I can’t say that washing windows is my favorite way to spend sunny spring afternoons, but thanks to my mom I do know how to make them shine! (And thanks to my children, I don’t stress when they are smudged up 10 minutes after I’ve tackled the job.)
Using an old gallon-sized bucket, I pour in about 1/2 cup vinegar and then fill the bucket 1/2 full of warm water. Using that solution I scrub the windows and then wipe them down with a crumpled sheet of newspaper. For smudge touch-ups, a vinegar/water solution in a spray bottle is quite handy.
Natural. Non-toxic. Very inexpensive. Recycling. Clean (for 10 minutes or so, anyway).
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This post is linked to Tackle it Tuesday and Works for Me Wednesday.
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That is something that I really need to do!
Can you come wash mine.
Window washing is one of my least favorite jobs and I have tons of windows. It is on my to do list right now but I keep putting it off.
How cool! I had heard that newspaper was supposed to work well, but I haven’t ever heard of anyone actually trying it. Off to find the Sunday paper. LOL!
I have done this! It works great. The newspaper leaves no streaks. Your right it is no toxic and it is good for the environment! Check out my Tackle It Tuesday here.
I use vinegar for so many things! Great for hard water difficulties and I even mop my tile floors with about that same mixture you use for windows. Maybe next time (if I have the energy!) I will also tackle a few windows. Great newspaper tip too.
thanks!
I use a vinegar/water mix too but also add some rubbing alcohol. I read this makes it dry faster leaving windows cleaner. Haven’t tried newspaper yet though. Doesn’t the ink get all over your hands?
I’ll have to try this … after I use up the 9 bottles of Windex in my basement!
Thanks for the tip!
I need to tackle that job too! Thanks for sharing your tips!
~Liz
I’ve heard of using newspaper but have never done it. I’m definitely going to try it– thanks for the tip! =)
Happy Wednesday!
That is something that I need to get done!
i think newspapers work so much better on windows than anything else!
I always wondered why newspaper works so well! Great tip : )
@Life with Kaishon, ditto!
We’ll have to try this trick. Our glass office door is always covered with smudges and fingerprints. I want the door to look clean and clear.
That’s a great tip. That’s the way my grandma cleans windows. The nice part about the newspaper is you don’t waste paper towels or dirty a clean rag. Also you don’t end up with little fibers on the windows. I have kind of gotten out of the habit. Thanks for the great reminder.
This is so funny! I actually noted this tip within my WFMW tip. A neighbor taught this to me back when I was a disbelieving (and lazy) teen. It totally works!
I have followed these same instruction for quite some years
Hey! That’s what my mom used to do!!!
Somehow I never remember to use the newspaper!
great tip! I love using old newspaper on windows, amazing job.
okay, I’m using this today. I had planned to wash just a couple windows that need to be spiffed up, and it’s our last day in the 70′s today. As soon as we take our first school break, I’m outside to enjoy the sunshine and try your newspaper idea. And vinegar.
Thank you! Fabulous tip! I so appreciate it.
funny.
this is exactly how my mom used to do it.
for some reason, i only own an expensive balsamic vinegar and so i never add that vinegar when washing windows…
should get my self some ‘plain old vinegar’ and a spray bottle…
thx for that reminder
My mom taught me to clean windows the same way
I used to think that she was crazy for using newspaper on the windows…now I know that she was just smart 