Recipe for Cleaning Windows
Most people have common ingredients around their house that can be used to wash windows. Formulating your own cleaner is cheaper and better for the environment than using traditional cleaners with harsh chemicals. Using a green window-washing recipe does not mean that the quality of the shine will suffer either.
Using common household ingredients, you can make your own household window cleaner. There are a number of different recipes for window cleaners that will help bring a streak free shine to your windows.
- Use a spray bottle; combine 2 cups of water, ¼ cups white vinegar, and1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent.
- Use a 1-gallon bottle; combine 2 cups of rubbing alcohol, ½ cup of ammonia, and 1 teaspoon of dish detergent. Fill the remainder of the bottle with water.
- Use a spray bottle; combine 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons vinegar and ½ teaspoon of dish detergent.
- Use a 1-gallon bottle, combine ¼ cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of dish detergent. Fill the remainder of the bottle with water.
- Use a 1-gallon bottle, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of ammonia and 1/2 cup white vinegar. Fill the remainder of the bottle with warm water. Allow the cornstarch to dissolve before using.
Once applying the cleaning solution, specific washing techniques can help clean your windows more effectively.
- Use horizontal strokes on one side of the window being washed, and vertical strokes on the other side. This will allow you to pinpoint the side of the window that has a streak.
- Use toothpaste on impacted areas to eliminate tiny scratches.
- Wash windows on an overcast day or during a time where direct sunlight does not hit the window as it is being cleaned. Direct sunlight will dry cleaning solutions before the glass is cleaned properly.
- Polish windows with newspaper. Using this paper will leave a film that is resistant to dirt.
- Washing windows from the top to the bottom will prevent drips from occurring.