Tea, a common kitchen staple costing around 6p, can leave windows sparkling and streak-free, according to specialists at Lifestyle Blinds. The naturally acidic drink is rich in tannins, which together dissolve residue on glass, leaving it "sparkling."
How to Make the Natural Window Cleaner
To create 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. Let the liquid cool completely before removing the tea bags and transferring 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 certain commercial cleaning products, tea contains no ammonia or harsh chemicals, making it a "gentler" alternative for households with children or pets.
Expert Advice and Precautions
The specialists stated: "It might sound unusual, but a strong brew is actually one of the most effective natural cleaners out there, dating back to Victorian times." They 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."
Direct sunlight can cause the solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks behind. The specialists also 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 spilt tea down your shirt." They recommend covering or fully retracting blinds before spraying and wiping away any drips from the window frame straight away.
Other Natural Alternatives
Another organic alternative is to use newspaper when tackling windows. Unlike certain cloths, it lacks a static coating and can help achieve a streak-free result.
