Windows can become grimy quickly during summer due to dust, pollen, and plant debris in the air. These fine particles become sticky, and heat from the sun bakes them onto the glass, risking permanent staining if left too long. Many commercial window cleaners dry too fast on hot glass, leaving streaks. However, a homemade recipe using cornflour can leave windows sparkling in just five minutes, according to cleaning expert Emily Tweten, founder of Hearty Sol.
Why Cornflour Works
Emily said: “Cornstarch [cornflour] is the thickest ingredient and the only dry ingredient in this recipe. Because of this, cornstarch serves its purpose as a gentle yet abrasive component that will effectively remove dirt and other substances from your windows.” Cornflour is highly absorbent, making it effective at removing oily residues such as car exhaust, smoke, and pollution that cause streaks. These greasy buildups attract dust and pollen, and most water-based cleaners cannot remove them properly. Cornflour’s microscopic starch granules soak up oily stains and loosen particles, assisting other cleaning agents without leaving residue.
Homemade Window Cleaner Recipe
To make the cleaner, mix 475ml of warm water, 60ml of rubbing alcohol, 60ml of white vinegar, and one tablespoon of cornflour in a spray bottle. White vinegar contains acetic acid, which removes mineral stains from rain and dissolves grime. Rubbing alcohol helps remove hard or baked-on stains quickly. The cornflour absorbs oily residue and prevents streaks or smudges after cleaning.
How to Clean Windows in Summer
Choose the right time: clean windows in the morning or evening when the glass is cooler. During the afternoon, strong sun heats the glass, causing the solution to dry too fast and leave streaks. Shake the spray bottle well before use to mix the cornflour. Spray a light coating onto the glass and wipe from top to bottom using overlapping strokes in a zig-zag motion. Finally, buff the glass immediately with a dry cloth. The process takes about five minutes per window, leaving them sparkling clean.
Tips for Streak-Free Results
Using this natural cleaner helps keep windows clean throughout summer. Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight to prevent rapid drying. The combination of vinegar, alcohol, and cornflour effectively removes greasy buildup and mineral deposits, ensuring a streak-free shine. Regular cleaning with this method can prevent permanent staining from baked-on particles.
