DIY Cleaning Methods for Windows

How to Clean Windows with a Vinegar and Water Solution

• Mix your solution: Combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. If your windows are especially grimy, you can bump up the vinegar ratio a bit, but a 1:1 mix is the classic go-to for everyday cleaning.

 

• Prep the window: Before you spray, give the window a quick dust-off with a dry microfiber cloth or a soft brush. This helps avoid turning dust into streaky mud when you start cleaning.

 

• Spray generously: Mist the vinegar and water solution directly onto the glass. Don’t be shy—cover the whole surface, especially if you see fingerprints or smudges.

 

• Wipe with a lint-free cloth: Use a clean microfiber cloth, a squeegee, or even crumpled newspaper (if you’re feeling old-school) to wipe the window. Start at the top and work your way down in overlapping strokes to help prevent streaks.

 

• Buff for clarity: If you notice any streaks or cloudy spots, buff them out with a dry part of your cloth. Sometimes, a second pass with a fresh cloth does the trick.

 

• Don’t forget the edges: Run your cloth along the window edges and corners, where grime likes to hide. If you see buildup, a cotton swab dipped in your solution can help get into tight spots.

 

• Let it dry: Allow the window to air dry or give it a final wipe with a dry cloth for a streak-free finish. If you’re cleaning on a sunny day, work quickly—direct sunlight can make the solution dry too fast and leave marks.

How to Use a Baking Soda and Lemon Juice Paste for Cleaning Windows

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need baking soda, a fresh lemon, a small bowl, a spoon, a microfiber cloth, and a spray bottle of plain water. If you have a squeegee, keep it handy for a streak-free finish.

 

• Mix your paste: In your bowl, combine about two tablespoons of baking soda with enough freshly squeezed lemon juice to form a thick, spreadable paste. The mixture will fizz a bit—this is just the baking soda reacting with the acid in the lemon juice.

 

• Apply the paste: Use your spoon or a clean cloth to spread the paste onto any spots or streaks on your window glass. Focus on areas with fingerprints, smudges, or water spots. Avoid getting the paste on window frames if they’re made of wood or painted surfaces, as the acidity of lemon juice can affect some finishes.

 

• Let it sit briefly: Give the paste a minute or two to work on the grime. Don’t let it dry completely, as it can become harder to remove.

 

• Wipe away the paste: Dampen your microfiber cloth with water and gently wipe the paste off the glass. Rinse the cloth as needed to avoid spreading residue.

 

• Rinse and dry: Spray the window with plain water to remove any leftover paste. Wipe dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth or use a squeegee for a streak-free finish.

 

• Check your work: Step back and look for any cloudy spots or streaks. If you see any, buff them out with a dry cloth.

What’s Happening Here?

• Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive, helping to loosen stuck-on grime without scratching glass.

 

• Lemon juice brings a bit of acidity, which can help break down mineral deposits and add a fresh scent.

 

• Microfiber cloths are ideal for glass because they lift away residue and leave fewer streaks than paper towels.

Tips for Best Results

• Work in small sections so the paste doesn’t dry out before you wipe it away.

 

• Avoid using this method on tinted or specialty glass without checking manufacturer recommendations, as the acidity of lemon juice can sometimes affect coatings.

 

• Don’t forget the window tracks and sills—a little paste on a toothbrush can help loosen dirt in those hard-to-reach spots.