After a scorching, dry summer, windows can look worse for wear, with dust, grime and pollen settling in every crevice. A simple method using just a butter knife and a clean cloth can get them sparkling again.
Simple tool for stubborn grime
Heath Showman from Lifestyle Blinds said these two household items are all that is required to banish stubborn dirt, loose dust and pollen. He explained: "This summer has been incredibly hot and incredibly dry meaning the slightest breeze is picking up pollen and dust."
"Most of us will have very dusty windows, but many of us often fail to notice the bits of debris that settle in all those crevices we never really look at or see."
How to apply the cleaning hack
To put the hack into practice, dampen the cloth under the tap and wring it out, then wrap it snugly around the tip of the butter knife. Glide the cloth-covered knife along the window tracks to dislodge the grime that has accumulated over the summer.
Showman advised ensuring the cloth is sufficiently thick to prevent the metal edge of the knife from scratching the window frame or glass. He said: "The dust settles on the window tracks - these are the sliding channels - in the frame joints and in the tiny drainage slots."
Why regular cleaning matters
"Unless you're doing a deep clean, it's unlikely these will be part of a weekly tidy up. However, failing to clean will mean dirt, dead bugs and mould can all build up."
"It can also stop windows from sliding well and cause bad smells if mould begins to grow. My advice is to check your window tracks and crevices every three or four months but right now, when it's particularly dry and dusty, a little more often."
