As soon as you’ve cleaned your windows, they’re seemingly dirty again. While there’s plenty of window cleaning sprays and solutions available, these don’t always cut it in the heat.
Cleaning expert Austin from Shine Window Cleaning says most of these products aren’t made to be used in the heat, meaning they’re not much use in the summer. He said: “If you want a product you can use in the heat, make a window cleaner yourself.” Most cleaning products in the shops contain soap, and leave behind a greasy residue, which tends to become streaky in the summer.
This means, while you might have cleaned grime from your windows, they might not actually look much cleaner.
White vinegar, on the other hand, contains acetic acid, which breaks down stains. However, to truly unlock its potential, Austin recommends combining it with cornstarch.
This isn’t just about ensuring an even spread across the glass, cornstarch’s absorbency quickly dries up the water and vinegar mix, guaranteeing a residue-free, sparkling finish.
This straightforward homemade cleaner will effortlessly tackle stubborn stains without leaving any marks, whilst being gentle on the glass.
What you need:
- 120ml white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Boil a kettle and pour it into a mug. Leave it to cool a bit, then use a funnel to pour it into a spray bottle.
Empty spray bottles are available from the cleaning section of most supermarkets, as well as pound shops and hardware stores, or you could re-use an old one if you’ve got one available.
Pour the white vinegar and cornstarch into the spray bottle and give it a good shake to combine the ingredients. Make sure to shake it after each use as the cornstarch can settle at the bottom.
Then, liberally spray your homemade solution onto your window. Use a clean cloth and move in circular motions to eliminate any stains.
Finally, dry the window with a microfibre cloth. Your window should now be gleaming without the need for lengthy cleaning or spending money on less effective commercial products.
