How to wash windows if there are no special detergents

• How to properly clean dusty windows?
• How to properly clean very dirty windows?
• Tips for those who are planning to wash windows
• Unusual window cleaning methods
• Features of washing plastic windows
• How to choose the right window cleaner?

What is a window in a room for each of us? This is a piece of the outside world to which we belong, this is the light of the sun every morning, this is the measured sound of raindrops on the glass, under which it is so comfortable to think. Basically, a window means a lot to us, but not all of us understand it.

Every housewife, with the appearance of the first rays of the sun in spring, strives to wash the windows as soon as possible in order to let more light and joy into the house. But not everyone knows how to do it correctly so that there are no streaks or stains. Therefore, use effective and simple means that our mothers and grandmothers used to clean windows.

How to properly clean dusty windows?

For those who live in the city on the first floors, or in houses near busy highways, this problem is especially relevant. Just like being lightweight, your windows are subject to “attacks” from large amounts of dust. Doctors will tell you what to do with your lungs, but you will have to clean the windows often. At the same time, you don’t need to make any special efforts for this work.

Windows should be washed one at a time. Only after you have completed a full set of procedures with one, proceed to the next.

Start working on the inside of the windows, and only then wash them on the outside. The operating procedure is as follows:

• Take a bucket or basin with a flat bottom and high sides. Pour a little more than half of warm water into the container;
• Products with a neutral pH balance are better suited for the job. For example, you can use soap shavings. To do this, take a piece of white soap (or laundry soap) and rub it on a grater. You need approximately 2-3 tablespoons of shavings per bucket of water. Dilute the product in water and let it brew. After this, strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Instead of soap, you can use laundry gel or washing powder;
• Soak a soft cloth in this solution and wipe the window from dirt, traces of flies, etc. Don’t forget to rinse between the sashes, treat the handles and window sill;
• Pour cool water into a separate basin and take a cloth. Dip the cloth in water and wring it out. Wipe all surfaces treated with soap;
• After this, take a piece of newspaper, crumple it up, and wipe the glass until it shines. Wipe the frames with a dry cloth.

This option for washing windows was also used by our grandmothers. It is still relevant today. Be sure to use newspaper to make the glass shine.

To remove dust from windows, you can buy special wipes in stores. Read the instructions before using them.

To quickly clean windows, you can use a mop with a foam attachment, which you can buy at any store. On the back side of the crossbar there is a rubber (silicone) scraper attached to it. With its help you will quickly remove excess moisture and foam.

How to wash windows without streaks using improvised compounds if there are no special ones?

When planning to wash windows, you should prepare free space - remove foreign objects, remove curtains. It is also important to take care of the tool in advance.

For hard-to-reach areas, you may need additional tools - special mops for washing glass, magnetic brushes, etc.

Soapy water

Before you start washing the glass itself, you should put the frames, window sills and slopes in order. Soapy water is an effective and simple way to clean windows from dirt and dust without causing scratches.

The soap solution is prepared based on one of the cleaning products:

• grated bar soap;
• washing powder;
• liquid soap;
• dishwashing or laundry gel.

The selected product is carefully diluted in water in an arbitrary proportion. Use the prepared solution to wash the frames. After removing the dirt, the composition is washed off the windows with clean water.

In advanced cases, you can apply a soap solution in advance and give the product time to work. To do this, you can leave the applied product on for 10 minutes. After that, wash the windows.

For heavily soiled glass, you can also use a soap-based cleaner. But it is necessary to take into account that after this the windows will need to be washed off very carefully.

Soda plus vinegar

Using soda in its pure form allows you to wash away dirt, but this method can lead to scratches due to the abrasiveness of the powder. Because of this, the product is not recommended as a stand-alone cleaning agent either for washing frames or for washing glass.

To keep windows clean, a composition containing soda can be used:

• water – 2 liters;
• vinegar - ½ cup;
• soda - ¼ cup.

All components are thoroughly mixed until the soda is completely dissolved. The solution is applied with a sponge or cloth, after which the glass is wiped dry, without additional rinsing with water. Warm water will dissolve the soda faster.

Lemon

Lemon is often used to clean windows. Using this option, cleansing is achieved through the action of acid in the product.

