Filed under: Storage & Cleaning, Cleaning
Cleaning windows isn't about finding the right spray cleaner -- it's about finding the right technique.Windows are one of the most necessary but pesky things to clean. It seems that no matter how much we rub and scrub, they're always left with at least one relentless streak or smudge. There are plenty of spray cleaners on the market to help, but what about some good ol' fashioned elbow grease and know how? It may just work better.
So in our fifth installment of putting old-school cleaning techniques to the test, we're focusing on the best ways to get those windows sparkling.
Perfect windows aren't achieved with a simple solution; it's all about technique. Photo: Junos, Getty Images
The Problem: Less than crystal-clear windows
New Solution: Clearly Windex has cornered the market on home window cleaning. The straight-forward spray-and-wipe solution does its intended day-to-day job, but it doesn't perfectly solve the errant streak issue.
Old Solution: Before that magic blue liquid came about, a homemade recipe (see below) or just a good old bucket of soapy water was all that we needed. For argument's sake, I wanted to put the homemade solution to the test against the store bought, so I made some glass cleaner myself. Instead of ammonia, I opted for lemon (mainly for scent purposes), and then I tried it on the windows. The homemade cleaner actually worked great, while creating a nice invigorating aroma in my rooms! But despite its effectiveness in cleaning, I was still left with some standard streaking. Darn!
Homemade Glass Cleaner:
1. Add 2 tablespoons of ammonia to ½ cup rubbing alcohol and ¼ teaspoon dishwashing detergent. (You can also substitute 3 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice for the ammonia.)
2. Add ingredients to a small spray bottle, fill with water and shake well.
The Verdict: This one is a toss up. Both solutions do the job to the same extent: clean but not perfect. Store-bought solutions are easy but will cost you. If you have the homemade ingredients on hand, you might as well give that option a try -- it's more cost-effective and lacking any chemicals that might be harmful to sensitive lungs.
So now the question is, how do you get windows to the perfect shine? Here are some tips to get you on your way to crystal clear windows. You employ a new technique. Here's how:
- Always wash windows from the top down to prevent drips.
- If you wash one side with horizontal strokes and the other with vertical strokes, you'll be able to spot which side streaks are on.
- Eliminate tiny scratches on glass by polishing the affected areas with toothpaste.
- Wash windows on a cloudy day; direct sunlight dries cleaning solutions and quickly causes buildup.
- Use an old soft toothbrush or cotton swab to clean corners.
- Dry your freshly washed windows with a crumbled newspaper (wear gloves so your hands don't get ink transfer). The paper will leave a film that's resistant to dirt, keeping your glass shinier longer.
- To give windows an extra shine, polish with a well-washed cotton t-shirt or old cloth diapers. Or, if you have one, rub a clean blackboard eraser over the freshly washed (and dried) window.
- To clean windowsills, pour a little diluted rubbing alcohol on a cloth and rub the entire surface. The spots will disappear and the sills will look freshly painted.
Remember that window cleaners can be bad for woodwork, so don't let them drip onto the windowsill where they can harm the paint.
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