Tea, a kitchen staple costing around 6p, can cut through window grime and leave glass "sparkling", according to specialists at Lifestyle Blinds.
The experts explained that tea is naturally acidic and contains tannins, which together dissolve residue on windows.
How to make the cleaning solution
To create the natural cleaning solution, brew at least three tea bags in a cup of hot water and let them steep for at least 10 minutes, until the liquid darkens.
Allow the mixture to cool completely before removing the tea bags and transferring the brewed tea into a spray bottle. Apply the solution directly onto windows, then wipe clean and buff dry using a microfibre cloth for a "streak-free finish".
Benefits over commercial products
Unlike certain commercial cleaning products, tea is free of ammonia and other harsh chemicals, making it a "gentler" choice for households with children or pets while remaining highly effective.
The experts said: "It might sound unusual, but a strong brew is actually one of the most effective natural cleaners out there, dating back to Victorian times."
They added: "You just need to make sure it's completely cool before spraying it onto your windows, and you're best to avoid direct sunlight when cleaning. This can cause the solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks behind."
Precautions and an eco-friendly alternative
The specialists warned: "One thing to be careful of is spraying too much and tea landing on fabric or wooden blinds, as the tannins in tea can stain light-coloured materials the same way they would if you spilt tea down your shirt."
They recommended: "We'd recommend covering or fully retracting blinds before spraying, and wiping away any drips from the window frame straight away."
An additional eco-friendly alternative for cleaning windows is to use a newspaper. Unlike certain cloths, it lacks a static coating and can deliver a streak-free result.