The simplest option:

1. Pour a glass of water into a container with a spray bottle.
2. Add ¼ cup lemon juice.
3. Apply to glass using a spray bottle.
4. Wipe with a soft cloth.

You can only use freshly squeezed juice, not canned juice.

Chalk solution

For very dirty windows, a composition based on finely ground chalk will help. If the windows have not been washed for a long time, there are streaks and traces of insects, then the chalk is diluted with water to a paste, and in this water is spread over the glass surface.

As a means of regular treatment, the solution may be less concentrated:

1. Pour 0.5 liters of water into a container.
2. Add 25 grams of chalk powder.
3. Stir until smooth.
4. Apply.
5. Wait for the composition to dry.
6. Wipe with a rag.
7. Rinse off.

Instead of chalk, you can use tooth powder.

Glycerol

Glycerin as an independent product is not intended specifically for cleaning windows.

His tasks:

• give the surface shine;
• prevent the appearance of ice;
• reduce the amount of deposited dust.

For these purposes, glycerin is often added to window cleaning solutions. One of the simple recipes:

1. In a small container, mix water (40 ml) and glycerin (60 ml).
2. Add 3 drops of ammonia.
3. Stir.
4. Use to wipe glass.

The composition with glycerin must be rubbed in, leaving no wet areas for it to dry on its own.

Blue

Blue is not an independent cleaning agent capable of dealing with complex stains. Adding it in small quantities (a pinch per liter of water) to any homemade window cleaning mixture will allow the glass to acquire an interesting bluish tint .

For washing frames, a composition with blue is not used due to the risk of stains from uneven painting.

Starch

Edible potato starch is one of the products that can be used to deal with dusty windows by washing them without streaks.

A simple and effective recipe includes only 2 components:

• liter of water;
• a tablespoon of starch.

The prepared composition is applied to the glass and left until dry. Afterwards, wipe the surface with a napkin.

Ammonia

Ammonia is a pharmaceutical product that is often used in everyday life to remove dirt from various surfaces.

The following use case is suitable for cleaning windows

1. Pour a liter of water into the container.
2. Add ammonia - 10 ml.
3. Mix.

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If the windows are very dirty, you can also add vinegar to the composition.

Vinegar

A water solution of table vinegar is a good option to wash glass without streaks and clean frames. It should be borne in mind that to clean frames, vinegar should be used only in diluted form, so as not to damage the plastic.

Standard solution preparation option:

• pour ½ liter of water into a container;
• pour in vinegar (1/4 cup);
• pour in dishwashing liquid (1/2 tsp);
• mix.

If the glass is very dirty and has not been washed for a long time, then you should use a recipe in which water and vinegar are mixed in equal quantities.

This publication will tell you more about cleaning windows with vinegar.

Fabric softener

Fabric softener has an unexpected but effective use. It's very easy to prepare:

1. Pour a liter of water into a convenient container.
2. Add a glass of conditioner.
3. Mix the composition.
4. Use with a napkin.
5. Polish with a dry cloth.

How to properly clean very dirty windows?

Housewives who keep order do not let the surface of their windows become heavily soiled. First of all, it is not hygienic. And then, with a large amount of dirt, the window loses its appearance, cleaning it takes several times more time, and the use of aggressive chemical agents.

During the winter season, no one washes the outside of the windows. Frequent precipitation and frost will make your work pointless. Over this period of time, the glass and the windows themselves will have time to become covered with a large amount of dust, dirt and smog residues.

So, to clean dirty windows, use the following tips:

• First, wash the frames, hinges, and handles of the windows. For this procedure, use water with a detergent. All surfaces are washed with a wet piece of foam rubber. The second time they are wiped with a soft cloth soaked in water and wrung out.
• To treat glass, take water and pour detergent into it. Dishwashing detergent or liquid soap works great. The solution is foamed and applied to glass. Leave the substance on the surface for five minutes to react. To apply the liquid, use a plastic bottle in which you burn several holes in the lid. This device quickly sprays the substance over the surface of the glass. Just lay it on a windowsill with highly absorbent material to avoid spills onto the floor.

As a glass cleaner, use products intended for this purpose, which are sold in stores. Spray the substance onto the surface and leave to soak for five minutes.

