually a matter of pollution that is very small in terms of area, the removal can be done quickly. Use simple home remedies for this and avoid cleaning the entire window pane in very cold weather.

Removal of dust and soot from the heater

Similar to bird droppings, you should also remove any dust and soot that can accumulate 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 doesn't just look very unsightly. Due to the special consistency, dust and soot can harden or form a greasy film in combination with rain and moisture. If it freezes, it becomes very difficult to remove. You should therefore also do this regularly in winter.

The energetic aspect of winter window cleaning

When weighing the pros and cons, you should also consider the energetic aspect and then decide whether you find it necessary to clean the windows or whether you want to go on a warmer day want to wait. If it is about balcony or terrace wings, you should lean them firmly during the external plastering. So no heat can escape to the outside. This is not possible with classic window sashes. You have to open this wide to be able to clean it from the outside. As a result, you are heating for outside and wasting a lot of energy.
Note the following points for these windows:

1. Turn off the heating while cleaning the windows in the room

2. Prepare the window cleaning well in order to keep the window opening time for cleaning as short as possible.

3. If possible, only clean the areas that are really heavily soiled.

4. If possible, do not use alcohol, as the smells can stay in the room for a long time.

5. You can close roller shutters on windows that open inwards to keep the warmth in the room.

At very cold temperatures, it can take a while for the room to warm up to the classic room temperature. You should take this into account in relation to the use of the space.
Good to know: Treat all seals with a care milk. This is very important, especially in winter, because the rubber is protected from drying out. So it cannot become porous so easily.