Windows tend to become sticky and stained in summer since there is more pollen in the air, but there is a simple method to clean them that will only take 10 minutes. It can be surprisingly difficult to clean windows as sunlight will dry most cleaning solutions too quickly, so they can still look dirty no matter how much time you wipe them down.
However, if you do not want to leave big water stains on windows, then Emily Tweten, a cleaning expert and founder of Hearty Sol, recommends adding a little cornstarch to your window cleaner. Emily said: “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!”
She added: “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.
Cornstarch also stops the water from being able to form droplets, so your window cleaner will spread evenly on the glass, so there are no drip lines or smears.
It is a natural and easy way to clean glass properly without leaving behind streaks, so you can also use it to clean mirrors or shower doors.
Vinegar will break down dirt, dust, or pollen built up on the windows, while rubbing alcohol will get rid of bacteria festering on the surface.
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:
All you need to do is add all the ingredients into an empty spray bottle. You can buy spray bottles in the gardening aisle of most supermarkets, but pound shops and hardware stores will also sell them.
Spray a generous amount of the cleaning solution onto a glass. Shake it thoroughly before using it, as cornstarch tends to settle on liquid.
Once you have sprayed your window, wipe it with a microfibre cloth, and then polish it dry with another cloth.
Using only a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, your windows will look sparkling clean and completely smudge-free.