Homemade Window Cleaner

Having a dirty window is not pleasant, but the thought of having to clean those windows is even worse. You try to clean them to only find out that you have really just smeared the windows making them worse than when you started. Window cleaning solutions often have that effect with windows. Instead of using the store bought solution make your own. This is both economical and well as being "green" friendly.

There are several different recipes available for homemade window cleaners. Some of these recipes use vinegar, and others use alcohol, while still others use ammonia. The one that I like the best, and have gotten the best results from, is a cleaning solution that uses both vinegar and alcohol. This is my favorite window cleaning solution.

Items needed:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• Water
• 1 ½ cups alcohol
• Squeegee (with a sponge attached)
• 2 drops of liquid dish soap
• Spray bottle
• Blue food coloring (optional)
• Clean lint-free cloth

Mix all the ingredients except the water and pour into the spray bottle. Fill up the rest of the spray bottle with water. Some people really can't get past the idea of having clear window solution. If that is how you feel then just simply add about four drops of food coloring. This will turn the solution blue and will not harm the solution or the windows. I prefer using the food coloring since this helps people who may pick up the bottle will mentally think that the cleaning solution is indeed a window cleaner.

Spray the windows with the cleaning solution. If the windows are really dirty then you may have to scrub the windows with the sponge part of the squeegee. You will want to use the amount as it is written. There are a couple of good reasons not to add more vinegar, or soap than the recipe calls for. Too much soap will help cause the windows to streak. The other reason is use of vinegar. You really need to be careful and not add to much vinegar when cleaning windows. If the vinegar is too strong you run the risk of etching the glass or even worse you can make the windows where they become cloudy.

Take the squeegee and with the rubber blade part squeegee the window. It is best to start at the top of the window and move the squeegee down to the bottom of the window. At the bottom of the window us the clean, lint-free cloth and wipe the blade clean. Repeat the process till the windows are clean.

Just a quick tip; never wash the windows when the windows are hot. They will streak. Instead clean the windows in the early morning or when the sun is not shinning directly on them.