Windows can be cleaned streak-free in just 10 minutes using a common kitchen ingredient: cornstarch. Cleaning expert and founder of Hearty Sol, Emily Tweten, recommends adding a small amount of cornstarch to your window cleaning solution to prevent unsightly water stains.
Why windows get streaky
Windows tend to become grimy and streaked during summer due to higher pollen levels in the air. Sunlight causes most cleaning solutions to dry too quickly, leaving them looking grubby regardless of how long you spend wiping them down.
Emily said: "A few years back when I was pregnant with our third baby, I decided to ditch the store-bought cleaners and make up my own with ingredients that I keep under my kitchen sink: vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and cornstarch—with these household staples, a great cleaner is just a couple of steps away!"
How cornstarch works
She added: "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."
The majority of window-cleaning products leave some residue, which can cause streaking, but cornstarch is highly absorbent, ensuring no excess liquid remains on the glass. Cornstarch also prevents water from forming droplets, allowing your cleaning solution to spread uniformly across the glass and eliminate any drip lines or smears.
Natural cleaning method
Vinegar works to dissolve the build-up of dirt, dust and pollen on your windows, while rubbing alcohol eliminates any bacteria lurking on the surface.
This natural, effortless method leaves glass spotless with no streaks in sight, making it ideal for tackling mirrors and shower doors.
How to clean windows without leaving streaks
You will need:
- 480ml of warm water
- 60ml of rubbing alcohol
- 60ml of white vinegar
- One tablespoon of cornstarch (also called cornflour)
- An empty spray bottle
Simply combine all the ingredients into an empty spray bottle. These can be picked up in the gardening aisle of most supermarkets, as well as pound shops and hardware stores.
Apply a generous amount of the cleaning solution to the glass, ensuring you give it a thorough shake beforehand, as cornstarch tends to settle at the bottom of the liquid.
Once you have sprayed your window, wipe it down with a microfibre cloth, then buff it dry with a second cloth. Using just a handful of basic ingredients that you most likely already have tucked away in your kitchen cupboards, your windows will be left gleaming and completely streak-free.
