Category: News

Over time, grime can build up around your windows. We all want a streak-free finish, but cleaning your windows can be a real chore. Not to mention that specialist cleaning products can be costly and can be made with extremely harsh chemicals that are dangerous to inhale.

If your windows are starting to look dirty, our handy guide is here to help. From lemon juice to cornstarch, there are plenty of common household items that you can use easily to clean your dirty windows.

1. Distilled vinegar and hot water

A true tried and tested method, distilled vinegar and hot water has proven to be one of the most successful methods to clean your windows. Since vinegar has an acidic composition, it’s quick in breaking down the thin film of grime that collects on the glass’ surface. Not only is vinegar completely natural and brings no risks for allergic reactions, but it won’t cause any health problems if it’s accidentally ingested or inhaled. 

For those who are cleaning their windows for the first time or haven’t washed them in a while, it’s best to use a slightly stronger solution. Mix 480ml of water with 60 ml of distilled vinegar and pour into a spray bottle. Spray the entire window with the vinegar mixture — but avoid getting the solution on any wood, vinyl or fibreglass frames as it may discolour its finish.

2. Baking soda

If you want your windows to be shiny and sparkling clean, baking soda is guaranteed to remove any tough scuffs or stains on your glass and panes. With the added bonus of being non-toxic and containing no harmful chemicals or fumes, baking soda is a great cleaning solution, and it’s relatively inexpensive.

First, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto a wet cloth and wash the window. As baking soda is soft enough to not scratch your windows, all the dirt should be removed. Take a clean paper towel or cloth and dampen it, applying it to the window to remove any excess baking soda that may be leftover. Fill a spray bottle with 75ml of baking soda and 75ml of vinegar, mix the solution well and spray onto the windows. Finish with a dry cloth to wipe over the window, giving it a fantastic shine.

Be sure to wash your windows on a cloudy day so the direct sun won’t cause any streaks on the glass. And remember, you should never use a baking soda cleaning solution on stained glass or antique windows as it could damage its surface.

3. Lemon juice

Tackling those grimy window panes needn’t be a challenge with a lemon juice cleaning solution. Due to its acidic base, lemon juice can be used on glass and plastic surfaces without the fear of damage. The acid in lemons acts as a natural bleach as it’s antibacterial and antiseptic. Similarly to vinegar, lemons are a terrific cleaning agent and provide a natural cleaning power. 

If you’re sick of pesky greasy fingerprints, lemon juice also works great as a degreaser. 

Shake one tablespoon of white vinegar with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into an empty spray bottle, pour in one cup of hot water and shake the mixture together.

4. Dishwasher soap

Perfect for a streak-free finish every time, dishwasher soap — and in particular the sodium lauryl sulfate within it — helps to easily remove grease from windows. Almost everyone will have dishwashing soap readily at hand, so simply add a few drops to a bucket of warm water and you’re ready to get those windows looking squeaky clean. Make sure to use a non-scratch scouring sponge too.  

If the weather is a little bit warmer, you can use slighter cooler water to wash the windows. Or if you’re cleaning your windows in the winter, it’s best to apply a windshield cleaning solution to prevent the water from freezing over the window.

5. Cornstarch

Cornstarch can work wonders when it comes to cleaning your windows. Windows aren’t perfectly smooth — in fact, they have small pits across the glass that traps water and causes spots and streaks to run down your window. 

Cornstarch can help break down water bonds, leaving your windows spotless, shiny and streak-free. Fill half a bucket with water and sprinkle in cornstarch, and then mix together until cloudy. Use a sponge if your windows need a deep clean.

6. Rubbing alcohol

To leave your windows glistening clear, rubbing alcohol can do just that. When combined with water and vinegar, rubbing alcohol evaporates fast — easily eliminating spots and streaks. Mix all three ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. 

The alcohol and vinegar combination will quickly cut through grease and leave your windows looking sparkling. 

