Cleaning windows can be a frustrating task, especially when the sun is out and every smudge and fingerprint is on show. However, there is an easy way to make the glass clear again without spending any money at all.
Why windows look dirtier in summer
Few sights are more delightful than gazing out on a summer's afternoon to see brilliant blue skies, yet this view can be spoilt by panes covered in grime and streaks. Glass surfaces appear especially grubby at present because heightened sunshine exposes dust and additional marks on the panes that typically go unnoticed during other periods of the year. We are also in the midst of pollen season, and this tacky residue frequently accumulates on glass following rainfall, which can leave speckled blemishes across the surface.
The tea trick for spotless windows
While it may appear straightforward to clean a pane, tackling glass can prove frustrating as moisture from cleaning solutions often creates streaks that can make it appear even worse once cleaned. Nevertheless, Alexis, a chemist and cleaning specialist who established Chemistry Cachet, has revealed there is a more efficient method to achieve spotless windows without any expense, as all that is required is a cup of tea.
It might sound utterly peculiar if you have never previously employed tea for cleaning purposes, but it contains a substance called tannins which can eliminate stains with minimal effort. Alexis explained: "Tannins like to bind to other compounds like proteins and other organic compounds. This is their role within the plant, but it also transfers over to the tea once steeped. Tea has the ability to clean the glass surfaces from dirt and grime for this very reason."
The tannins present in tea can help dissolve greasy marks, making it simpler to remove fingerprints, smears and additional blemishes from glass surfaces. They can also assist in dislodging grime that frequently accumulates on windows, such as pollen and dust, which will reduce the amount of scrubbing required to get them spotless.
How to get your windows clean in 10 minutes
Tea bags can be amongst the finest natural cleaning agents in the household, as they are capable of eliminating many everyday glass stains within just a few minutes, without requiring any specialist cleaning products.
You will need:
- Four black teabags
- 225 millilitres of boiling water
- A spray bottle
Method:
- Place the teabags into a basin or large bowl and bring a kettle to the boil. Once the water has reached full temperature, carefully pour it over the teabags.
- Allow the solution to rest for a few minutes so the teabags can steep thoroughly. Remove the teabags and leave the mixture to cool down completely.
- Use a funnel to transfer it into a spray bottle. Empty spray bottles can typically be found in the gardening aisle of most supermarkets. Be sure to use a glass spray bottle, as the solution could potentially melt a plastic one.
- Lightly spritz the solution onto a window and wipe across the glass using a microfibre cloth. Buff the windows to help dry and polish them.
Your window glass should now appear clear, gleaming and entirely streak-free, without having to spend a single penny.
