Dirty windows can be a major annoyance. With our great window cleaning hacks for your home, you can spend less time washing and scrubbing, and more time enjoying the view.
Window Cleaning Solutions
Cleaning your windows without using harsh chemicals or random household liquids (such as ammonia) can be challenging. Well, you’re in luck because we have some simple solutions that work wonders. Let’s dive into making a natural window cleaner that’s both effective and eco-friendly.
Vinegar and Water
White vinegar is non-toxic and has natural antibacterial properties. To whip up this cleaner, just mix two parts water to one part vinegar. The warm water helps to dissolve dirt and grime, while the vinegar cuts through grease and leaves your windows streak-free.
Dish Soap
There are some stains a vinegar and water mixture just can’t clean. In these cases, we can add just a few drops of dish soap to the mixture and give it an extra cleaning boost.
The dish soap breaks down the tough grime, making it easier to wipe away. Remember to use it sparingly though, as too much soap can leave residue.
Black Tea
Black tea contains tannic acid, which is brilliant for cleaning glass surfaces. To use this method, brew a pot of strong black tea and let it cool down. Once it’s at room temperature, pour it into a spray bottle and use it just like you would a regular window cleaner.
Dust Busting
Sparkling windows can quickly lose their shine due to dust. But there are simple ways to tackle this problem head-on.
A tool that can help is a can of compressed air. It’s perfect for blowing away dust from those hard-to-reach spots, like the corners of your window frames or the intricate designs of light fixtures.
Blind Cleaning Hack
Window blinds are notorious dust collectors and can be a hassle to clean.
Grab a pair of kitchen tongs from your drawer, and tightly wrap them in a microfiber cloth or any cleaning cloth you have on hand. Secure the cloth with rubber bands if necessary.
This makeshift cleaning device allows you to clean both sides of the blinds in one go. Just clamp down on each blind and glide across. It’s an effective and efficient method.
Newsflash: Newspapers Clean Windows!
Old newspapers can be used for your glass cleaning. They are surprisingly effective and can keep your windows brighter. Additionally, this method is quite eco-friendly. Before you start, remember to slip on a pair of gloves to keep your hands free of any newspaper ink while you clean.
Take a single sheet of newspaper, crumple it up into a ball, and gently wipe down your windows. If your window is really dirty, you might want to use a window cleaner or a simple solution of water and vinegar first. Then, use the newspaper for a streak-free finish.
The ink on the newspaper acts as a mild abrasive, which helps to remove dirt without scratching the glass. Plus, the paper’s texture is perfect for polishing surfaces without leaving any fluff or lint behind, unlike paper towels.
Use a Squeegee
Squeegees are one of the best window cleaning tools. They are also incredibly simple to use.
First, you’ll need to rinse the window either with a hose or a sponge and some soapy water.
Then, place the small squeegee at the top of the window and pull it down smoothly towards the bottom. The rubber edge swiftly sweeps away excess water, leaving behind a surface that’s free from water marks.
To ensure your windows shine without streaks, it’s important to keep the squeegee dry. After each swipe down the window, wipe the blade with a clean, dry towel.
Remember, the key to successful squeegee use is to maintain a steady pressure and angle. Hold the handle firmly, and tilt the squeegee so only the corner touches the glass as you start each new stroke. This method helps to prevent drips and ensures a smooth, even clean.
Lastly, don’t forget to wipe any remaining droplets from the window edges with a dry cloth. This final touch-up catches any water that might have escaped.
The Devil is in the Details
After you’ve cleaned the larger surfaces of your windows, look a little closer to see what you may have missed. There are some streaks and smudges that are harder to clean than the others.
Scrub The Hard-To-Reach Spots
Grab an old toothbrush or a Q-Tip to scrub away at those tiny, stubborn spots. This tool can get into the nooks and crannies that a cloth can’t reach, ensuring a thorough clean.
Rubbing Alcohol
Sometimes, you might encounter residues that are a bit more challenging, like the remains of a sticker or sap. Dab a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cloth and gently rub the sticky areas. The alcohol breaks down the gooey mess, leaving your windows sparkling.
Dryer Sheets
If you notice any lingering dust particles, don’t reach for a cleaning spray just yet. Try using an old dryer sheet instead. These sheets are designed to reduce static cling, which makes them excellent at snatching up dust. Simply glide it over the surface and watch the dust come right off.
Erase the Mess: Use Blackboard Erasers
If your windows are still streaky and smudgy after cleaning, you can get a blackboard eraser from the craft store.
The trick is finding something that will get rid of streaks, but not leave behind an additional residue of lint or dust.
Step 1: Start by choosing a clean, white eraser. Colored ones can leave behind additional marks across the window. If you’re dealing with a big window or a lot of smudges, you might want to use a larger eraser.
Step 2: Gently rubbing it across your window will get rid of those pesky streaks and smudges. Apply a steady pressure, but be careful not to press too hard. You’ll start to see those blemishes disappear before your eyes.
Step 3: Once you’ve erased all the marks, there might be some eraser shavings left on the window pane or the glass. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe them away. It’s important to remove all the little bits, so they don’t stick to the window the next time you clean it.
Always Think Safety First!
There are some precautions you can take while cleaning windows around your home.
If your windows are high up, you’ll probably need a ladder. But before you climb, make sure it’s on a flat surface. If it’s a bit wobbly, ask someone to hold it steady for you. Don’t stretch too far when you’re up there—move the ladder instead. That way, you won’t risk a tumble.
Place some non-slip tape on the ladder’s rungs to help your shoes grip better. It’s easy and prevents you from falling.
In order to avoid broken glass, grab a soft piece of bread and press it over the fragments. The shards stick to the bread, making it safer to clean up. Just be sure to throw it all away carefully after.
Final Thoughts
These home cleaning solutions won’t replace a professional cleaning service, but they can help you improve the state of your windows by a long way. Establishing a proper cleaning routine is key. It is also important to take proper safety precautions.