Have your windows seen better days? Our top engineers at Cloudy2Clear regularly repair and replace steamed up double glazing. Whether it’s damaged glass or faulty window seals, our double glazing replacement repairs will leave your windows looking as good as new. If you need double glazing repairs, contact your local branch of Cloudy2Clear today HERE for your free, no-obligation quote.

Small changes can go a long way. Now more than ever, it’s becoming increasingly important to make sure that we think about the positive changes we can make to protect the planet. While not everyone can afford to make big switches, we can all make simple adjustments to help make our homes and lives more eco-friendly. 

Your home is where you spend most of your time, so making small changes to how you use energy will add up to a big change. Whether it’s investing in energy-saving lightbulbs or switching to double glazed windows, you can easily adapt to a more sustainable lifestyle. To help you make simple changes, our handy guide will help walk you through 6 cheap and easy ways to make your home more eco-friendly.

1. Invest in energy-efficient light bulbs

Reducing the amount of energy that’s needed to power them, energy-efficient light bulbs have become increasingly popular over the years. Not only do they shine brighter and last for longer, but they’re also an efficient and cheap way to lower your electricity bill and reduce the carbon footprint of your home.

2. Install solar panels

Solar panels are safe, environmentally friendly and self-sufficient. Apart from the financial benefits, solar panels that are installed on the roof are a great way to contribute to a sustainable future.

Some of the benefits of solar panels include:

• Off-the-Grid home — Traditional electricity relies heavily on fossil fuels like natural gases and coal, and while they are not only bad for the environment, they’re also a limited resource. Solar power, however, only relies on the sun, which will never increase its rates. Solar battery storage systems can also help store ‘leftover’ electricity for nighttime use and rainy days.
• Less electricity loss —Electricity needs to be transported from power plants to the end-consumer and long-distance transmissions equal power loss. Rooftop solar power helps increase electric efficiency, and, due to the energy becoming domestic, means that you’re in control of your own energy bills and usage.
• Improvement of grid security — With so many people switching to solar power, we’re less likely to experience a drop in electrical power supply or suffer from a blackout.

Solar panels are most commonly known for being a clean and green source of energy, and while they can sometimes be costly, it pays off in the long run.

3. Use water-based paints

Currently, most paints that are used for home renovations are oil-based and not eco-friendly. Water-based paints look amazing and are much more resistant to UV rays, which allows them to retain their colour and sheen levels over long periods of time. Because of their low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) compared to solvent-based paints, they have a significantly lower environmental impact.

4. Insulate your home

If your home is well-insulated, it’ll retain heat properly. By making your home more efficient at trapping in the heat, you’ll cut the cost of your heating bills and help to reduce fossil fuel usage. A draught excluder is one of the quickest and easiest ways to make your home warmer and it can also add personality to any room.

If you’re looking for a more long-term solution, home insulation — such as in the roof, floors, window or doors — will help keep the desired temperature in your house all year round — whether it be protecting against cold in the winter or excess heat in the summer.

5. Use a recycling and compost bin

If you already own a recycling bin, chances are you’re already conscious about the decisions you make when it comes to recycling your glass, tins and cardboard.

Not only does it enrich the soil and help to retain moisture, a compost bin is also a great way to help the environment. Using your leftovers will give you free fertilizer you can use for your plants and helps to discourage food and household waste.

6. Opt for double-glazed windows

Gone are the days of unsightly double-glazed windows. Nowadays, double glazing can match the styling and aesthetic of your home and it’s also a great way to save money on your energy bills. The seal between your window panes is designed to not only keep the cold out, but to also prevent your precious heat from escaping.

Reducing the transfer of heat, double glazing improves the sustainability of your home by keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter meaning you have a reduced energy usage. Therefore, living in a double-glazed home means you could save up hundreds of pounds on your energy bills each year.

Our top engineers at Cloudy2Clear regularly repair and replace steamed up double glazing. Whether it’s damaged glass or faulty window seals, our double glazing replacement repairs will leave your windows looking as good as new. If you need double glazing repairs, contact your local branch of Cloudy2Clear today HERE for your free, no-obligation quote.

