Windows are the most crucial components of a home's structure. Clean and streak-free windows not only enhance the overall curb appeal of your living space but also maximise functionality and energy efficiency. However, it accumulates dirt; grime, bird drops, and stubborn stains over time, making the glass look dull and dingy.
Unfortunately, dirty windows can lead to bad indoor air quality, reduced natural light and increased energy consumption and electricity bills due to accumulated grime and allergies. While commercial window cleaners can deliver sparkling results, most of these products are laden with ammonia-based chemicals that can even trigger allergies and potential respiratory issues, especially for people with asthma conditions.
Fret Not! Here is a comprehensive guide on preparing the best homemade window cleaning solutions for a streak-free shine. It also comprises of right cleaning techniques and the best ways to clean every nook and cranny of windows like a pro. You can also prefer hiring end of lease cleaners Sydney to help you secure full bond money.
Let’s Get Started!
1. White Vinegar + Warm Water: The Best Window Cleaner
Use distilled water to prevent marks and stains on the glass. Adding white vinegar (acid) can help you easily tackle stubborn stains and grime. This is the best homemade window cleaner recipe as it is easy to mix and can be customised with your favourite essential oils, like lavender, tea tree oil, lemon, etc.
Mix ½ cup white vinegar with 2 cups of distilled water and 10 drops of your favourite essential oil into a spray bottle. Adding lemon can also help you achieve sparkling results. White vinegar is acidic and can dislodge grime, gunk, bird droppings, mould, mildew and grime from your windows and tracks without leaving scratches behind. It is a super-versatile household cleaning agent used for cleaning walls, carpets, tiles, kitchen appliances, stovetops, etc, without producing toxic fumes.
Here are some of the best alternative options you can try when preparing a homemade window cleaner.
2. A DIY Window Cleaner with Rubbing Alcohol
This is a great alternative to a vinegar-based window cleaner. Rubbing alcohol is a powerful product that effectively removes gunk and grease from your glass surface. The product quickly evaporates, leaving no sign of residue behind on the glass surface. Additionally, it is a natural disinfectant that can kill lurking germs and bacteria effectively.
First, add ¼ cup rubbing alcohol, 2 tablespoons distilled vinegar and warm water into a spray bottle. Store the solution in a container and close the lid tightly. Before spraying, shake it well and tackle stubborn stains and grime from your windows' sills, tracks, edges and glass surface.
If you are moving out of your rental property soon, book cheap end of lease cleaners Sydney. They bring tried and tested products and adhere to strict cleanliness standards to deliver exceptional results. This can help you secure the full bond without any dispute.
Tip: Rubbing alcohol or other alcohol-based cleaner is highly flammable, so be sure you store this product in a cool place away from direct sunlight, kids and pets.
3. Baking Soda: A Mildly Scouring Scrub For Windows
This is another great alternative that can help tackle grease, grime and gunk stains from your windows. It is known for its mild abrasiveness and can be used as a thick paste form for effective scrubbing. You can add half a cup of baking soda with a tablespoon of warm water to create a paste.
Now apply this paste on your dirty windows and scrub it in a circular motion using a sponge or soft-bristled brush. It can effectively remove hard water stains and caked-on grime without leaving scratches behind. You can use the versatile baking soda to clean and deodorise your carpets before the final move out.
4. DIY Dish Soap Cleaner For Window Glasses
Mild dish soap is a simple and effective cleaning agent you can prepare at home to keep the glass surface clean and shiny. It can dislodge buildup grease and other stubborn stains in no time. Mix 16 ounces of hot water and 10 drops of mild dish soap in a bucket. Mix it well and wash your windows inside and outside.
The best part about dish soap is that you can use it to clean different types of floors without creating any mess. From laminate to hardwood, removing stains with dish soap makes life easier. Ensure you swirl out excess water to prevent moisture build up when mopping your floors.
5. Tips to Clean Windows and Glass Frames Using a DIY Cleaner
Once you’ve prepared homemade cleaning agent, consider the following tips for streak-free results:
- Eliminate Dust and Allergens: Start by removing loose dirt and debris from window sills, frames, edges and tracks using a microfiber cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. It can get into nooks and crannies with ease.
- Spray the Solution: Apply the product on your window surface and run a sponge or a cloth to dislodge dirt and grime. Use baking soda paste for oily or greasy stains. Leave it for a few minutes. It is good to wash your windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks, as direct sunlight can cause a DIY solvent to dry too quickly, leaving streaks behind.
- Run a Rubber Squeegee: Run a rubber squeegee to remove excess water and solution. Begin from the top and work down in S motion to achieve streak-free results.
- Use Pressure Washing Method: Clean the exteriors of your windows using a pressure washing method to tackle stubborn stains and grime.
- Hire experts: When vacating your rental property, it is always good to hire seasoned end of lease cleaning Sydney professionals. They strictly follow the pre-approved checklist and cover every nook and cranny, including windows, to help impress your fussy landlord to prevent disputes and penalties.
Homemade Window Cleaning Solutions For a Streak-Free Shine
Wrapping Up
There is no rocket science behind preparing homemade window cleaners. You can keep your windows and glass clean and streak-free using eco-friendly, affordable ingredients, such as vinegar, dish soap, baking soda, rubbing alcohol, and warm water, to achieve a spotless shine like never before. Happy Cleaning!