• Next, wipe the surfaces with a clean rag soaked in water. You can use the rubber side of a mop to clean windows. Wash away any foam and dirt.
• After this, the glass and frames should be wiped with a clean, dry cloth.

Window cleaning tips

Surely you have washed windows at least once in your life, and you yourself know how to prepare them for washing. But it wouldn’t hurt to remind you again. Some tips on where to start cleaning windows and how to make the process more efficient.

• First prepare the space. Remove the curtains and tulle so as not to stain them during the washing process, remove the mosquito net (and rinse it separately under strong water pressure), remove all excess from the windowsill. The window must be completely empty.
• Prepare the equipment and products you plan to use to clean your windows.
• Close the doors in the room to avoid drafts and prevent catching a cold.
• Warm and dry weather is suitable for washing windows, ideally slightly cloudy. The optimal temperature for washing is 10-20 degrees above zero, without precipitation.
• In clear sunny weather, it is better to hold off on washing windows. In the sun, detergents dry faster, which means it will be more difficult to avoid streaks.
• To wash glass from the street side, prepare a separate rag (the outside of the window is much dirtier) and a mop to reach hard-to-reach places.
• Choose hygroscopic rags for shaving, made of cotton, linen or natural suede. You can use a waffle towel or good old newspapers.
• Fill a bucket or basin for water one-third full and check that the container is stable and does not accidentally tip over.

Tips for those who are planning to wash windows

There are several excellent products and recipes that will help you wash your windows without leaving streaks:

• Do not wash windows on a sunny or hot day. Solutions will dry quickly, forming streaks and stains on the windows;
• To make the surface of the glass shiny, rinse it a second time with clean water with the addition of an ammonia solution. This substance will help clean the windows from grease and dirt and allow the glass to sparkle clean;
• To thoroughly wash a painted wooden frame, use shavings of laundry soap or liquid soap as a detergent;
• Proper use of a mop for washing glass involves moving it from top to bottom so that each subsequent section of glass is completely processed;
• In order to permanently ward off flies from glass and frames, wipe them with a solution of 9% table vinegar;
• To prevent the surface of the glass from freezing in cold weather, wash it with a solution of coarse salt diluted in water (2 tbsp/1 cup, respectively);

• Chips and cracks in glass can be treated with clear nail polish;
• A composition of soda, glycerin and ammonia (1 tablespoon/2 tablespoons/2 drops, respectively) will help keep your windows clean and fresh. Polish the glass with this product and let it dry. As a result, you will receive a thin, transparent film that will prevent rapid contamination of the surface and give it shine.

What to look for when choosing

What are the main criteria you need to focus on in order to choose a quality product for cleaning windows and glass surfaces?

Compound

You should choose glass cleaning products depending on the type and degree of contamination. To do this, you will have to carefully study the composition.

The most effective glass cleaners are those that contain benzyl alcohol with the addition of anionic surfactants to form foam. They do not require much effort to dissolve various contaminants and do not leave streaks or cloudy residue. The only drawback is the pungent smell, but it quickly disappears after good ventilation.

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/girl-white-background-woman-young-4906240/

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It is advisable to wash the outer glass with products containing water-repellent components. Raindrops will simply roll down the glass, leaving no traces behind.

An acid-based product containing vinegar or citric acid will help remove soap stains and limescale deposits on mirrors or shower walls - they dissolve alkali well. However, any universal windshield wiper can handle such problems.

If you need to wash tinted or frosted glass, then in order not to damage the surface, it is better to use alcohol-based products or mild surfactants. For severe contamination, it is better to purchase an ethyl alcohol-based cleaner.

Skin safe

Don't believe manufacturers' advertising promises. Any substance that dissolves dirt and grease in one way or another will affect the skin. Do you want to keep your hands soft and tender? Then work with gloves.

Ability to cope with various contaminants

A good product should be universal - effectively remove grease, dirt, drips, insect marks, soot and other contaminants.

In this case, the main criterion is the absence of drips, stripes, cloudy veils, and rainbow highlights.

Convenient capacity

Bottles are usually designed for 0.5 liters. The large volume is difficult and awkward to hold with one hand. The shape of the bottle should be curved, it is advisable to have ribbed bulges for fingers so that the product does not slip out of wet hands.