First impressions are everything. The exterior of your home can leave a long-lasting impact on guests, neighbours or even just a passer-by on the street. Improving your home’s kerb appeal can not only make the outside of your home look more appealing and attractive, but it can also increase its resale value.

Often, we don’t think about how the outside of our home could say a lot about what it may look like on the inside — but isn’t it time we started to?

Sprucing up the front of your house needn’t be expensive or time-consuming — simple tricks like planting bright, colourful flowers or giving your windows and front door a new lick of paint can be easy solutions. 

So, whether you’re looking to sell your property or your outside exterior is in need of some serious TLC, our handy guide will help you improve your home’s kerb appeal.

1. Paint your front door in a new colour

Peeling paint and mouldy doors can turn buyers off immediately if you’re trying to sell your home. If you have a wooden door, why not opt for a new lick of paint to brighten up the space? 

To complement the style of the building, opt for a colour that will beautifully match the colour of the bricks. Bright pops of classic greens, natural wood and pastels look lovely against country houses, while strong steels, slate greys or blacks work wonderfully on more modern homes.

For a more coordinated look, match your garage door, front porch and gate.

For homes with uPVC doors, you can easily give your front door a new lease of life with a specialist cleaner that will remove stubborn stains and improve the look of wear and tear from weather damage.

2. Clean up any paths or paving

Over time, paths and pavings can become increasingly dirty with grime and moss, making your home look outdated and uncared for. 

Use a pressure washer to clean large areas and remove moss to quickly and easily improve your home’s exterior appearance. 

If you’re working with a smaller space, use a scrubbing brush with a specially formulated outdoor paving cleaner that will help to make the surface sparkling clean and aid in preventing mould growth. 

Pesky weeds can be unsightly and ruin the kerb appeal of your home. Use weed killer on any plants growing up through paving cracks or, if possible, dig them up by the root. Digging up weeds is a tried and tested all-natural method and when done properly, can work wonders.

3. Refresh your windows

If your double glazing is dirty or filled with condensation, you can easily replace the glass without having to replace the entire window. Our top engineers at Cloudy2Clear regularly repair and replace steamed up double glazing. Whether it’s damaged glass or faulty window seals, our double glazing replacement repairs will leave your windows looking as good as new. 

Give the window frames and sills a deep clean to remove any mould, dirt or spider webs. This will prevent a build-up of dust and grime when replacing the windows. 

If your wooden windows have seen better days, they may need a coat of paint to add a new lease of life. When picking a new colour for your frames, it’s best to consider matching them to your front door or gate.

If you need double glazing repairs, contact your local branch of Cloudy2Clear today for your free, no-obligation quote.

4. Tidy up greenery

A neat and tidy garden can be a major selling point when it comes to putting your property on the market. 

Make sure to trim any shrubbery or bushes, mow any long grass and pull weeds. Sure, you can hire a gardener — but with a pair of shears, some gardening gloves and determination, it’ll be much cheaper.

5. Dress your windows properly

Sometimes, a simple swap on the inside can transform the appearance on the outside. 

Updating worn window dressings can be a great way to refresh an old, outdated style. Light or natural-toned curtains work well in letting light shine through and they also offer a neat appearance from the outside, too. 

If you’re looking for something that offers a bit more privacy, wooden shutters or Venetian blinds can have a surprisingly big impact on the way your windows look.

You can also add some simple decor — like photo frames, ornaments or plants and flowers — onto your sills for an added touch of warmth and style.

6. Replace or clean the gutters

Over time, gutters can fill with debris like leaves, shingle granules, bird feathers and more, so it’s important to make sure that you regularly clean your gutters — once at the end of spring and once towards the end of autumn as a minimum. 

Once you’ve dislodged all of the debris from your gutters, use a garden hose to expel the remaining waste.

For gutters that are looking worn, snap-fit vinyl gutters are a great alternative that is easily put together with a few tools and requires no painting. If you have a higher budget, copper systems cost a little more, but look incredibly high quality and last much longer on average.

7. Update your hardware

Whether you’re in a country cottage or an upscale townhouse, update your front door with some stylish new hardware. 

