March 24, 2021
Window cleaning and spring cleaning go hand in hand. If you’ve ever spent a good part of a day (or more) washing windows, you know that it can be a tedious and time-consuming task. If you are looking for a better (faster and easier) way to create a house full of cleaner windows, today I have two methods for you to consider.
The first method is great for small windows or multiple windows at a time. I’ve shared this recipe before – it really is the best glass and mirror cleaning recipe I’ve ever mixed up. It works because it uses the power of vinegar to clean, and the rubbing alcohol helps the solution dry quickly and streak-free.
Window + mirror cleaning spray
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of white vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of alcohol
- 3 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional)
Mix in a spray bottle (I recommend using glass spray bottles), spray liberally on the glass and wipe with a cleaning cloth. Swipe from top to bottom and left to right.
I LOVE the new polishing cloths for cleaning windows and mirrors – you can find them in the cleaning cloth kits.
Whenever I’m doing a major window washing session, I mix this high performance window washing solution and use a squeegee to get the job done quickly.
High performance window washing solution
- 4 tablespoons of dish soap or castile soap
- 4 tablespoons of alcohol
- about 1/2 gallon of warm water
Start with a large shallow container and add 4 tablespoons of soap and 4 tablespoons of alcohol to it. Fill the container with about 1/2 gallon of warm water and bring the container to your windows. Place the container on a large bath towel or two in case drips or spills occur.
To wash windows this way, you will need a squeegee. I use one similar to this one, it’s retractable and has a microfiber washable scrub pad. Here’s a similar one – but you’ll need a pole with it if you have tall windows.
Dip your squeegee in the window washing solution, squeeze out the excess water, and apply the pad to your window (make one window at a time). When you’ve scrubbed your window, work the rubber side of your squeegee from left to right and top to bottom. Wipe off any excess water from the squeegee as you work. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe streaks and drops on your windows. Bonus: A microfiber cloth will keep your windows streak-free and lint-free.
When your windows are dirty (like mine) dirty water drips on your window sills. Attack two cleaning tasks at once, and take a minute to mop up each window sill.
Have you already tackled windows? Hope this post gives you some motivation and guidance on washing windows this spring (and beyond).