Table of contents
- Which is why windows often show streaks after cleaning
- Spirit water counteracts the formation of streaks
- Other advantages of spirit water when cleaning windows
- Make your own window cleaner
- Do you also have to add vinegar and ammonia to the cleaning water?
- Clean windows and frames without leaving streaks – this is how it works
- Caution with plastic windows - disadvantages of alcohol
- Which home remedies are still suitable for streak-free window cleaning?
Our great-grandmothers probably used denatured alcohol to clean windows. The high alcohol content of the home remedy has an excellent cleaning effect and leaves the windows sparkling clean and streak-free - without any great physical effort. The most important thing here is the correct mixing ratio. However, alcohol also has a number of disadvantages that should not be concealed here. Instead, however, other equally effective and less harmful home remedies are available to you.
Which is why windows often show streaks after cleaning
After cleaning the window, if unsuitable agents are used, streaks will quickly appear that are difficult to remove. However, streaky window glass does not have to be, because this is mostly due to limescale deposits. The lime comes from the water used for mopping, which is why the strips mainly appear in regions with hard (i.e. H. high lime content) water occur. Furthermore, a greasy film due to insufficient cleaning or unclean mopping water are common causes that should be avoided.
Tip:
Never clean your window fronts in bright sunshine, because then there are almost certainly streaks. The reason is that the wet window panes dry out quickly due to the sun, which you cannot polish quickly.
Spirit water counteracts the formation of streaks
Methylated spirit is high-proof alcohol (ethanol) that has been made undrinkable by adding certain substances. This process is known in technical terms as denaturation. Ethanol has some properties that make it suitable for use as a cleaning agent. This includes, for example, the high fat-dissolving power, but also the ability to neutralize limescale. Therefore, spirit water reliably prevents the formation of window streaks - neither limescale nor grease have any chance of depositing on the pane.
Other advantages of spirit water when cleaning windows
In addition to the high cleaning performance, ethanol has other positive cleaning properties:
- Water on the pane evaporates faster
- Ethanol leaves a thin film on the window pane that prevents fogging or icing
- This is why the product is perfect for cleaning car windows, especially in winter
Make your own window cleaner
A spirit window cleaner is quick and easy to make yourself. All you need is a bucket of lukewarm water, into which you add a strong dash of spirit and washing-up liquid. The mixing ratio is given by some as 1 part water, 1 part spirits and a dash of washing-up liquid, although adding that much alcohol is basically not necessary. A swipe from the bottle is actually enough for a standard 10 liter bucket. On the other hand, it is more important that the mopping water is neither too cold nor too hot: lukewarm window water supports the cleaning performance best.
Do you also have to add vinegar and ammonia to the cleaning water?
Every housewife has her own recipe for making an alcohol window cleaner. Many also mix the alcohol with vinegar and ammonia. The latter in particular does not bring any additional benefits, as it is also just an alcohol with the same properties. Vinegar is basically not necessary due to similar cleaning properties, but it can – if you use apple cider vinegar – alleviate the unpleasant pungent odor a little. It only makes sense to add a detergent, as this supports the cleaning performance. Also, be sure to have a second bucket of lukewarm, clear water ready to use for wiping.
Tip:
Even if your mother taught you to never use newspaper to wipe the windows. This tip comes from the days when coal was used for heating, the windows were smeared with soot and had to be sanded clean with coarse newspaper. To avoid scratching the window glass, use a soft microfiber cloth instead.
Clean windows and frames without leaving streaks – this is how it works
If all the utensils for cleaning the windows are ready, proceed as follows for a streak-free shine:
- First clean the window frames.
- First sweep away coarse dust and dirt with a hand brush.
- Then wipe the window frames clean with a wet cloth.
- Do not use alcohol here!
- Instead, wipe with lukewarm water and dish soap.
- A neutral detergent is also suitable.
- Wipe the wet frames dry with a slightly damp cloth.
- Never wipe the plastic frame dry, otherwise scratches will occur.
- Now wipe the window panes with the spirit water.
- Do this from top to bottom.
- Always start on the outside and work your way in.
- First wipe the window panes wet.
- If possible, use a microfiber or soft cotton cloth for this.
- Draw off the excess water with a chamois leather or similar. ä. away.
- Polish the panes with a dry and clean cotton cloth.
Tip:
Do not throw away used cotton shirts or tea towels, as these are ideal for cleaning windows. However, wash them first in the washing machine at at least 60 °C and without fabric softener Remove any residues - these could in turn streak the window pane leave behind.
Caution with plastic windows - disadvantages of alcohol
As well as alcohol can be used to clean window panes, you have to be careful with the agent. Plastic windows in particular do not tolerate spirit water, as this attacks the material and makes it brittle. This not only leads to premature material fatigue, but also causes unsightly discolouration. The same applies to soft plastic parts, such as rubber seals. This is due to the admixtures added in the course of the denaturation, above all methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and diethyl phthalate (a plasticizer). These substances can also dissolve paints and varnishes. In addition, the home remedy should be used with caution for other reasons:
- strong, pungent odor
- this does not go away so quickly and can cause headaches
- highly flammable like all alcohols - a small spark is enough
- must not be drunk under any circumstances
- must not get into the hands of children - deadly!
Tip:
Furthermore, denatured alcohol not only attacks plastic, but also your skin. It dries them out, which can lead to unpleasant irritation and, in the worst case, even to eczema. Always wear gloves when cleaning windows.
Which home remedies are still suitable for streak-free window cleaning?
To avoid the disadvantages of spirit water, especially with plastic windows, you can also use other, less aggressive home remedies. Basically, it is perfectly sufficient to clean the windows with dishwater. However, only add a dash of washing-up liquid to the lukewarm water so that it does not foam too much and cause streaks. For the same reason, you should put the water in the bucket first and then the detergent. Rinsing with clear, warm water to which you add a good dash of vinegar helps to prevent limescale deposits. Its smell dissipates very quickly and does not cause headaches.
Tip:
Vodka has also proven itself for window cleaning, but has similar disadvantages. On the other hand, you should completely avoid coffee grounds – they only cause unsightly discolouration that is difficult to remove.
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