Windows give us beautiful views into the outside world while letting in natural light and brightening up indoor spaces. However, many people get used to having dirt and grime on their homes’ windows and don’t even notice that they have a dulled and distorted image of the world around them. Window cleaning is easy, yet time-consuming, and there are various products to choose from to get the glass clear and sparkling again.
For a natural approach to window cleaning, here are some eco-friendly cleaning tips to try at home.
The Problem with Most Commercial Cleaners
Most window cleaning products that you buy at the store are filled with chemicals that you spray into the air and breathe in, potentially affecting your lungs. Meanwhile, these products are also about three times the cost of what it would be to make your own window cleaner at home.
Many bottles that contain commercial cleaners end up in landfills because they aren’t recycled. With a DIY cleaner, you can reuse the same bottle over and over again for many years to reduce costs and your landfill contributions. Something else useful about homemade cleaners is that you can adjust the ratios of ingredients to make the product stronger or weaker depending on the level of cleaning you need.
DIY Window Cleaning Recipes
There’s no need to buy commercial window cleaners when the DIY recipes are as easy as this.
Easy Vinegar and Water Cleaner
All you really need to clean your windows is a little white vinegar and water. Mix equal parts of each (about ½ cup of each) together in an empty spray bottle. Then simply spray the mixture onto your windows and wipe with a soft cloth.
If your windows are especially dirty, you can increase the amount of vinegar a bit and reduce the water. You can also add a few drops of an essential oil, such as lemon, to add some natural fragrance to your mixture.
Dishwashing Soap and Water Cleaner
Another option is to combine a few drops of a mild dishwashing soap with distilled hot water. A few drops per 16 ounces of water should work well.
Combine these ingredients in a bucket and apply to the window with a sponge. This is a great cleaning solution for very dirty windows that need a few cleanings to get them looking good. It’s also effective for cleaning window screens, sills, and trim. After applying the dishwashing soap mixture to the glass, you can follow up with a few sprays of the vinegar mixture described above.
More Window Cleaning Tips
In addition to making your own cleaning product at home, you can also try the following tips:
- Work from top to bottom while cleaning windows
- After spraying, wait a few minutes before wiping dry to allow the cleaner to soak in
- Avoid paper towels for window cleaning because they leave residue behind
- Try a squeegee to do a better job cleaning than a sponge
Other Natural Cleaning Solutions
As you can see, making your own DIY window cleaner and taking a more natural approach to window cleaning is very easy and just as simple as buying chemical products for a lot more money at the supermarket. So, if you’re new to making your own cleaning products, this is a great one to start with.
Once you get more into this healthy lifestyle, here are some other natural tips and recipes to consider when it’s time to clean your home.