Households have been advised to wipe their windows with vinegar after 9.19pm for the best results, according to a cleaning expert. The method, which uses two common household items, works 'surprisingly well' but timing is crucial to avoid streaks.
The Vinegar and Newspaper Hack
Homeowners often struggle with unsightly streaks after cleaning windows, but many swear by a simple solution involving vinegar, newspaper, and tap water. Allan Reid, uPVC specialist and founder of Art Windows and Doors, says this old-school cleaning hack has never really gone away.
'A lot of people hear vinegar and newspaper and think it sounds a bit old-fashioned,' Mr Reid said. 'But there's a reason people still do it. Vinegar is brilliant for cutting through all the marks and smears that build up on glass, and chances are you've already got some in the cupboard.'
He acknowledges that using a scrap of newspaper does sound 'a little strange if you've never tried it before' but 'it works surprisingly well'. You don't get those annoying bits of fluff left behind, and it helps leave the glass looking really clear.
Why Timing Matters
Mr Reid recommends not cleaning windows when they're in direct sunlight. According to Time and Date, sunset today (Tuesday, June 16) is around 9.19pm and around 9.21pm by the end of the month. After this point, you won't have to reckon with scorching rays, though your windows may have shade cover throughout the day already.
The method involves mixing a bit of white vinegar with water to clean the glass, then using some scrunched-up newspaper to give it a polish after. Many swear by it as a means of getting rid of build-ups of grime, watermarks, and fingerprints, whilst also avoiding those annoying streaks.
Additional Tips for Longer-Lasting Clean Windows
- Wipe away condensation before it has the chance to dry and leave marks behind
- A quick clean of window frames and sills at the same time
- Avoid using too much product, which is often the cause of streaks in the first place
Mr Reid says it's a good example of how cleaning doesn't always need to be complicated. 'Sometimes we convince ourselves we need loads of products for every little job around the house,' he said. 'But this is one of those simple tricks that's stuck around because it genuinely works. It's cheap, it's easy, and most people already have everything they need at home.'
