Photo: Martin Pulaski / Flickr

Cleaning windows has to be one of the most physically draining of all household chores. Even though many of us love the light it provides, the task of cleaning windows can take hours and those hard to reach places can really put a strain on your back. By using the correct tools and cleaning solutions, this task need not be so time consuming and you will be able to enjoy a streak-free view sooner than you think.

Use the correct tools

Getting your windows spick and span can be tedious, but luckily for us, we have the squeegee to help us. A squeegee is a T-shaped cleaning tool that eliminates towel drying and thus reduces more than half your cleaning time. You can wash and dry your windows in one swoop without the worry of the water streaking or dripping. If you do not have a squeegee, you can still use a clean towel to dry the windows, but try to give them another wipe afterwards with scrunched up newspaper. This will get rid of any streaks.

Homemade cleaning solutions

You can always buy window cleaning solution from the shop, but if you would prefer to use a homemade recipe, your windows will shine just the same. The most common method is to fill a bucket with warm water and add one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. If you prefer this method make sure that you use very little detergent to minimize streaking.

If your windows are especially grimy then a vinegar and ammonia cleaning solution might be a better option. The ammonia will break the grime while the vinegar will take care of the streaks. All you need is two quarts of warm water, a quarter of a cup of vinegar, two cups of rubbing alcohol and one tablespoon of hand dishwashing liquid. Mix all the ingredients together and get ready to clean.

Cleaning your windows will make your house look much neater and give it an overall lift.

Tags: cleaning, spring cleaning