An important design element is the sprayer. It can be standard with a blocker or work in several modes, for example, have a fine mesh, thanks to which foam is formed.

Smell

If the formula contains aggressive substances, then an unpleasant odor is inevitable. Manufacturers try to disguise it with fragrances with fruit, berry, pine or sea scents. Unfortunately, things aren't working out well for them so far.

A complete absence of odor occurs only in environmentally friendly preparations made on the basis of natural ingredients. But they are not cheap, so they are not very common in our supermarkets. You can only buy them online.

Unusual window cleaning methods

In addition to the traditional method of cleaning windows, there are several unusual methods:

• Take white student chalk, grind it into powder, and mix with vodka in such proportions as to obtain a substance with a consistency similar to sour cream. Apply this mixture to a soft cloth and wipe the glass thoroughly. Wipe the surface again with a dry soft cloth until it shines.
• Fly stains can be easily removed with onions. To do this, cut a fresh onion into two halves and wipe the cut surface on the surface that requires processing. After this type of cleaning, the glass and frames are washed with water.
• Adding starch to glass washing water guarantees shine and cleanliness. For half a liter of water you need to put 1 teaspoon of the product.
• To completely remove the detergent from the surface of the window, add 9% table vinegar to the rinsing water. In addition, this composition will help cope with marks from flies.

Homemade Window Cleaning Recipes

Homemade cleaning solutions often contain the following ingredients:

• lemon,
• alcohol,
• soap,
• starch,
• ammonia,
• vinegar,
• soda,
• glycerol,

If it is necessary to remove severe contamination, add potassium permanganate, ammonia and ash.

To wipe mirrors, it is recommended to use a cloth made of soft materials. This will help avoid streaks.

Water and lemon

One of the simplest and most affordable products to make with many positive reviews.

It's easy to prepare the essence:

1. Add citric acid or lemon juice in an amount of 50 g to one glass of water.
2. Stir thoroughly.
3. Wipe the surface with the resulting liquid.

For mild contamination, the concentration of lemon juice can be reduced . The advantage of the method is the absence of streaks and a pleasant fresh aroma: a lemon-scented flavor is added to many chemical compositions.

Starch

Starch works well with dust and stuck dirt.

A recipe based on it can be made like this:

1. Add a tablespoon of starch powder to a liter of water.
2. To stir thoroughly.
3. Apply to the area with a sponge and leave to dry.
4. Remove the remaining starch with a damp cloth and wipe with newspaper.

Raw potatoes are also used - they contain a lot of starch. The tuber is cut and rubbed on the surface, left until completely dry. To add shine, the surface is wiped with microfiber.

Vinegar

If the windows have not been washed for a long time, use vinegar. It is able to remove heavy stains without leaving streaks. It is used for cleaning window frames and polishing mirrors.

To obtain a concentrated essence, you need to add a quarter glass of apple or white vinegar to half a liter of liquid and stir thoroughly.

Important! To enhance the effect, add half a teaspoon of ordinary liquid soap; this ensures quick cleaning of the glass from dirt.

Acetic acid should be handled with care. It is recommended to use rubber gloves.

Vinegar, alcohol and starch

A mixture of these three components is considered the number one remedy in the fight against pollution.

How to prepare it:

1. Gently heat 500 milliliters of water (2 cups).
2. Dilute 1 tbsp. l. starch.
3. Add pure industrial alcohol and vinegar (a quarter cup each).
4. Shake the bottle.

You can put a special spray nozzle on the bottle, which will facilitate the process of spraying the liquid. After spraying it, wipe the surface with a dry soft cloth.

Advice! Instead of industrial alcohol, you can add regular vodka (a third of a glass).

Black tea and vinegar

A lesser-known method of preparing glass cleaning liquid is a mixture of black tea and vinegar.

It’s easy to prepare, all you need is:

1. Brew strong tea and let it brew.
2. Add 3 tbsp. l. acids.
3. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until the liquid acquires a uniform color.

The resulting liquid is applied to the surface, then washed off with water. The glass is wiped dry with a napkin or rag.

Ammonia

Ammonia is toxic; it is recommended to work with it especially carefully.

The process of preparing the solution:

1. Pour a liter of heated water into a glass container.
2. Add 1 tbsp. l. ammonia.
3. Use the resulting liquid to wipe the window with a microfiber cloth.

