Suitable for both windows and mirrors
Cleaning with a mixture of white vinegar and water allows you to enjoy sparkling windows and mirrors without any store-bought chemical cleaners, says Tonya Harris, founder of Slightly Greener.
Vinegar is produced by fermenting grain alcohol to form acetic acid. The acidity of vinegar makes it a powerful cleaning solution. “Vinegar mixed with distilled water works as a great degreaser, and it’s also great at breaking down dirt,” says Harris.
Distilled water is important to prevent traces of minerals on the windows that can cause streaks. A combination of vinegar and water can be used on the inside and outside of the window and will also work well on mirrors.
You should not clean windows when it is hot or when the sun shines directly on the glass
Store-bought cleaners often leave a film on the glass, says Harris. When you first start cleaning with vinegar and water, you may need to clean the windows more than once to get rid of this film and prevent streaks. After such an initial cleaning, the windows are really precisely polished.
Do not add too much vinegar, as the added acidity can damage some materials. If you need more cleaning power, add a drop of dishwashing detergent to your solution. Vinegar and water can be used to clean interior or exterior glass. Since windows on the outside are dirtier, you may need to clean them more than once, says T. Harris.
The best time to clean windows is spring and fall, when the temperature is warm but not hot, because cleaning windows when it’s hot or cold outside or when the glass is in direct sunlight can cause streaks.
How to prepare and when it is better not to use
Mix the cleaning solution. For most windows, a mixture of equal parts distilled water and white vinegar will do, but for mirrors, just one teaspoon of vinegar per glass of water will do.
For very dirty windows, especially on the outside, mix 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap. Use warm but not hot water to increase cleaning power. Shake the bottle and get to work. Spray the glass or mirror with the mixture and wipe with a microfiber cloth, newspaper, or lint-free cloth in a Z pattern.
Vinegar is safe to use on windows and mirrors, but its acidity can damage other materials. Never use vinegar cleaning solution on electronics (including their glass screens). Do not use vinegar on granite or marble countertops or stone tiles either.
Tags: natural remedy windows mirrors shine perfectly price ridiculous chemicals
