Expert tips on getting your windows clean

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- If spring passed you up for some spring cleaning, then summer might be an even better time to clean, especially your home's windows.

The pros say you really need to clean your windows twice a year to protect your investment. If you wait too long in between cleanings, it could end up costing you a lot more money.

It has been four years since homeowner Kerry Taylor has had her exterior windows cleaned.

"It's not always a top concern but they do get extremely dirty and it is frustrating to look outside and it be very foggy just because our windows are dirty," Taylor said.

That's why she called the experts of cleaning exterior windows at Advantage Pro Services.

"We're going to be using a pure water machine, which basically it's filtered water. It takes out all the mineral deposits in the water. Scrub them down, rinse them off. They dry spotless if we're not using any detergents. It's the safest, cleanest way to clean your windows," said Justin Gonzalez of Advantage Pro Services.

The process is easy. They scrub them down, rinse them off, and let them dry. The problem sometimes are the calcium deposits that come from your sprinkler system.

"Over time calcium deposits will build on your windows. It looks like dried water spots," Gonzalez said.

If not treated right away, they can be tough to remove.

"After that happens, it's very hard to get off. There's a couple of home ingredients. Vinegar will get them off but if it's been on there a long time you usually have to end up replacing the whole window," Gonzalez said.

If you have a sprinkler system, it's a good idea to get a sprinkler guard to avoid the calcium deposits on your windows.

To clean your windows yourself and to safely get to them, you don't have to hire a pro.

"Home Depot sells squeegees. Just get you some squeegees, a little bit of Dawn soap, some water, scrub down the windows and take care of the streaks afterwards with a little spray," Gonzalez said.

If you are cleaning them from indoors, make sure to protect your floors. Then use a sponge to scrub the windows and a squeegee to wipe down the excess. Use Windex to clear up the streaks.

Taylor says it's easy enough for kids to help out, and her plan is to get to her windows more often.

"Well, once a year is our goal but it would be really nice to do it more than once a year just with all the dirt that builds up so quickly," Taylor said.