A simple, old-fashioned window cleaning method using just two household items works surprisingly well, according to a uPVC specialist.
Allan Reid, founder of Art Windows and Doors, said that vinegar and newspaper can eliminate streaks without the need for expensive cleaning products.
Why vinegar and newspaper work
“A lot of people hear vinegar and newspaper and think it sounds a bit old-fashioned,” Reid said. “But there’s a reason people still do it.”
He explained that vinegar is effective at cutting through marks and smears on glass, and most people already have it in their cupboards. “It 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.”
Reid added that this trick has endured because it genuinely works, is cheap, and easy, and most people already have the necessary items at home.
How to use the hack
The method involves mixing white vinegar with water to clean the glass, then using scrunched-up newspaper to polish the glass afterwards. This approach can also tackle fingerprints, water marks, and general grime that builds up over time.
Keeping windows cleaner for longer
To prolong the clean look, Reid recommends cleaning windows when they are not in direct sunlight, wiping away condensation before it dries and leaves marks, cleaning frames and sills at the same time, and avoiding using too much product, which can often cause streaks.
“A lot of people end up using more cleaner than they actually need,” he explained. “Quite often that’s what leaves the streaks behind. Keeping it simple usually gives better results.”