It is recommended to wipe the glass with newspapers: printing inks contain carbon. By interacting with ammonia, it allows you to give the glass a special shine.

Liquid soap and vinegar

When these substances are mixed, a foamy liquid is obtained that perfectly washes away most of the contaminants.

Cooking process:

1. Add 2 tbsp. l. acetic acid per 500 ml of water.
2. Pour in half a teaspoon of soap.
3. Shake until foam appears.

If there is not enough foam, add more soap.

Vinegar and soda

Pure vinegar mixed with baking soda can even wipe off a marker or pen. This is relevant for washing old window glass and mirrors.

Simple cooking method:

1. Pour 2 liters of clean water into a saucepan or other container.
2. Add 100 ml of acid and 50 g of baking soda.
3. To stir thoroughly.

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Instead of soda, ordinary table salt is sometimes used; it gives the glass a distinctive shine. But the disadvantage of salt is that its crystals can scratch the surface, so you cannot wash PVC products with it.

Means for heavy soiling

Sometimes it is necessary to clean heavy stains, for example, drops of dried paint after repairs.

To do this, it is recommended to use a special ammonia concentrate with the addition of vinegar..

You need to work with this mixture carefully; just blot the dirty areas with a sponge. It is recommended to purchase a respirator to avoid inhaling harmful ammonia fumes.

Many also use potassium permanganate - dilute several of its crystals and apply the resulting liquid to the windows. Some people wipe the surface with wood ash before doing this to keep it clean longer.

Features of washing plastic windows

To choose the right method for washing plastic windows, you should pay attention to the features of the products:

1. Feel free to wash plastic windows, the manufacturing features of which include a special coating that is applied to the inner surface of the product;
2. Focus on metal and rubber components:

• After washing, lubricate all moving parts of the window structure with machine oil;
• To preserve and extend the service life of rubber gaskets, apply silicone paste to them. It will prevent cracks in the surface of the product and drying out.

1. To avoid clogging of drainage channels, buy a plastic window care kit and use the instructions for its use.

Useful tips

In conclusion, we will collect the main tips for washing windows:

• When choosing, look at the composition of the detergent. To clean wooden frames, use special emulsions and pastes; for plastic ones, use alcohol-based or surfactant-based ones.
• Wash the glass with a soft microfiber cloth. You can use rubberized squeegees and scrapers to wash glass. Such tools are especially suitable for high or panoramic windows and cleaning from the outside.
• Folk remedies like chalk, sand, clay can leave marks on the surface of the glass and frame.
• Carefully wipe the washed windows with a dry cloth, moving first across, then along.
• Do not apply too much solution to the glass, as this will make it more difficult to avoid streaks. Apply only the amount needed.
• A little glycerin in water will help protect windows from streaks after rain, and they will stay clean longer.

How to choose the right window cleaner?

The correct choice of product directly depends on the material from which the windows are made. To treat painted wooden windows, it is advisable to use a solution of soap and water to which ammonia has been added. A tablespoon of product per liter of liquid will be enough. In this case, it is better not to use soda. The surface of the paint under the influence of this abrasive is torn by micro-scratches and becomes dull.

Fine and coarse abrasive substances and devices are absolutely contraindicated for plastic windows. Powder mixtures and scrubbers with hard bristles should be completely avoided. Using such products, you will damage the plastic surface of the frames and window sills. In this case, substances that have a neutral acid-base balance in liquid and gel form are better suited.

Modern industry produces a fairly large number of substances that are intended for washing glass and caring for frames and window sills.

It is much easier to read the method and scope of application of products for different types of windows, and choose the appropriate one, than to experiment and ruin the window.

All presented substances meet the housewives’ requirements for them. They are safe, easily cope with all kinds of contaminants, and easy to use. These substances are produced in the form of sprays, gels, powders and pastes.

Detergents and equipment

In addition to your desire and desire to make your windows clean and shiny, you will need cleaning equipment and detergents. Windows can be washed using professional products or folk solutions, recipes for which have been passed down from time immemorial.

Professional

Professional household chemicals for windows are presented in all their diversity. On store shelves you can find products with a high alkaline content, alcohol and natural ingredients. Its ability to cope with various types of contaminants depends on the composition of the product.

