How to Clean Your Windows and Mirrors Without Harsh Chemicals | Home Cleaning Austin

This is most definitely the time of year for clear, clean windows and mirrors. As we all finish our spring home cleaning in Austin, we want the sun to shine in and illuminate all our hard work. And as we get ready for all our fun, warm-weather social events, we’re going to be relying on our mirrors to make sure we look ready to meet our friends and families. But many people find it hard to get these glass surfaces shiny and clean – they struggle with streaks, lint, or both. You may be tempted to turn to a heavy-duty window cleaner with harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin and respiratory tract, or an expensive eco-friendly brand-name cleaner, but both of those tacks are unnecessary. Follow our instructions and see how simple clean glass can be!

When you set out to clean a window, be sure the sun is not shining directly on it (whether you’re indoors or out), or that a warm, dry wind is blowing if you’re cleaning the exterior side of the glass. These conditions will cause your cleaning agents to dry too quickly, which definitely will cause streaks to be left behind, and a wind may blow dirt and dust right back onto your damp glass.

To begin with, examine the current state of your mirror or window. Are they flecked with spots of grime such as toothpaste splatter, or covered with a hazy film from hairspray or cooking grease? For individual spots and splatters, dampen a cotton ball or pad with rubbing alcohol and rub each mark away, one by one. Work quickly, because rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly. In the case of a covering film, combine two cups of water, a quarter cup of white vinegar, and a half cup of liquid dish soap. Wipe the glass with this solution, then rinse it with water and dry it.

Now it’s time for a general clean that will result in a sparkling shine. Make a solution of four parts water and one part white vinegar. Either spritz the mixture on the glass with a spray bottle or dip a lint-free cloth in the mixture and wipe it over the glass. Be sure not to soak the glass – a light mist or a damp cloth will be sufficient. Then wipe the liquid away in a zig-zag motion from one side of the glass to the other, using either a rubber squeegee, a new lint-free cloth, a paper coffee filter, or a sheet of newspaper. (Note that not all newspapers use the same kinds of ink and paper – some will eliminate streaks and others will create them. If you want to use newspaper, test it on a small portion of the window or mirror before doing the whole thing. And remember that the ink may transfer to your hands, so be careful what you touch.) If you have trouble getting into the corners of your window or mirror, you can give them a quick swipe with a cotton swab or soft toothbrush dipped in the water-and-vinegar solution – then wipe clean with a fresh cotton swab or clean lint-free cloth.

As a final step, buff your freshly clean window or mirror with either a clean sheet of newspaper, an old (clean) cotton T-shirt or cloth diaper, or a clean chalkboard eraser. And there you go – your glass should be streak-free and sparkling clean!

Who says Austin homeowners need harsh chemicals or expensive products to clean their windows and mirrors? And remember that It’s Cleaning Time is always eager to make your life easier through our superior maid services! Call us today to see what we can do for your home.

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