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Green Window Cleaning
Do you ever notice that after cleaning, your house still looks a little dull and not quite sparkling? All the natural light in your home has to pass through your windows first, so if your windows are dirty, that has a big impact on how bright your room is!
I have a bad habit of over-looking the windows until they have gotten pretty filthy.
Can you relate??
Whether you need a deep, spring cleaning for the windows in your home, or you just want a new, less toxic method for every day, I’ve got you covered! Below are the 4 different ways that I clean the windows in my home, so I can vouch for the fact that they all really work!
Quick & Easy Method: DIY Window Cleaner With Vinegar
You will need:
- vinegar
- water
- spray bottle
- lint-free cloth, old t-shirt, or newspaper
Simply mix a ratio of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water in a spray bottle. If you like, you can add about 15 drops of essential oils of your choice to make it smell nicer. Even if you don’t, the vinegar smell will go away completely once it’s dry.
This method is great for every day, and especially if you are having your children help and want to limit their chemical exposure. Vinegar/water spray works really well on cleaning dust, fingerprints, and pet smears, and it does not leave streaks. I actually use this solution to clean many things around the house besides glass.
If you have access to newspaper, the black and white kind not the shiny colored ads, it works really well to shine your windows. Just spray your window, crumple up some newspaper, and use it to dry and polish your window. The downside is your hands will be dirty in the end, but hands can be washed!
Heavy Duty Method: Homemade Window Cleaner
You will need:
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 cups warm water
- empty spray bottle
- lint-free cloth, old t-shirt, or newspaper
- 10-15 drops of essential oils (optional)-lemon or tea tree are good ones to use
This natural window cleaning solution takes a minute or two longer to mix up than the vinegar/water spray in the method above, but it makes up for that with its cleaning ability!
The cornstarch adds just enough scouring power to really polish windows that have heavy grime, like dog slobber or toddler muck. The vinegar acts as a disinfectant, and the rubbing alcohol improves its streak-free performance. Mix all the ingredients together in a spray bottle, and be sure to shake it before each use to keep the cornstarch mixed in.
Store-Bought Method: Best Non-Toxic Glass Cleaner
You will need:
- Method®️ brand Glass + Surface Cleaner
- lint-free cloth, old t-shirt, or newspaper
Maybe you aren’t ready to go all natural with your cleaning, or maybe you just need something quick. This store-bought spray is relatively low-risk when you consult EWG’s Healthy Cleaning database– it is rated a B with “low concern” for allergies and asthma risk. It smells good, works well, and Method’s®️ spray bottles are nice for reusing when you do make your own.
Deep Clean Method: Window Washing Solution
You will need:
- a bucket
- a window washing kit
- an extension pole if you have high windows
- 1 teaspoon castile soap
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- ~2 gallons water
This is my go-to method for when my windows need a deep cleaning, like with the change of seasons.
Sometimes there is just so much dust and grime on your windows that spraying and wiping will only move dirt around and leave smears. This method actually washes the windows, so you’ll be left with a clean and clear surface!
This solution is ideal for the outside surface of your windows, but you can also use it on the insides if you put a rolled towel down at the base of the window to catch drips.
How To Deep Clean Windows
- Once you have your solution mixed up in your bucket, just soak your window washer with the solution in your bucket, squeeze out the excess, and use it to wash down your entire window. Be sure to scrub any spots of ick that are stubborn or stuck to the window. The goal is to get all the dirt free from the window and suspended in your solution.
- Then squeegee the window wash off the window, overlapping your strokes. If you’re like me and are left with some drops around the edges of your window, it’s easy to fix. Simply take an old lint-free rag and wipe along the edges and any areas you may have left a little water line between squeegee swipes.
No matter how dirty your windows are, there is no need to use harsh or dangerous cleaning products to get your windows sparkling. Writing this post inspired me to go on a window-cleaning rampage using the Deep Clean Method. My home feels lighter and brighter already!
Which method will you choose to get your home feeling bright and clean?
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