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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.

There are many standard window sizes. The most common windows, single or double-hung models, typically range from 2-feet by 3-feet up to 4-feet by 6-feet. Of course, sliding windows will be wider than they are tall, though the standard sizing follows the same measurements.

Windows last between 15 and 30 years on average. The glass tends to last for around 20 years, while the frames last up to 50 years. This varies by the type of window frame material, glass quality, location, and level of maintenance. Wood frames have the shortest lifespan and require repainting or resealing every couple of years, while fiberglass has one of the longest lifespans.

Most manufacturers have their name imprinted somewhere on the window, such as the spacer bar, hardware, or frame. Other manufacturers will include an identification number printed on the glass itself. If you’re unable to find either of these, then your window was manufactured locally (oftentimes called a “shop window”). 

With a manufacturer name (or even better, the identification number) you can attempt to research the information to find out when the product was made. Keep in mind this won’t tell you when the window was installed on your home, but can get you close.