Windows are more likely to become dirty in autumn as there is more likely to be condensation which can cause streaks and marks to build up (Image: Getty)
Many people dread cleaning their windows as it can take a long time and you can need several pricey cleaners to make sure the glass stays streak-free.
However, Eliza Cross, a cleaning expert and founder of has shared that the “best way to without streaks” is simply to make a homemade solution using items in your kitchen cupboard.
She said: “Professional window cleaning can sometimes be quite expensive. Instead, you can wash your own windows with materials you probably already have around the house — and pocket the savings.”
It may sound strange, but washing up liquid and white vinegar you put on chips is one of the most effective ways to clean a window as it can break down the dirt and other residue build-up on the glass.
White vinegar evaporates at a much faster rate than water which means it will not leave behind streaks when cleaned with it so you can have sparkling windows in no time.
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The best and cheapest way to clean a window if by making your own homemade solution (Image: Getty)
What makes vinegar such a great cleaning agent is that it is also acidic which means it can dissolve the condensation that is commonly seen in windows in autumn as well as easily break down any marks on the glass.
Washing up liquid is also very useful as it has been designed to cut through grease and helps loosen up any other more stubborn glass stains to make them easy to wipe away.
To clean windows newspaper is the best cleaning tool as it is fairly absorbent to soak up a cleaning solution so the glass dries quickly without leaving behind streaks or any fibres from a cloth.
Eliza said: “In case you’re wondering, newspaper is the perfect medium for washing windows because the newsprint’s slightly abrasive texture gets the glass squeaky clean.”
How to make a homemade window cleaning solution
You will need:
- 475ml water
- 60ml white vinegar
- Half a teaspoon of washing-up liquid
- Empty spray bottle
- Newspaper
- Sponge or rag
- Cleaning gloves (optional)
Method
To begin, pour the water, vinegar and washing-up liquid into the spray bottle to make the solution.
If there is any debris or odd bits on the window, prepare by using a wet sponge to gently get rid of them.
Put on a pair of gloves, then fold two pieces of newspaper in half and then fold it again until it is a paper-towel-sized rectangle.
Spray the homemade cleaner on the window and wipe the solution horizontally if cleaning outside windows or vertically if cleaning inside windows.
It will only take 10 minutes to get sparkling clean windows (Image: Getty)
By cleaning the windows in different motions you will be able to tell what sides any smudges are the glass to make spotting marks much easier.
If the newspaper becomes dirty or soaked, recycle it and then grab a fresh piece. Keep a sponge or rag nearby to catch any dripping.
After you are done, check the windows. If there are horizontal streaks it means there was more dirt on the outside window and then needs more of the cleaning solution, while vertical streaks mean the inside needs a do-over.
However, this entire cleaning process should only take roughly 10 to 15 minutes so you can have clean windows without too much effort.
Eliza said: “With a little elbow grease, your windows will soon be sparkling and streak-free!”