If you're sitting in a glass house, you should clean with these household remedies
7.2.2019
Translation: machine translated
Have you resolved to live more economically and environmentally consciously in 2019? Then don't use expensive steam appliances or toxic chemicals to clean your windows. Find out how you can still get your windows clean here.
In addition to ironing or tidying up, window cleaning is one of the most hated household chores of all. What's more, window cleaners are often very expensive and contain many toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Nevertheless, they don't always clean as well as they should. The tools you use to clean the windows also play a role that should not be neglected. I'll explain which inexpensive and naturally biodegradable home remedies you can use to keep a clear view in the future.
Solid preparation is half the battle
When the sun is shining and it's warm, it's tempting to clean the windows. Above all, you can see where the dirt is hiding - every particle is ruthlessly exposed. However, you should never clean in direct sunlight, as the cleaning water evaporates too quickly and leaves streaks. As a general rule, the quicker you dry after cleaning, the fewer marks will remain. If the outside temperature drops below 10 degrees, window cleaning is also not recommended. In this cold, the water evaporates too slowly and leaves streaks.
Do not wash cleaning cloths and cleaning rags with fabric softener, as this also encourages streaks. The textiles lose their absorbency as a result. Fabric softeners are also harmful to the environment. In general, when using cleaning products, the rule is that less is more - this also applies to window cleaning.
What belongs in the cleaning water?
Stripes reappear more quickly after cleaning, especially in households where the water contains a lot of limescale. It can help here if you add a few splashes of vinegar to the cleaning water to dissolve the limescale. Lemon juice, alcohol or spirits have the same effect.
Black tea can also be used to clean dirty windscreens. The tannins it contains dissolve grease and nicotine. They also form a fine protective film on the windows to prevent future soiling. To do this, boil a cup with two sachets, leave to infuse for ten minutes and then mix the tea into the cleaning water.
Tea
Quantity discount
CHF12.30 per piece for 2 units CHF322.50/1kg
Kolanda Premium Black Tea Ceylon
40 g
Alternatives to cleaning cloths: tights or newspapers
If you have an aversion to cleaning rags or simply don't have a decent rag to hand, there are two options that also work: Stockings and newspaper. For dirty windows, the very fine fabric of tights helps to remove even stubborn dirt. Alternatively, you can use newspaper: dip it in water to clean windows. Use the dry paper to polish the windows. As printing ink can remain or rough paper can even scratch the glass, newspapers are not recommended and should only be used as a last resort.
Haven't you forgotten something?
Be sure to remember to clean any blinds, shutters and window frames before cleaning the windows. Because if these things are dirty and you clean the windows, all the dirt will run over the glass the next time it rains or dews. All the cleaning and drying of the panes will then have done nothing.
And: For stubborn dirt, you can also use the scraper for glass ceramic hobs - this is designed so that it does not leave any scratches on glass. Under no circumstances should you use other scrapers, knives or spatulas, as these could damage the window glass.
And you?
Clean windows
How do you clean your windows?
- With chemical cleaners30%
- With home remedies such as lemon juice, vinegar or methylated spirits.23%
- With water23%
- I have my windows cleaned0%
- I move as soon as I can no longer see through my window23%
The competition has ended.
Header image: Cleaning windows sucks, is tedious and takes a long time, but still needs to be done.
Raphael Knecht
Senior Editor
raphael.knecht@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I'm not stuffing my face with sweets, you'll catch me running around in the gym hall. I’m a passionate floorball player and coach. On rainy days, I tinker with my homebuilt PCs, robots or other gadgets. Music is always my trusted companion. I also enjoy tackling hilly terrain on my road bike and criss-crossing the country on my cross-country skis.
Home + Kitchen
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