Vinegar is effective for cleaning windows. Because of its natural acidity, white vinegar can easily break down grime and dirt, making your windows shiny and streak-free. It’s also affordable and eco-friendly.
Let’s find out how this cleaning method works and what other alternatives you can do for extremely soiled and greasy windows.
What Makes Vinegar Effective in Cleaning Windows
There are several reasons why vinegar is ideal for your dirty windows:
- It is accessible and inexpensive. Almost every household has a bottle of vinegar in the kitchen. It’s readily available and easy to replenish. Also, compared with commercial cleaning solutions, vinegar is more affordable.
- Its acidic nature dissolves grime. Vinegar contains acetic acid that can break down dirt, grime, and mineral deposits. When properly used, it also makes the glass look clean and shiny.
- It is natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic. Commercial cleaners can irritate the eyes and skin without proper protection. Some even pose health risks. On the other hand, vinegar is safe for people and pets. It does not release harmful fumes or contribute to environmental pollution.
How to Clean Windows Using Vinegar
Here are the steps to start window cleaning with vinegar:
- Make the cleaning solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Distilled white vinegar is the best type for cleaning windows because of its high acidity. Add drops of essential oil, like lemon or lavender, for fragrance, if you like.
- Prep your windows: Use a feather duster to remove excess pet hair, dust, or cobwebs on window frames. It will prevent particles from smearing or scratching the glass during cleaning.
- Spray the solution: Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes after spraying on the window surface.
- Wipe clean: Use a clean microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe down from top to bottom, working in a Z-shaped motion. You can also use a squeegee for large windows.
Additional Cleaning Tips
- You may adjust the ratio of vinegar to water or add some liquid dish soap for added cleaning power.
- Do a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area first to avoid damaging the surface.
- Spray and clean in sections so you can wipe the solution off before it dries out.
- Avoid soaking the windows with too much vinegar solution to prevent streaks.
- Carry out your window cleaning process during clear, sunny days for optimal results.
- For fast and easy cleaning, clean your window every few weeks or monthly.
Potential Drawbacks of Using Vinegar to Clean Windows
While cleaning windows with vinegar is an effective technique, some homeowners may have problems with this solution. Cleaning experts also say vinegar may not work well on very soiled windows.
Here are some points to consider:
- Strong vinegar odour: Some find vinegar smell unpleasant or too pungent. The scent can also be overpowering, especially when using the cleaning solution in small spaces. You can solve this issue by wearing cleaning gloves and opening windows while cleaning.
- Potential damage: Treated, laminated, or coated windows should not come in contact with acidic solutions. Vinegar can degrade window sealants, too. It may also dull some window surfaces, like stone or concrete.
- Extra grimy windows: Vinegar does not work well on greasy surfaces like your kitchen windows or those near the stove and sink. Commercial cleaning solutions are better degreasers.
- Hard-to-reach areas: Windows in high places are difficult to clean. You’ll need additional equipment to reach and clean them properly. In this case, calling professional window cleaners may be a more practical solution.
Alternative Homemade Window Cleaners
If you’re not keen on vinegar, here are other solutions for clean, streak-free windows. Remember to spot-test first, as these methods may not be suitable for some window types.
- Dish soap and water: Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Place the soapy water in a spray bottle or bucket. Apply the solution to the window surface, then wash using a sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly, then wipe dry with a squeegee or microfiber cloth.
- Lemon juice and water: Fill a spray bottle with water, then add a small amount of lemon juice. Spray the solution onto your windows and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Wipe it clean with a squeegee or microfiber cloth. Lemon juice leaves a fresh scent and helps remove hard water stains.
- Rubbing alcohol and water: Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and rubbing alcohol. Spray the solution onto your windows, then wipe it clean with a squeegee or microfiber cloth. Rubbing alcohol is effective in removing stubborn stains.
- Baking soda paste: Mix enough baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste on window stains and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub with a sponge or soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly.
- Newspaper: Crumple up a piece of newspaper, moisten it with a cleaning solution, and then gently scrub your windows. Newspapers have this unique texture that absorbs moisture and dirt without leaving streaks, making it ideal for cleaning glass surfaces.
Ask the Experts for Proper Window Cleaning Solutions
Vinegar has the natural properties to turn grimy windows into sparkling glass surfaces. However, using homemade solutions for window cleaning has some drawbacks. The process also needs effort and time most home or business owners do not have.
Contact PPSG at 1300 867 872 for fast and reliable cleaning results. Our commercial window cleaners know the right approach for tackling extremely dirty or greasy windows.