Cleaning Your Window Organically

Washing windows isn’t an easy task; you can’t exactly knock it out when you have an extra fifteen minutes to spare. But, as difficult as it may be, it’s also necessary in order to keep your house as clean as possible.

However, for some people, it’s not just the hassle of window washing that keeps panes dirty, it’s also the chemicals involved with the cleaning. If you fall into this category, the news is good: windows can be cleaned solely with organic ingredients.

Window Washing Frequency

Windows don’t need to be washed as often as you vacuum or change your sheets. In fact, they don’t need to be washed that often at all.

According to CNN, your panes are on the same schedule as your teeth: they should be properly cleaned every six months.

Washing Windows Without Chemicals

Washing windows without harsh chemicals is extremely easy. A bucket of water and a squeegee may be all that is needed to remove dirt and grime. But, for windows that are so corroded water alone can’t do the job, something extra may be required.

Per the San Francisco Gate, one way to wash hard to treat window is to use vinegar and water. Vinegar is an effective ingredient because it removes film from glass and leaves windows free of streaks and smudges. To wash away buildup in this manner, place equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle or bucket. Wet the windows before drying them with a lint-free cloth. If the windows contain hard water spots, undiluted vinegar should remove them.

For anyone who doesn’t like the strong scent of vinegar, lemon juice can often be used as a substitute; it’s typically just as effective at cutting grease and polishing glass. To use it, mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with one quart of water and apply to the glass before washing.

Another way to clean your windows involves mixing borax and water. For this, mix two tablespoons of borax with three cups of water, apply the solution to the window pane, and then wipe it clean. After the borax is removed, re-wipe the glass with a solution of either equal parts vinegar and water or a gallon of water, three tablespoons of cornstarch, and half a cup of vinegar.

If your windows are scratched, you can usually polish out the imperfections with toothpaste. Simply apply the toothpaste to the window using a cotton ball or a rag and work the area with a soft cloth.

Dry Window Washing

According to Home Exterior Systems, a leading siding company in Houston, if your windows are covered with dust but not particularly dirty, you may be able to wash your windows without any liquid. In these cases, a dry cloth is usually all that is needed for windows to look clean, polished, and streak-free.

But, if you go this route, be sure to use lint-free cotton cloths as others can help windows collect dust instead of remove it. Some people also find that balled up newspapers work well. But, the ink in these papers can sometimes be bothersome to the skin of some. Thus, if you notice irritation, replace the Times or Tribune with a different kind of rag.

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