Home Q&A: What's the best and fastest way to clean windows?

Try to clean your windows on a cloudy rather than a bright sunny day. File picture

Question

What's the best way to clean windows, and is there a quick and easy method? 

Answer

Clean windows are a real summer pleasure, and this two-ingredient sparkle hit will transform how you wipe down your glazing both inside and out. 

Remember, if your windows are truly filthy, dust them down with a soft hand brush and then give them a pre-wash with a solution of warm water and a tiny squeeze of washing-up liquid. 

Use a sponge and rinse thoroughly. 

For the main wash, I prefer a ratio of three cups of warm water to one cup of white vinegar, but you can increase the vinegar if you find it more effective. A tiny dab of washing-up liquid is optional. Pour into a spray bottle, shake well, and spray on your glazing inside and out. Polish off with a soft, clean microfibre cloth. 

If you have timber windows, ensure you rinse off and use a window vac to remove any excess and dribbles from the glass and edges of the frame. The vinegar might otherwise lift varnishes and damage the wood. Always clean your windows on a cloudy rather than a bright sunny day, as otherwise your solution will dry straight onto the glass, streaking the job. 

An alternative hack using less water for lightly soiled windows indoors is to put some warm water, a little dish soap and a couple of teaspoons of white vinegar into the reservoir of a dish scrub (only a really soft variety, we’re not attacking and scratching away at the glass). Work lightly over your windows with a very, very light hand, and mop down the excess moisture with a microfibre cloth. Don’t use neat white vinegar anywhere near wood windows for this hack. Try the Dishmatic MK5, €4.99, Woodies.ie.

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