Tea, a 6p kitchen staple, can cut through window dirt and leave glass “sparkling” and “streak-free”, according to experts at Lifestyle Blinds. The pros said tea is naturally acidic and rich in tannins, which work together to break down residue on windows.
How to make the natural cleaning solution
To make the solution, brew at least three tea bags in a cup of hot water and allow them to steep for at least 10 minutes until dark. Allow the liquid to completely cool before removing the tea bags and pouring the brewed tea into a spray bottle.
Spray the solution directly onto the windows, then wipe clean and buff dry with a microfibre cloth for a “streak-free finish”. Unlike some commercial cleaning products, tea contains no ammonia or harsh chemicals, making it a “gentler” option for households with children or pets, while still working effectively.
Expert advice on using tea for windows
The experts said: “It might sound unusual, but a strong brew is actually one of the most effective natural cleaners out there, dating back to Victorian times.
“You just need to make sure it’s completely cool before spraying it onto your windows, and you’re best to avoid direct sunlight when cleaning. This can cause the solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks behind.
“One thing to be careful of is spraying too much and tea landing on fabric or wooden blinds, as the tannins in tea can stain light-coloured materials the same way they would if you spilt tea down your shirt.
“We’d recommend covering or fully retracting blinds before spraying, and wiping away any drips from the window frame straight away.”
Alternative natural method
Another natural solution is to use a newspaper when cleaning windows. It doesn’t have static coating like some cloths and can help to provide a streak-free finish.
