So anyhow. We've lived in our house for nearly 4 years. And I've washed the windows maybe two or at the most, three times. *Blush*
Yesterday I set out to wash my front window. Not the whole house. Not the whole front of the house. Just the living room window. I needed a starting point! Because I bought a junky, store-brand knock-off of "Windex" I didn't have anything suitable for actually doing the job.
So I looked in an old magazine I had and found a solution for window cleaner:
2 quarts water
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
1/2 teaspoon dish soap (ultra concentrated such as Joy)
You can either put this in a bucket and apply with a rag, or put the solution in a spray bottle.
It did the job rather nicely. While I was working it dawned on me that I could have used white vinegar instead of the rubbing alcohol for a "greener" cleaner. Well, I'll try that next time.
And now, since I'm such the expert on cleaning windows, I'll give you some tips:
- Look at the window (or mirror) at a 45% angle instead of straight at it. You'll be able to see the streaks.
- Streaks are caused if you leave any moisture on the window. Make sure to rub the window completely dry.
- I didn't do this, but I should have - on the outside move the rag up and down, and on the inside of the window, go back and forth. Then if you see a streak, you'll know which side it is on.
There you have it! I'm looking out my (mostly) streak-free window, enjoying my pretty flowers that are on the front porch!
I need to do my windows more often!
Something cute: it was hot and muggy out yesterday, and when I was hosing off the window screens, I saw two boys walk by. Soon I heard, "Excuse me, Miss. Could you spray me?" I laughed and adjusted the nozzle to a gentler water stream and the little boy walked into the spray, spread his arms out and said, "ahhhhhh". *Smiles* I was tempted to spray myself! It looked really refreshing!
6 comments:
That is too funny about the boys!
Thanks for the reminder to wash windows. I'm not exactly on top of them either. . .like only a couple of times in the 6 years we've owned the house. Thanks for the gentle reminder!
Uggg. I'm right there with you! My windows are double paned (or pained?) :) so they are 3x's as hard to wash! I confess, we've lived here almost three years, and I have still to get all my windows washed. Hiring it done sounds great... if it didn't cost anything! :) They won't be getting done anytime soon anyway... not in almost 100 degree weather!
So funny about the boys, too! :)
I've found that a 50/50 vinegar & water mixture with a bit of rubbing alcohol added works great for windows and mirrors alike. I never have trouble with streaks when using this solution. Also, old newspapers work for window wipes.
My windows need to be done, but in our current 100 degree weather with stifling humidity...I'm going to keep procrastinating. Besides, I'm pretty sure we're buying new windows this year. (Our current windows are original to the house, circa 1925. They're gorgeous oak framed windows with prairie style grids, but very inefficient.) Thanks for sharing your window cleaning tips!
Heather~
Old windows are so popular! Big decorator item! :) I have an old one from when we replaced windows in one of the houses I grew up. I can't wait to use it! ;) (Don't trash the old ones.) :) New ones will be more efficient.
My extra large front window is in desperate need of cleaning inside and out. On the outside it's dust covered that hinders a nice clear view. On the inside it's lower half is covered in little hand and finger smudges even some crayon art.
DH washes our windows - not that often either - we have a squeegy on a pole and use newspapers to dry streak free.
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