Cleaning windows can be surprisingly frustrating. Windows, glass and shower doors often become marked with hard-to-remove stains.
But with windows, sunlight dries most cleaning solutions too quickly, leaving them looking dirty no matter how much you wipe. Handily, an expert has explained a simple cleaning method that will only take 10 minutes. To leave windows sparkling clean and stain-free, then Emily Tweten, founder of Hearty Sol, suggests adding a bit of cornstarch to your window cleaner.
Emily explaned: “A few years back when I was pregnant with our third baby, I decided to ditch the store bought cleaners and make up my own with ingredients that I keep under my kitchen sink: vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and cornstarch-with these household staples, a great cleaner is just a couple of steps away!”
“Cornstarch is the thickest ingredient and the only dry ingredient in this recipe. Because of this, cornstarch serves its purpose as a gentle yet abrasive component that will effectively remove dirt and other substances from your windows.”
Most window cleaners leave behind some residue, which can cause streaks, but cornstarch is highly absorbent, so no excess liquid is left behind on the glass.
It also prevents the water from forming droplets, ensuring your window cleaner spreads evenly on the glass, eliminating drip lines or smears.
Vinegar effectively breaks down any dirt, dust, or pollen that has accumulated on the windows, while rubbing alcohol eliminates bacteria lurking on the surface.
Cleaning glass without leaving streaks is a simple and natural process, which can also be used for mirrors or shower doors.
Here’s how to clean windows without leaving streaks:
You will need:
- 480ml of warm water
- 60ml of rubbing alcohol
- 60ml of white vinegar
- One tablespoon of cornstarch (also called cornflour)
- An empty spray bottle
Method:
Simply combine all the ingredients in an empty spray bottle. Spray bottles can be purchased in the gardening section of most supermarkets, as well as pound shops and hardware stores.
Spray a generous amount of the cleaning solution onto the glass. Ensure you shake it well before use, as cornstarch tends to settle in liquid.
After spraying your window, wipe it with a microfibre cloth, then polish it dry with another cloth.
With just a few basic ingredients likely already in your kitchen, your windows will be gleaming and completely free of smudges.