If you're trying to do away with paper towels (see How To Go Paper Towel-Less in the Kitchen) while minimizing your laundry but still need to clean your windows, consider using newspaper. Not only does it work really well, the paper and ink acts as a light abrasive to give you really clean windows.
What You Need
- A dirty window
- Newspaper
- Window Spray or Vinegar & water (If streaks persist with just vinegar and water, try this recipe: 2 cups water, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap) See also Best Green Cleaning Products 2009
Instructions
1. Collect Your Materials
If using a window spray, this part should be easy. I choose Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Window Spray because it smells so good and is mostly natural. If you're trying vinegar, dilute with water. A good recipe is 2 cups water, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 1/2 liquid soap (to get rid of the waxy film that might be on the window).
2. Apply the Cleaner
A squirt bottle works best but you could also lightly dip your newspaper into a jar of cleaning solution if needed.
3. Rub to Clean
Begin in a circular pattern to wipe off all the spots. Then, switch to a vertical, and then horizontal stroke until all the liquid has dissipated and you're left with a shinny, streak free windows!
Note: for vinyl windows, I've found that the newsprint leaves a mark on the white frame. Avoid rubbing the window frame with newspaper and stick to the glass.
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Coffee filters also work really well, plus no ink!
I learned this trick from my dad, who used it to get streak free windows on his car.
We always used newspaper to clean windows growing up, but not even my parents still subscribe to a paper.
First I'd have to buy a newspaper.
I use newspapers to do mirrors too. Equally nice results.
I don't get a newspaper, but I sometimes pick one up at the recycling center just to use around the house!
Yes, I second PNWGal on the mirrors, works well, plus I don't think you need any cleaning fluid, not even vinegar - just water works really well.
You can always get a newspaper from someone else who's finished with it!
Ok, gotta chime in here. Having cleaned windows professionally for 7 years, I can say with authority that this is one of the worst ways to clean your windows, and potentially very wasteful. Here's why. I know the after picture window looks super clean, but you have just smeared soap and ink residue all over your glass. It gives a nice polish at first, but the residue leaves a slightly sticky coating on the glass, and dirt will start to cling to it and accumulate almost immediately. In two weeks, your windows will need washing again and there you are, using more newspaper.
Instead, I would recommend investing in a decent squeegee (shouldn't be more than 10$ or so) and using a very diluted mix of either vinegar and water or ammonia (without the sudsing additive!) and water for washing. Apply it with a sponge, and use a scrubby pad and some elbow grease if there is anything really stubborn. A soft cloth can be used to wipe around the edge of the window before and after using the squeegee, and your windows will be residue free! Most windows will be fine for at least 6 months to a year if you use this method.
@ PhoebeArt, can I just pay you to come and clean mine? :-) Seriously, I have really old wood frame windows with storm windows on the outside, and some parts of the window are impossible to reach for cleaning. Any tips? When I do get around to cleaning the windows, there is always a section that remains dirty. Very annoying.
I've heard that since the ink on newspapers is now soy-based this no longer works? (something to do with the old ink either didn't come off or helped with the shiny finish)
Though I do know you can get blank newsprint from your local paper press pretty cheap and that would give the newspaper finish without the ink residue!
Having tried both the newspaper the squeegee method (as PhoebeArt suggested) I highly, highly recommend the squeegee method. The newspaper route works on appearance, but it take a lot of time vs. the other route. I heart my squeegee sponge that I can add on to an extention rod (Home Depot) and that way I can do my outside windows easily.
Once you try the squeegee method all other methods seem like a waste of time. It is so easy and does a great job!