How to Clean Windows - Wash Windows the Natural Way

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By Uninvited Writer

There are many instructions available on how to clean windows, some better than others. Cleaning windows has got to be one of the most hated and put-off household chores. It usually requires some extra effort on your part. If you have any sort of physical disability or weakness then it becomes something you do only when you absolutely have to. Many of the products sold to clean windows do not work the way they are supposed to for most people. People have been driven to distraction trying to remove streaks from their windows after using a "no streak" product.

The best way to clean windows is the natural way, using natural products that will not harm you or the environment around you. Products like white vinegar, baking soda, corn starch, club soda and lemon juice are all helpful in cleaning windows.

The natural ways of cleaning windows also seem to be the most effective. They don't leave any residue (if properly rinsed) that builds up. Regardless of what you use, you should clean your windows when the sun is not directly shining on them, this will make them dry too quickly and they will leave streaks. Also, if the windows are very dirty or if they have a lot of residue from commercially available products, you should wash them with warm, soapy water and a sponge first. After they have dried, then you can apply these ideas to get your windows sparkling clean.

Natural Products to Clean Your Windows

The most widely recommended natural way on how to clean windows is using a combination of white vinegar and water and a sponge; combine ½ cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Use a squeegee to remove the excess water and then dry the window with crumpled up newspaper or a soft cloth. You can also mix the vinegar and water in a spray bottle and just spray it on. If you use a spray bottle add 2 cups of water and ¼ cup of white vinegar.

You can add cornstarch to a mixture of vinegar and water to clean your windows as well. Combine 2 tablespoonfuls of cornstarch, 1 cup white vinegar, 1 gallon warm water. Rinse well and dry with a squeegee or crumpled up newspaper. Another natural way to wash windows is using lemon juice. Squeeze some lemon juice on a soft cloth or sponge and wipe off the residue with a soft cloth. .

Baking soda, the miracle compound that seems to be able to do anything, can also be used to clean your windows. Sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge or soft cloth. Rinse the windows with a clean sponge and plenty of water. Dry the windows with a squeegee or a crumpled up newspaper (newsprint is probably better). Club soda is another natural way to wash windows. Just pour the club soda in a bucket, soak a sponge in the club soda and wash the windows. Dry them using a squeegee or newspaper.

No matter which method you choose on how to clean windows, wash the windows in an alternating up and down, and right to left motion. Do not use a circular motion as that will cause streaks. Any one of these methods should leave you with clean, shiny windows without too much effort. You can be proud of yourself for not putting your health or your environment in jeopardy from dangerous fumes in order to have a clean house.

Comments

RedElf profile image

RedElf Level 7 Commenter 2 years ago

I haven't been able to use newsprint since the local papers switched to canola based ink - better for the environment, but leaves smears on everything, darn it.

Great info, as usual.

...and thanks for the heads up on the hub, lol. God bless that copy/paste function and my being in a hurry - anyway, thanks again.

MindField profile image

MindField 2 years ago

Really useful, UW. Gleaned lots of good info, as usual. Most of all, though, just adored the George Formby video!

Uninvited Writer profile image

Uninvited Writer Hub Author 2 years ago

Glad to be of help RefElf.

MindField, once I watched that video I knew I had to fit it into my hub.

Thanks for the compliments both of you :)

sminut13 profile image

sminut13 Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago

wow really useful information. i had no idea regarding the natural ways. definitely learned something new, though i'm still buying the soap to clean it.

Stylinbikerchick profile image

Stylinbikerchick 2 years ago

I have always used the vinegar and newspaper to clean my windows with and you are right it's the best and cheapest method. However, we have some very old windows at work that someone let go way too long before cleaning and I have the darndest time getting them completely clean,,,I'm gonna try your baking soda compound on them, after the soap and water method (which duh! I never thought to try first) Thanks Bunches. By the way I use vinegar to clean most everything in the bathroom and kitchen too.

Dolores Monet profile image

Dolores Monet Level 7 Commenter 2 years ago

Writer, I always have used newspapers but lately have not been to crazy about the results. Now, reading the comments, I see where Red Elf says the changed ink causes streaks. Durn it. One thing about washing windows is that the newly cleaned windows just make the whole room look better.

lovemychris profile image

lovemychris Level 5 Commenter 2 years ago

This is great information to have!

Window Clean 24 months ago

Thanks for the useful tips. They are also useful

KLeichester 18 months ago

Must admit, we all need to learn this. I'm thankful for this.

American_Choices profile image

American_Choices Level 4 Commenter 17 months ago

Uninvited Writer,

My grandmother would wash windows with newspapers - it really does help with the lines that form - great frugal add in. Haven't tried the baking soda for windows - use it on a regular basis with salt for my teeth and plaque control.

Good and useful information here for a necessary domestic duty.

Just Ask Susan profile image

Just Ask Susan Level 8 Commenter 16 months ago

Great tips here. I have used vinegar and newsprint but never knew about baking soda. Will have to try that one as I use baking soda for many things. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide will clean all the gunk out of a thermos and make it look brand new.

mary615 profile image

mary615 Level 8 Commenter 12 days ago

I always use white vinegar and water to clean windows. In fact I use vinegar to clean almost everything in my house. I wrote a Hub about vinegar. When you have some time, check it out. I enjoyed this Hub; very informative. I'll vote it UP, etc.etc. Goodnight.

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