As we progress through March, the cold winter weather begins to retreat. We start to feel the joys of spring as the sunshine streams through our windows once again.
Except, there is one drawback: now the sunshine is back, we can see every sticky fingerprint, wet dog nose print and grimy mark left behind by the rain. It’s time to add window cleaning to our list of jobs this spring.
Below, we’re sharing 11 items you can use for streak-free windows each and every time. The best thing is, there’s no need to buy any fancy window cleaning solutions or tools from the supermarket! You can use items that are found around the house.
Cleaning products:
1) Start with a bucket of dish soap / washing up liquid
If you haven’t tackled those grimy windowpanes since last spring, you’ll want a bucket filled with hot soapy water to remove the dirt. After getting rid of the grime, use one of the methods below for a streak-free finish!
2) Methylated spirits
Most of us will have a bottle of methylated spirits (denatured alcohol) underneath the sink. Mix it 50/50 with water then decant into a clean spray bottle. Spray it on your windows and then rub clean with a paper towel.
3) Distilled vinegar
Distilled vinegar is a store cupboard favourite that can be used to buff up windows. Simply mix one part of vinegar with one part hot water. Grab a sponge or squeeze and wipe the glass pane clean!
4) Rubbing alcohol / surgical spirit
Like it’s cousin, the methylated spirit, you might find a bottle of surgical spirits lurking under the sink. Surgical spirits are perfect for leaving windows streak-free. Simply wipe straight onto the window with a paper towel if you’re cleaning indoor windows. For outdoor windows, mix in a bucket with three parts water and apply with a rag. To finish, rinse off with clear water.
5) Dishwasher rinse aid
Another product that you might already have to hand! Put one or two tablespoons in a bucket of hot water to make your windows sparkle and shine.
6) Ammonia
Ammonia is regularly used as a household cleaner, so you might have a bottle under the sink. While regularly used to clean stubborn stains in the oven, it makes a fantastic window cleaner too. If you have some ammonia stashed away in your cleaning cupboard, dilute two tablespoons with four quarts of warm water and you’re ready to go.
Tools of the trade:
7) Squeegee
A squeegee is the fastest way to clean windows, plus it’ll give you streak-free results each and every time. Squeegees can be picked up at almost every supermarket and hardware store in the country for a few pounds.
8) Newspaper / Paper Towels
While you’re grandma swears by using newspaper to buff up glass windows, look online and you’ll find lots of conflicting advice. This is thanks to the different types of paper and ink used around the world.
Try it out for yourself. Does your local newspaper offer streak-free results? If not, grab a paper towel or rag (see below) instead.
9) Rags
Don’t waste money buying new cloths for cleaning your windows. Instead find some old clothing that’s seen better days and rip it up into rags.
10) Pressure washer
If you purchased a pressure washer to blitz your patio, you’ll be pleased to know it can be used to clean your windows too (outside of course – we don’t recommend you trying this indoors!)
11) Steam cleaner
If you’re lucky enough to own a steam cleaner, you’ll be pleased to know you can use it to make your windows sparkle too. You can find full instructions on the Karcher website here.