Back to blog
Want your windows to sparkle? Tired of streaks and dirty marks?
The supermarkets are full of fancy products, promising you dazzling results. But a homemade solution can be just as effective and save you money while protecting the environment.
Try these popular DIY cleaners to get your windows gleaming with a streak-free finish.
Washing up liquid and warm water
One of the most basic but effective ways to clean glass is with a bucket of warm, soapy water. Just use your normal washing up liquid, diluted in water. Don’t overdo it, though, and create too many soap suds as these will leave marks when they dry.
Use purified water if possible as most tap water contains minerals like calcium and sodium which can leave unsightly marks on your window.
At Residence Collection, we would recommend sticking this simple combination of soap and water as you can shift dirt quickly without exposing your frames to harsh chemicals which could cause damage.
Vinegar and water
Distilled white vinegar with water has been a tried-and-tested method for cleaning windows for many years and is a viable option if your window manufacturer recommends it.
Make your own homemade solution with one part vinegar to ten parts warm water in a spray bottle. As vinegar contains acetic acid, it’s a powerful cleaning agent that dissolves mineral deposits and greasy smudges. It’s a natural product, however, so has no nasty chemicals or fumes.
Washing up liquid, vinegar and water
If you need something with more power, you could go for a combination of all three. Mix together two cups of warm water with a quarter of a cup of white vinegar and half a teaspoon of washing up liquid in your plastic spray bottle.
Again, it’s important to ensure that this is an approved method from your window manufacturer to avoid causing any lasting damage to your frames.
The right implement
What do you use to apply your homemade solution? Wipe your windows with a soft sponge and dry them with a clean, lint-free cloth. Don’t use anything that may scratch the glass or damage the panes and sills.
For a really professional finish, use a squeegee. Go from top to bottom to avoid any drips, but remember to clean the squeegee blade from time to time with a clean cloth. That way, you’re not just smearing the dirt around.
You could also opt for the scrunched-up newspaper technique. The soft fibres in the paper are tightly packed together so it’s not abrasive and leaves the glass sparkling. Of course, in the past newspapers were part of daily life, making them a cheap alternative to cloths. Not so today.
Extra tip
Wash your windows on a cloudy day! Otherwise, the sun will dry the glass too quickly and add streaking. Also, make sure you only work on one window at a time.
Ready to dazzle
All our windows in The Residence Collection have a maintenance-free finish without any need for painting or varnishing. With their easy-clean frame rebates, they can be easily wiped down and ready to show off to best effect.
That way, you spend less time on chores like cleaning – while your windows are still gleaming!
@residencecollection
