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The best way to clean outside windows is by using a garden hose. Start by spraying the windows with a high-pressure stream to clear off loose dirt and grime. Then use a mixture of hot water and dish soap and scrub the windows with a sponge. Rinse off the soapy water with the hose. Before you finish up, spray the windows with a solution of vinegar and water and wipe them down with a microfiber cloth.

While plywood will keep winds and debris from shattering your windows from the outside, window film can help protect your windows from the inside. Window film can keep a window from shattering. If your windows break, the film can hold the shards of glass in place, reducing the risk of cuts.

While you may sometimes see window film marketed as "hurricane window film," note that it doesn't provide sufficient hurricane protection on its own. It's no substitute for plywood, storm windows, or hurricane shutters.

Not every home needs window capping. Whether or not you need to cap your windows depends on your climate and window frame materials. Wooden windows should have window capping if moisture is a problem. Arid climates like the Southwest may not need window capping due to low rainfall and low humidity.

Deciding whether to repair or replace a window depends on the specific issue, the window's age, and the cost-effectiveness of the solution.

Repair is often better for:

• Minor issues such as a single broken glass pane, a stuck window, or small leaks. Repair is typically more affordable for isolated problems.

Replacement is the better long-term solution for:

• Major problems like deteriorating or rotting frames, significant leaks, or drafts.

• If your windows are over 15 years old, as repairs may only be a temporary fix for an aging unit.

• If you have a widespread problem affecting several windows.