Many people don’t like the idea of making their own cleaning detergents because they think they can’t be as effective as the cleaning products offered on the common market. Well, these people are wrong. Green cleaning solutions and products can be just as efficient as the ones from the store, and even more. It all depends on the ingredients you decide to use to create them.
Let’s take the window cleaning chores as an example. Windows gather all kinds of dirt, both from inside and outside. Most of the commercial window cleaning detergents smell bad and only poison the air on the property, while the windows still have smudges and streaks on them.
Here’s an excellent recipe for a homemade window cleaning detergent with lemon and vinegar, which will help keep your windows in perfect condition. And if you choose this nature-friendly and green cleaner, you will notice how the atmosphere in your home will change completely.
The window cleaning ingredients
The main problem with store-bought glass cleaners is that they contain ammonia, which is very dangerous for our health, even though they can clean everything. This homemade window cleaner replaces the ammonia with a few equally strong but natural ingredients, which won’t harm the surface of the windows in any way. Window cleaning professionals use it on a daily basis and swear by its strong cleaning qualities. They also provide long-lasting results if you maintain your home regularly and properly.
So, here’s what you’ll need:
- A clean spray bottle
- White vinegar – about half a cup
- Lemon juice – about a quarter a cup
- A non-toxic washing-up liquid – 1 teaspoon
- Warm water – a little more than half a cup
How to prepare the window cleaning solution
Mixing this cleaning detergent is actually very simple – you just need to put all the ingredients mentioned above inside a spray bottle and shake it well until you get them to mix. And the best part is that you don’t have to worry about scratches on your windows, because there are no ingredients in this solution which might cause them. If you can smell the vinegar when you apply it to the windows, don’t worry! The vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent, which dries quickly, and the scent will completely vanish after a few minutes. This will provide you with a meticulous window cleaning experience. And the fact that it dries quickly also helps because this way, there won’t be any streaks on the surface after you’re done cleaning.
A widespread problem for people with single-glazed windows is mold growth around the window frame. The insulation is not so strong, and with time the constant condensation leads to mold all around your windows. You have nothing to worry about, though, because vinegar is also a natural mold killer, leaving your window surface spotless and killing all the toxic mold.
Tips and precautions when cleaning windows
Some domestic window cleaning solutions leave some wax build-up, which only vinegar can’t remove. This is why you must add one tablespoon of washing-up liquid you like. Combined with the vinegar, it will remove all the build-up on your glass surface.
The lemon juice is added because it has a nice and clean scent, which can be used to deodorise the area. Its strong degreasing qualities can be used to remove stubborn marks from windows. If you don’t like lemons, you can replace them with eucalyptus oil or orange juice. They’re great for removing grease and disinfecting surfaces.
We recommend using a microfibre cloth to clean your windows and any other gentle surface. The microfibre cloth will easily remove all kinds of dirt from the surface and prevent dust from settling on your windows for some time. Squeegees may be effective and specially made to clean windows, but they leave marks near window frames. Also, remember to stay safe when cleaning hard-to-reach windows. Many accidents can happen, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Avoid using abrasive sponges and detergents on your windows. If you have to use a razor to remove something stuck to the window surface, ensure the window is wet first. Never use a razor on a dry window, as you will scratch it.
If you have to use a ladder to reach your windows, be careful. Make sure all the steps are firmly attached to the ladder and that it’s placed on a flat surface. Ladder accidents are among the leading causes of home-related injuries worldwide, so be careful. You don’t want to end up as a part of this grime statistic.
Takeaways
Homemade window cleaner with lemon & vinegar is the perfect cleaning solution for your windows in the home. The natural ingredients will leave your windows sparkling clean and streak free. This DIY is so easy to make you’ll never go back to store-bought window cleaners.