Windows can become grimy and cloudy during summer due to airborne debris, but a simple homemade cleaner with cornflour can keep them streak-free in under five minutes, according to cleaning expert Emily Tweten.
Why Cornflour Works for Window Cleaning
Cornflour, or cornstarch, is a gentle abrasive that effectively removes dirt and absorbs oily residues. Tweten explains: "Cornstarch 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."
Streaks often result from a fine film of grease from vehicle emissions, smoke, and pollution. This greasy layer attracts dust and pollen, and standard water-based cleaners struggle to remove it. Cornflour's starch granules absorb oils and dislodge particles, preventing streaks.
Homemade Window Cleaner Recipe
To make the cleaner, mix 475ml warm water, 60ml rubbing alcohol, 60ml white vinegar, and one tablespoon of cornflour in a spray bottle. Shake thoroughly before use. White vinegar tackles mineral stains from rainfall, while rubbing alcohol removes stubborn baked-on grime.
Best Practices for Summer Window Cleaning
Avoid cleaning windows in the afternoon when sunlight heats the glass, causing the solution to evaporate too quickly and leave streaks. Instead, clean in the morning or evening. Spray a thin layer onto the glass, clean from top to bottom using overlapping zig-zag strokes, then buff immediately with a dry cloth. The process takes about five minutes per window.
