Is washing windows not one of your favourite things to do? Don't worry, many people do! But with a few simple practices and the right window cleaner, it's child's play. And if you're already picturing yourself trying to wipe the same 5 cm area over and over again to get rid of all the streaks, there's good news: these tricks will not only get your window glass clean, they'll also make it streak-free! Two of the main topics in our window cleaning tutorial are the right tool and the ideal window cleaner. Here they are!
The tool question: what will make your windows streak-free and shiny?
If you still sponge your window glass, we're not telling you anything new by saying that streak-free isn't easy. Not to mention what's hiding in the you can read more about in our previous article. Instead, switch to easier-to-use, more effective windscreen cleaning tools.
Use newsprint! Our grandmothers knew a thing or two, they used the tried and tested method for a reason. Just crumple up a piece of newspaper and you have the ideal windscreen cleaning tool to wipe the glass clean with a single swipe. It's important, however, that you don't choose a "glossy paper" newspaper, but the traditional version.
This way, you can also reuse waste paper, as you'd just throw your paper away after reading it anyway.
Kick a window opener! For a minimal amount of money, you can get a super squeegee that really makes window cleaning as easy as it gets. Because of the aforementioned sponge issue, it's best to look for one that consists of just the scraper, which will clean your window just as effectively.
Choose natural and effective cleaning products!
We've already written about how conventional, store-bought cleaning products contain a lot of toxic chemicals that can harm your health when you're cleaning. This is also the case with window cleaners, many of which contain harmful ingredients such as butyl cellosolve or ammonia. The former is neurotoxic and the latter irritates the respiratory tract.[1][2]
And a clean home should not mean compromises! Instead of traditional window cleaners containing chemicals choose vinegar cleaning, for examplejust as effective, yet completely natural and safe! Mixing equal parts of vinegar and water, you'll have a cleaning solution ready in seconds to effectively remove fingerprints and dirt from your window glass.
A lesser known trick is to use black tea, but this works great too! Brew a big pot of strong black tea, let it cool and you can use it as a window cleaner. The best way to do this is to use a microfibre cloth: dip it in the tea and wipe the window.[3]
Finally, let's look at the answer to the "how question", as the success of your work can depend on little things that you might not even think about.
Super tips on how to clean your windows effectively
When should you start? Always start cleaning with a weather forecast: it's obvious that you won't get much done if there's a storm the next day, but few people realise that it's not ideal in the heat either: the window cleaner can get on the glass before you've had time to wipe it off, which can leave stains. The best time to do this is when it's not too hot and slightly cloudy.[4]
How to get started? If you have a roller shutter, clean it first, otherwise you'll get the window glass dirty again the first time you open and close it. A good way to do this is to wrap a microfibre cloth around both ends of a pair of kitchen tongs. Pinch these together to easily access each slat and quickly clean the entire shutter.[5]
You can use an old toothbrush to get to the corners and window frames without a problem, and you can also use the disinfectant properties of vinegar for cleaning. Finally, the window itself: start from the top left-hand corner and work downwards, wiping the glass from the top down rather than in a circular motion.
What to avoid? Don't wipe the glass dry, as this can cause small scratches that will damage your window in the long run. If you use a squeegee, you should also be aware that any accumulated window cleaning fluid will drip off. So have a microfibre cloth handy to hold to the bottom of the window while cleaning.
Don't forget the curtains! The result will be complete if you have freshly laundered curtains hanging on your sparkling clean windows. Bicarbonate of soda will be a good partner: depending on the size of the curtains, fill a bucket with water so that it covers the entire fabric. Add a few spoonfuls of bicarbonate of soda, then place the curtains in it and press down a little. Leave to stand for half an hour, then it's ready to go in the washing machine. This method will definitely get rid of unpleasant odours, stains and even bring back the bright white colour of your curtains. You can also save on ironing by shaking it out thoroughly while still wet and hanging it up straight away, as the weight of the curtain will smooth out any creases on its own.
CYCLE tip:
CYCLE natural window cleaner is also made using acetic and citric acid, which - together with the above methods - can quickly and easily make your home windows and mirrors streak-free. And with the 10X concentrates available in our organic shop, you can save a lot of plastic too, as you can reuse the empty bottle over and over again.
[1] Abai Ablak: Expert advice - Window cleaning made easy
[2] MedlinePlus: Window cleaner poisoning
[3] Ideal Home: Leave windows gleaming with the 'game-changing' teabag cleaning hack
[4] Offbeat Bros: 15 window cleaning hacks for the cleanest window ever
[5] One Crazy House: Window cleaning tips
