A cheap kitchen staple costing as little as 6p could help households get their windows sparkling again, with strongly brewed black tea recommended as a natural way to remove dirt and grime built up over the summer months.
Why tea works on glass
Experts at Lifestyle Blinds say tea contains tannins and is mildly acidic, which may help loosen greasy residue on glass. With windows often left open during warmer weather, dust and everyday dirt can accumulate, leaving glass looking dull and cloudy.
As autumn approaches, households may want to give their windows a thorough clean using this homemade solution.
How to make and apply the solution
To make the solution, brew at least three tea bags in a cup of hot water and leave them to steep for at least 10 minutes, until the liquid is dark. Allow the tea to cool completely before removing the bags and pouring the liquid into a spray bottle.
Spray the solution onto the glass, wipe it clean, and then buff the window dry with a microfibre cloth. For the best results, avoid cleaning in direct sunlight, as the liquid can dry too quickly and leave streaks behind.
Expert advice and precautions
Heath Showman, founder of Lifestyle Blinds, 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.”
He added: “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.”
However, households should take care when using tea around curtains and blinds, particularly those made from light-coloured fabric or wood. Mr Showman warned: “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 advised covering or fully retracting blinds before spraying and wiping away any drips from the window frame immediately.
Although tea is a cheap alternative to specialist window cleaners, results may vary depending on how dirty the glass is. Households should also test the solution on a small area first and avoid allowing it to run onto surrounding surfaces.
For anyone looking to freshen up their windows without buying another cleaning product, a simple cup of black tea could be an inexpensive option to try.
