Clean windows the natural way

The basics

Use a combination of common, gentle ingredients to clean glass. Mix one teaspoon of baby shampoo to one gallon of water, or 1 1/2 cups of vinegar to one gallon of water. Wash windows with the solution using a clean, soft cloth or sponge. Rinse with clean water. Promptly dry the glass thoroughly with a cloth. Dry the frame with a separate cloth.

For best results, clean glass on a dry, overcast day. Intense sunlight can cause streaks as the solution dries too quickly.

Careful, please

Avoid using metal tools, razor blades or other objects that can damage surfaces, scratch glass and remove exterior glass coating. Be sure to clean up puddles that collect at glass edges, as they can damage window glazing.

If it won't come off

-Removing stubborn labels on glass: Soak the label with soapy water and remove with putty knife.

-Removing dried paint on glass: Soak paint with a warm water and baby shampoo solution. Wipe with a soft cloth or plastic putty knife, if needed

Don't bug me

Cleaning insect screens isn't fun, but it's necessary. Start by removing the screen. Most have spring-loaded pins or tabs. Patio door screens can be lifted up off their tracks. Place the screen into a tub or shower stall if indoors, or on a hard surface outdoors. Gently spray the screen with water. Brush lightly with a soft bristle tool until clean. For stubborn dirt, a mild soap and water solution can be used. Rinse clean and replace the screen when dry.

The other stuff

Mild soap and water and a soft sponge or cloth is the simplest and safest way to clean exterior finishes like wood, metal-clad surfaces, vinyl, plastic and brass. Always rinse and wipe dry immediately after cleaning.

Metal-clad and brass surfaces benefit from a protective coating of high-quality car wax after cleaning. As a general rule, avoid vinegar and citrus-based solutions, paint removers, and harsh or abrasive cleaners on exterior surfaces.

One last thing

This is also a good time to check windows to see if the paint needs touching up and if the weatherstripping is functional. Well-maintained paint and weatherstripping can help windows and doors last longer.

- ARA Content