Probably the last items we wash in our homes is our windows. I really speak just for myself, but my experience has been that cleaning windows is not even Martha Stewart’s favorite pastime. I once knew someone who told me she had 72 windows throughout her home, and when I asked how she kept them clean, I got a look I will never forget: It said without words, “I don’t.” Here are some tips; no matter how many windows you may have in your home and how little you feel like washing them.
How To Wash Windows
One general rule of thumb that will make your cleaning job much more effective is to remember to always wash your windows with horizontal strokes on the inside and vertical strokes on the outside. (If you don’t know which is which, find something else in your home to clean.) This method provides the perfect way to determine which side of the glass the streaks are on.
Washing Frigid Windows
Windows will often fog up when it’s cold outside and you are attempting to apply some cleaner directly to the glass. To avoid this, try adding the cleaner to the rag instead. This might help, but if it doesn’t, wait until the spring thaw before you attempt to clean the window again, and just make sure you don’t entertain any important company before then.
Homemade Window Cleaner
Mix into a bucket half-filled with warm water ¼ cup of white vinegar and ¼ cup of ammonia. Fill several spray bottles as well, making sure to label them for future use. (Your plants won’t appreciate a refreshing spritz from such a blend.) To render a true professional look, add a drop of blue food coloring and a few drops of lemon extract to your spray containers and mix well.
It is also said that chopping a large onion into eighths and dropping it into a bucket of warm water can effectively clean windows. (I haven’t tried this. If you do, please let me know if it works.)
Stay tuned for more tips on cleaning windows tomorrow.
Related Reading:
“Cleaning Those Wooden Floors”
“Cleaning Leather And Other Diversions”
“Cleaning Antique Wooden Furniture”