Remember how Grandma’s windows were always sparkling clean? You’d stand there, mesmerized by the crystal clear glass, wondering how she managed such a feat. Well, wonder no more, because we’re about to unveil her secret. Get ready for some old-fashioned wisdom and practical tips that will transform your windows from grimy to gleaming.
1. Vinegar and Water Mix
Grandma knew that the best solutions are often the simplest. A mixture of vinegar and water is an excellent homemade window cleaner. The acetic acid in vinegar cuts through dirt and grease without leaving streaks.
Just fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and warm water, and your homemade window cleaner is ready to use. For tough grime, let the solution sit on the window for a few minutes before wiping. Check out this spray bottle which is perfect for the job.
When cleaning, make sure to spray the solution on the cloth and not directly on the window to avoid streaks. Wipe in a circular motion for best results, and dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.
2. Newspaper Instead of Cloth
Another trick from Grandma’s book is using newspaper to clean windows. It might sound old-fashioned, but it’s a highly effective way to get streak-free windows. The dense fibers in newspapers make them super absorbent, so they don’t leave lint behind like cloth or paper towels.
Just crumple up a page, spray your window cleaner on the glass, and start wiping. Always remember to use gloves while using newspaper to avoid getting newsprint on your hands. Newspapers are easily available, but if you don’t have access, you can consider using packing newspaper.
When cleaning, always wipe with the newspaper in one direction on the inside windows and another direction on the outside. This way, if there are streaks, you’ll know which side they are on.
3. Black Tea
Grandma’s teatime was not just about sipping her favorite brew; she also knew the power of tea as a window cleaner. Black tea, in particular, contains tannic acid, which works as a powerful cleaning agent to make windows sparkle.
Brew a pot of strong black tea, let it cool, and then pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the tea onto the window and wipe off with a lint-free cloth or newspaper. You can find a variety of black teas to choose from. Remember to strain the tea properly before using it to clean windows. Any tea leaves or particles can cause scratches on the glass.
4. Cornstarch
Grandma’s pantry was her trusted tool kit, and cornstarch was among her favorite cleaning hacks. This incredible ingredient, usually used for thickening soups and sauces, also doubles as a great window cleaner. It acts as a gentle abrasive, helping to remove dirt and grime.
Just add one tablespoon of cornstarch to the vinegar and water solution mentioned above. Shake the mixture well before spraying it onto the window. You can find a range of cornstarch options to choose from. Remember to stir or shake the solution before each spray to ensure the cornstarch is well mixed. After spraying, wipe with a clean cloth or newspaper as usual.
5. Rubbing Alcohol and Dish Soap
For those stubborn stains and hard-to-remove grime, Grandma had a powerhouse solution: a mix of rubbing alcohol and dish soap. Both are excellent cleaners, and when combined, they’re almost unstoppable. The rubbing alcohol helps to dissolve dirt, while the dish soap cuts through grease and grime.
To make this solution, mix one cup of rubbing alcohol, one cup of water, and a tablespoon of dish soap. Spray it on the window and scrub gently with a sponge or cloth. You can find a variety of rubbing alcohol to choose from. Always remember to rinse the window thoroughly after using this solution. Any soap residue left behind can attract more dirt.
6. Lemon Juice
Grandma’s love for lemons wasn’t restricted to lemonade. The natural acidity in lemons makes them great for cleaning, and their fresh, citrusy scent is an added bonus. Lemon juice is particularly effective for hard water stains and mineral buildups.
Simply squeeze fresh lemon juice into a spray bottle and spray it onto the window. Wipe with a clean cloth or newspaper. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will work just as well. Remember to rinse the window thoroughly after using lemon juice. Acidic cleaners can damage window frames if left on for too long.
7. Dusting Before Cleaning
One of Grandma’s cardinal rules was to always dust the windows before starting the cleaning process. Dust and dirt can turn into muddy grime when mixed with a cleaning solution. Moreover, if you’re using a sponge or cloth, the dust can scratch the glass.
Use a microfiber cloth or a feather duster to dust the window frame, sill, and the glass itself. A good microfiber cloth is a handy tool to have around. Remember to dust from top to bottom, so you’re not dusting onto areas you’ve already cleaned.
8. Cleaning on a Cloudy Day
Grandma knew that timing was everything. Cleaning windows on a bright, sunny day might seem ideal, but it can actually cause streaks. The cleaning solution dries up quickly due to the heat, leaving behind residue before you get a chance to wipe it off.
Therefore, choose a cloudy day to clean your windows. With the absence of direct sunlight, your cleaning solution will stay liquid longer, allowing you to wipe it off before it dries. Remember to check the weather forecast to ensure it’s not going to rain. You don’t want all your hard work to be washed away!
9. Regular Cleaning
Perhaps the most important trick in Grandma’s book was regular cleaning. It’s much easier to clean lightly soiled windows than those thick with grime. By cleaning regularly, you’ll keep your windows sparkling and extend their lifespan.
Depending on where you live and the weather conditions, you might need to clean your windows more or less frequently. But as a general rule, aim to clean them at least twice a year. Remember that the more regularly you clean, the less time each cleaning will take. And with these grandma-approved tricks, you’ll have spotless windows in no time.
So there you have it – the grandma-approved tricks for spotless windows. These tried-and-true methods have stood the test of time, proving that sometimes, the old ways are indeed the best ways. Now you can enjoy the satisfaction of gleaming, streak-free windows, just like Grandma’s. And who knows? You might even pass down these tips to your own grandchildren one day.
