As the seasons change and homes are prepared for colder months, dust from a long, hot and dry summer is often most visible on windows. Left open throughout warmer months, glass builds up grime that can look streaky and dirty. A simple, cheap cleaning hack can melt it away, and most households already have the ingredients tucked in a cupboard.
Black tea as a natural cleaner
The solution is not vinegar, lemon or baking soda, but strongly brewed black tea. According to Heath Showman, founder of Lifestyle Blinds, black tea is naturally acidic and rich in tannins, which cut through grease, dust and grime to leave windows sparkling like new.
Showman said: "It might sound unusual, but a strong brew is actually one of the most effective natural window cleaners out there, dating back to Victorian times."
How to clean windows with black tea
To use the method, brew three tea bags in a mug of hot water and let them steep for at least 10 minutes until the liquid is dark. Let the tea cool completely, then pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the tea directly onto windows, wipe clean and buff dry with a microfibre cloth for a streak-free finish.
Showman advised: "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."
Precautions to avoid stains
He also warned about the risk of staining: "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 spilled tea down your shirt."
He recommended covering or fully retracting blinds before spraying, and wiping away any drips from the window frame straight away.
