March 30, 2016
Washing Windows – 2 Ways to DIY
Window washing and spring cleaning go together, don’t you think? If you’ve ever spent a good part of a day (or more) washing windows, you know that it can be a tedious task. If you’re looking for a better (quicker and easier) way to accomplish a house full of clean windows, I have 2 methods to share with you today.
The first method is great for small windows or a couple windows at a time. This recipe is one I’ve shared before here on the blog (and it’s in my book) – it’s seriously the best recipe for cleaning glass and mirrors that I’ve ever mixed up. It works because it harnesses the power of vinegar for cleaning and the rubbing alcohol works to help the solution dry quickly and streak -free.
Window + Mirror Cleaning Spray
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
- 3 drops peppermint essential oil
Mix in a spray bottle (I recommend using glass spray bottles), spray liberally on surface and wipe clean with a window + mirror cleaning cloth.
My favorite way to wash windows? I do them as quickly as possible and this method is how….
Heavy Duty Window Washing Solution
- 4 tablespoons castile soap (or your favorite dish soap)
- 4 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol
- about 1/2 gallon of warm water
Start with a large flat container and put in 4 tablespoons of castile soap (or your favorite dish soap) and 4 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol. Fill the container with about 1/2 gallon of warm water and bring the container over to your windows. Place the container on a large bath towel or two in case there are any drips or spills.
In order to wash windows this way, you need a squeegee. I’m using this one, it’s extendable and has a washable microfiber scrubbing pad. Here’s a similar one – but you need a pole with it if you have tall windows.
Dip your squeegee in the window washing solution, press the excess water out, and apply the pad to your window (do one window at a time). Once you have scrubbed your window, work left to right and top to bottom with the rubber side of your squeegee. Wipe off any excess water on the squeegee as you’re working. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe up any streaks and drips on your windows. Bonus: a microfiber cloth will keep your windows streak and lint-free.
If your windows are dirty (like mine were) you’ll see dirty water drips on your window sills. Tackle two cleaning tasks at the same time and take a minute to wipe up each window sill as you go.
Have you tackled any windows yet? I hope this post gives you a little bit of motivation and direction for washing windows this spring (and beyond).
More posts in this series – just click on the image to go to the post:
Anne Matison Says
What is the best way to clean horizontal white faux blinds. I have tried different things, but nothing comes off. And what is the best way to clean little orange spots (I have no idea what they are) off white Formica. They do not rub off, they do not scrub off. Is this some kind of bug marking its territory? The spots go all over the top of the window, as well. I do not think it is my cats because they are all neutered. Can you help, Becky?
Mair Says
Vinegar is brilliant for cleaning windows! 🙂
Jessica Says
Love the recipes for the window cleaners! Once the rain stops, I need to get my windows cleaned!!
Julia Says
I finally mixed up my first bottle of general spray cleaner. I just love the smell, I used the clove and lemon mixture.
It works great. Thank you for all your ideas.
Jacqueline M. Says
I do a the sink scrub in that scent. It’s amazing and makes washing dishes almost pleasant!
Joyce Biss Says
This is a terrific tutorial. I used the heavy duty cleaning solution yesterday and cleaned all windows and door windows on the south side of our home. The results surpassed the professional window cleaning which we paid for last year. I cannot thank you enough for your advice. Today I shall tackle the north and west side of our home!!
Becky Says
Post authorYay!
Jenny Says
How did you make your labels on your bottles ?
b r Says
Post authorI have them professionally printed 🙂
Pat M Says
Well I just tried your recipe for the spray, and I still have smears, I must be doing something wrong, can’t seem to find a solution for cleaning them without smearing.
b r Says
Post authorWhat are you cleaning the windows with?
Penelope Smith Says
I want to get my windows cleaned sometime soon. It is good to know that you should dip a squeegee in a cleaning solution. That is a good thing for me to know because I can never seem to get my windows really clean. It might be smart for me to hire a professional to clean my windows.
Sheila McDonough Says
Do you have a recipe for stainless steal cleaner? Oh my appliances in my kitchen earnings steel I also have a stainless steal sink.
Clean Mama Says
Post authorHi Sheila! Check out this post on How To Clean Stainless Steel Appliances! https://cleanmama.com/stainlesssteelappliances/