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You should avoid using abrasive materials and harsh chemicals when cleaning windows. Abrasive tools like scrubbing pads, rough cloths, or steel wool can permanently scratch and damage the glass. Harsh chemical cleaners containing alcohol or ammonia can damage window treatments, frame materials, and special features like tinting. It is also best to use distilled or filtered water instead of hard water, which can leave spots or streaks. For best results, use a clean microfiber cloth to wash the glass and old black and white newspapers to dry it without leaving streaks.

Picture windows last about 20 to 50 years, depending on the material, your location, and how well you maintain the windows over the years. Materials like vinyl and aluminum may not last as long, while fiberglass can last many years. Wood will last decades if you keep up with maintenance. Homes in areas with harsh weather throughout the year may cause windows to have shorter lifespans.

Yes, you can use glass cleaner on outside windows, but only after you’ve rinsed away as much debris as possible. Using glass cleaner on top of a layer of dirt will only make it harder to clean. 

Yes, you can install a bay window in an existing house. You’ll need to have a structural engineer draw up plans to add the necessary support to your exterior load-bearing walls and a general contractor to make the changes to the framing around the new wall opening. This will cost an average of $3,000. After that work is done, a window installer can set the new bay window in place.