• Products containing ammonia are suitable for heavily soiled windows. Ideal for those times when you want to add shine to a glass surface. In addition, ammonia easily evaporates and does not leave streaks. Good products based on ammonia are “Mister Muscle” and “Kaplya”. But there is also a disadvantage to such products - the pungent smell of ammonia. If you cannot stand this smell, it is better to choose another product.
• Products containing alcohol are especially popular. Typically, manufacturers use isopropyl or benzyl alcohol. Such detergents are inexpensive, but at the same time they perfectly remove outdated dirt, dust and greasy marks. Just spray a little chemical on the glass and wipe it with a lint-free cloth - you don’t even need to rinse it off with water. An example is the popular “Cif” (also available without alcohol), “Clin”.
• Ecological products are gaining momentum in the household chemicals market. They cost more, but are made exclusively from plant surfactants (surfactants). Plus they are not allergenic and have a pleasant smell. ECO cleaning products easily clean the glass surface, add shine and are quite economical in consumption. For example, eco-spray “Organic People”, “AlmaWin Glas & Fenster” (contains surfactants and ethyl alcohol), spray “Ecover Window & Glass Cleaner” are the most popular on the market of environmental cleaning products for windows.

It is better to choose professional detergents with a spray bottle - this makes it easier to apply to the glass in the amount required.

Folk

“Grandma’s” window cleaning products are still in demand, despite the availability of a huge number of options for household chemicals for windows. Traditional methods for cleaning windows include vinegar or ammonia and, of course, wiping with newspaper as the final stage of washing. Here are some of the most classic folk recipes.

Recipe No. 1 Take 2-3 tbsp. l table vinegar 6% or 9%. Stir in 4-5 liters of warm water. You can add a few drops of ammonia (remember, ammonia has a pungent odor). Wipe the glass with this solution and let the water drain a little. Next, wipe thoroughly with a dry cloth, moving first along, then across. Some people use newspaper instead of a rag. The paper absorbs moisture well and does not leave streaks. Paper towels work for this too.

Recipe No. 2 Make soapy water and wash the windows with it. Then prepare “fresh” water and add citric acid or the juice of half a lemon and wipe the glass with this solution. This helps get rid of soap residue and result in clear glass.

Recipe No. 3 Baking soda is also in demand as a cleaning agent. Take 2-3 teaspoons of soda slaked with lemon juice or vinegar and dissolve in warm water. But be careful not to clean the window profile with soda - the effect of soda may cause the paint to fade.

It’s up to you to decide whether it’s better to wash windows without streaks – with professional or folk remedies. You can always experiment and choose what suits you.

Choosing a glass cleaner

You can wash the window using improvised means. They do not require financial costs and are easy to use. If you don’t want to study and prepare the compositions yourself, you can purchase them in the store. There is a wide range of window cleaning products available, and they are inexpensive.

Folk recipes

You can even wash windows with plain water, but this procedure is quite tedious. You can make the task easier with the help of folk remedies that are found in every home:

1. Vinegar. To prepare the solution you will need 1 glass of water and 3 tablespoons of 9% vinegar.
2. Lemon juice . It is taken in the amount of 4 tablespoons per glass of water.
3. Ammonia . For 2 glasses of water you will need 2 tablespoons of ammonia.
4. Vodka. It is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:3.

Any of the listed solutions is poured into a spray bottle, with which it is applied to the glass. You will find many folk recipes for washing windows here.

Special formulations

There are many window cleaning products available on the market. Based on the following criteria, you will be able to select the optimal composition:

1. Liquids based on benzyl or isopropyl alcohol. They dissolve grease stains well, including old ones, and do not leave streaks behind.
2. Liquids in which surfactants are the base component. They have high cleaning properties and are safe for windows and human health.
3. Sprays with ammonia. They are chosen to combat stubborn stains, as well as to give the window surface a glossy shine.

The auxiliary components are: acids, silicones, antistatic agents, water-repellent substances. Popular brands of window cleaning products:

• Clin (140 rubles),
• Mr. Muscle (200 rubles),
• Unicum (110 rubles) and others.

The rating of the best window cleaning products is presented in this publication.