Adding a new door number or knocker can add extra charm and character to your home. If your handle or letterbox are looking worn out or dated, replace them with an updated style that reflects your personality.

If you just can’t part with some of your home’s original features — or simply don’t want to change the look — applying metal polish will help remove rust and can help older doors look rejuvenated.

8. Get your glass gleaming

Ensure that your windows are gleaming by giving them a proper clean. Clean windows not only look attractive from the outside, but they’ll also flood your home with more natural light, allowing your home to look and feel brighter when giving the tour. 

A simple sponge and fairy cleaning liquid is the most traditional way to clean your windows, but, for a more effective clean on higher up windows, professional tools will be able to get the job done and leave a sparkling finish.

9. Let there be light

Light fixtures can be a great way to add kerb appeal to your home. A light fitting not only adds extra security but it also gives your home a welcome glow to guests and neighbours in the evenings. 

The best way to pick a fitting is to choose a design that complements your building — classic, vintage styles look stunning on older properties, while more modern designs like solar lights or lanterns are a lovely finishing touch for newer homes.

10. Add accessories

One of the most obvious and impactful ways to boost your kerb appeal is to add accessories to your home. 

Why not try planting some of your favourite greenery and flowers? Potted plants will brighten up an empty-looking front step, with two small shrubs placed on either side of the door creating a stunning welcome to any guests. If you don’t have the room for this, planters on your window sill or hanging baskets are great options for adding bright pops of colour.

Showcase your personality when you accessorise with a new doormat. A stylish pattern, fun shape, slogan or even personalised text can help make guests feel welcome.

If you have the space, a sculpture or water feature — something as simple as a birdbath — can vastly improve the look of your home’s entrance.

Improve your home’s kerb appeal today

Boosting your home’s kerb appeal can be done in no time. Chances are, the exterior of your home just needs some small finishing touches then it can look its best.

If you’re looking to repair or replace steamed up double glazing — whether it be damaged glass or faulty window seals, get in touch with the team at Cloudy2Clear for a free, no-obligation quote.

A distinct and bold architectural design in any home, bay windows have survived the test of time simply because people love them. As there are many different types of bay windows — from canted, box bay or circle bays — each shape is unique. Not to mention the different styles, from Tudor to modern, mid-century and Victorian: each bay window must be dressed in a way that fits its style perfectly. 

Often a crowning feature in both traditional and modern homes, the additional space created from the window’s unique design can sometimes be harder to decorate than you’d think. To help you make the most of your space, our handy guide will help walk you through our five top tips to expertly dress your bay windows. 

1. Create a reading nook

For avid readers, an empty bay window is the perfect location for a cosy reading nook to get lost in a good book. Showcase your personality by painting your sill your favourite colour, or keep with the decor of your room by matching to the colour of the walls. Additionally, you can also paint your nook 2 shades lighter or darker to add a distinct but subtle contrast to your reading nook for a tastefully monochromatic finish.

Keep all your favourites within arm’s reach by placing a bookcase on either side of your nook, or if you’re short on space, a storage shelving unit is perfectly placed under the window — it can also double as a footrest too! Add some finishing touches with custom-fit cushions or a variety of throw pillows instead. 

Place a tripod lamp in the corner to create extra reading light, or if you’re running low on space, hang fairy lights from the curtain pole to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

2. Cultivate your own indoor garden

If you want to bring some greenery into your home, the options for indoor gardens are never-ending. You can start simple with a collection of cacti, cultivate an apple tree, or even grow your own living wall. 

Perfect for an empty corner, a mini succulent garden is an easy step for beginners. With their low maintenance and eagerness to propagate, they’re easy to care for and almost impossible to kill. An abundance of natural light will not only help them grow but the added focal point is great for drawing the eye to a space that’s overflowing with greenery. 

If you’re looking for something on a larger scale, an outdoor-indoor hybrid garden helps to seamlessly blend the inside and outside. Make your home feel even bigger by incorporating plants like: 

• Monstera — Also known as a Swiss cheese plant, Monstera favours warm and humid environments, so is perfect for thriving indoors. They can be quick growing and can sprout new leaves every 4-6 weeks when kept in the right conditions.
• Devil’s Ivy — Enjoys a light spot but preferably not in direct sunlight. The bright green leaves will usually turn pale to indicate it needs more water. It can also be displayed as a hanging plant.
• Snake plant — Doesn’t need much water, typically only when the soil is dry. They’re easy to care for as they only need to be fed once a month from April to September.

3. New kitchen space

If you’re in need of some extra space in the kitchen, make use of your bay window by turning it into a new sitting area. A cosy breakfast nook or even a new dining area are great ways to add functionality to a bay window. 

It’s important to make sure that you incorporate your existing decor when you’re thinking about your design. Opt for a more traditional wooden table and chairs if you have an older bay window or try sleek metals or glass with upholstered chairs to suit more modern designs. Additionally, you can use your bay window as a built-in window seat to maximise space, and if possible, add built-in storage underneath the window. This is perfect for hiding away any kitchen essentials, like plates, cutlery or table runners and mats.

4. Study space

A peaceful spot with natural lighting is the perfect study environment. You’ll want to make sure that you don’t get an overly large desk that protrudes into the room. Instead, measure the size of your desk and make sure it’s in scale with the floor space you have available. A small wooden or glass desk is ideal to tuck away in smaller spaces; or for larger areas, you can even incorporate the sill as a new desk space — just make sure it’s an appropriate height to work.

Finish with a decorative lamp and home accessories like plants, books, pictures and stationary.

5. Hang new curtains

The best way to breathe new life into your bay window if you’re on a budget is by hanging new curtains. Debut natural light with sheer curtains in a muted beige hue to give the room a warmer and softer glow. 

On sunny days, let light stream through by tying back curtains. Airy draperies in a bay window allow for privacy whilst still maintaining the potential of floods of natural light.

Are steam and condensation continuously ruining the view from your bay windows?

Our top engineers at Cloudy2Clear regularly repair and replace steamed up double glazing. Whether it’s damaged glass or faulty window seals, our double glazing replacement repairs will leave your windows looking as good as new. 

Get in touch with us for a free consultation today. If you need double glazing repairs, contact your local branch of Cloudy2Clear today for your free, no-obligation quote.

After more than 12 months in and out of lockdown restrictions, the UK is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Holidays and travel are back on the cards for most Brits, and from April 12th, it will be possible to book a stay in self-catering accommodation including campsites and Airbnb’s.

For a bit of inspiration, the team at Cloudy2Clear have scoured the web to find some of their favourite Airbnb’s that offer dramatic and breath taking views, stretching all corners of the UK.

According to a 2019 survey, ‘fantastic views’ came in third in the top 10 factors of a memorable holiday, clearly making it something that’s high on the priority list for travellers and holiday makers.

If a spectacular view is a must-have requirement for your next getaway, take a look at these 7 options below and see where your post-lockdown staycation will take you next.

Scottish Highlands

According to a recent survey, the Scottish Highlands was high on the list of people’s lists of places to visit after lockdown, and it’s not hard to see why. The Highlands offer some of the most breath taking, unspoiled views and landscapes in the United Kingdom, with small villages and towns dotted around.

Situated right at the very top of the Highlands is our first Airbnb, this small dwelling offers two guests glorious views from every single window, with views of a stretching beach to the front, and vast countryside to the rear. This destination will suit anyone looking to immerse themselves in what rural Scotland does best; magnificent views and total seclusion from town and city life.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides and well known for its dramatic, mountainous landscapes and beautiful stretches of coastline. Skye offers plenty for the active traveller amongst us, including fly fishing, watersports and a vast amount. of hiking trails to suit all types of walkers. These walks are ideal for anyone looking to take in the scenery and spot some of the local wildlife, which include red deer, puffins and the golden eagle.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the Isle of Skye that’s as equally spectacular as the landscape, take a look at this timber-framed bungalow, recently built in 2020. Situated in a quaint little village of Dunan, this home is situated just above the shoreline and provides jaw dropping views of the neighbouring Island of Scalpay and the mountains of mainland Scotland. This place is ideal for those who love their creature comforts, but still want to be at one with nature.

Manchester City Centre

If you’re thinking about a UK city break, Manchester should be towards the top of your list for places to visit this year. Manchester has just about everything a thriving city should offer, from a fantastic shopping district, hundreds of bars and restaurants and a vast history stretching back 100s of years.

If you’re looking for somewhere a little quirky to stay whilst in Manchester, how about booking you and a guest on a boutique narrowboat floating on the city’s famous waterways?

Moored in the Castlefield Locks area of the city centre, this beautiful barge has recently been renovated and includes all the creature comforts you’d expect from a hotel, including it’s own pub-themed bar! The real reason why you’d choose this as a place to lay your head is the cracking views of the city it has to offer, where old mills and industrial structures meet the glamorous, glass skyscrapers of the 21st century.

Cornwall

Our next destination takes us Southwest to Whitsand Bay in the county of Cornwall. Cornwall is famous for a lot of things, including the legendary Cornish Pasty, surfing scene, old tin mines and of course, it’s large stretches of sandy beaches and rugged coastlines.

This beach house is situated just outside the sleepy Cornish village of Seaton, and offers guests a taste of luxury, whilst still keeping the charm of the local area. This property’s party piece has to be the view however, with vast, unspoiled views of the Atlantic ocean from practically every window. The view is guaranteed to make guests throw those windows open and absorb the alluring Cornish coast.

London

The city of London is the UK’s most popular destination for a city break, and it’s not hard to see why. Everything you could possibly want to do or need is right here on your doorstep! Whether you’re visiting to do all the famous tourist attractions like Buckingham Palace, Natural History Museum and the London Eye, a shopping spree on the renowned highstreets or just here to soak in the culture and atmosphere of the capital, you’re sure to have a full itinerary for the duration.

And after a busy day of exploring, why not retire to your very own private penthouse, complete with breath taking views of the London skyline. The floor to ceiling windows in this top floor flat perfectly frames the city skyline from every angle, with views of the famous landmarks like the Gherkin, Walkie Talkie and the Shard Buildings in front of your very eyes.

Lake District – Windermere

If you’re looking for an active holiday in a rural setting, look no further than the Lake District. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to 16 lakes in total, with each one surrounded by rugged, dramatic mountain ranges that are ideal for rambles and hiking, as well as opening the area up to a wide range of water activities on a number of the lakes. The biggest lake in the area is Lake Windermere, which takes us to our next Airbnb on the list.

For those who love the great outdoors, but like to enjoy it in a comfortable, luxurious setting will love this 5 star lodge situated on the waterfront of Lake Windermere. It provides occupants with spectacular, uninterrupted views of the lake as you walk into the living quarters. Slide the floor to ceiling windows and walk directly onto your private decking that stretches right to the water’s edge, perfect for appreciating the fresh air and the tranquillity that the Lake District offers.

Kent

The small village of Elham in Kent is the kind of place you’d see on the front of a chocolate box, a typical old English setting that includes the usual country pub, village hall and village store. This town is also home to a very unique Airbnb, where travellers can be at one with nature. This is your opportunity to stay in your very own private treehouse!

The Elham Treehouse is a one off dwelling situated 20ft up an old Oak tree, constructed from recycled timbers to create a sustainable masterpiece. It’s not short of mod-cons either, featuring comfortable seating, a bed and even a coffee machine, all of which will add to the spectacular views of the Kent countryside as you peer out of the recycled windows. If you’re thinking about heading to Kent this year for a summer staycation, this place is definitely one to experience!

Are steam and condensation continuously ruining the view from your home?

These issues could be the main cause of faulty double glazing. Cloudy2Clear’s team of expert engineers can give your windows a new lease of life, simply by replacing the glazing rather than the whole window frame, saving you valuable time and money in the process. If you’re in need of double glazing repairs, contact your local branch of Cloudy2Clear today for your free, no-obligation quote.