Window Deep Cleaning With Natural Products

9 Materials
$10
20 Minutes
Easy

Cleaning Vinyl Windows

This deep cleaning method is fast and super effective! Your windows will look nearly new in under 10 minutes. Plus, I'm showing you how to make a chemical-free cleaner that repels bugs and makes your glass shine!

Our house is 25 years old and from the looks of it, these windows have never been cleaned. Here's how I got them sparking again.

Step One: Use a cleaning brush or old toothbrush to knock all the built-on dirt loose. Make sure you access the inside and outside of your windows, to get the best results.

For my vinyl, I was able to just tilt them inside to access the exterior. You may need to remove your storm windows first and go outside to do this. It’s a tad more time-consuming, but the results will be worth it.

Step Two: Vaccuum every inch of your windows, including the glass and the screens, to remove loose dirt. Use your upholstery attachment for the screens and you’ll have better results.

Step Three: Spray a bug-repelling cleaner onto your windows, making sure you cover every surface (including the glass, panes, and interiors).

1/2 cup white vinegar

10 drops mint essential oils

10 drops lemon essential oils

glass spray bottle

water

To mix, add essential oils to a glass container, using a funnel. Then add the vinegar. It’s very important that you mix the vinegar and oils first, as water and oil won’t mix. Vinegar acts as an antibacterial agent, a glass cleaner, and a solvent for the oils. Once they’ve been thoroughly mixed (I simply shake the bottle), then fill the remainder of the container with hot water and shake again.

Bugs - especially spiders - hate the smell of mint and will stay away. This is awesome because it means you won’t have to clean out spider webs as frequently. Use this solution every time you clean - and you can use it anywhere, even on most countertops (don’t ever use vinegar on marble).

Step Four: Scrub each crevice, while wet with cleaning solution, using an old toothbrush or cleaning brush. Since my windows are vinyl and have begun to discolor, I also added a bit of toothpaste to brighten the plastic.

Step Five: Wipe down all surfaces with a warm, damp cloth. Then buff the glass by rubbing the windows dry, in a circular motion, until no streaks are visible.

I made sure to even scrub down the window hardware because it was gross before!

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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 9 questions
  • Lea Lea on May 06, 2019

    I am wondering if the Vinegar is harmful to pets. My lay in the widow at the back of the couch?

  • Mileidy Mileidy on May 07, 2019

    Do you have anything to make marble bright again.?

  • Gina Raye Gina Raye on Apr 29, 2020

    Is there any reason you couldn't use a plastic spray bottle?

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3 of 34 comments
  • Doreen Kennedy Doreen Kennedy on Apr 28, 2020

    I’m going to try whitening my discolored vinyl windows with toothpaste. Thanks for the tip.

  • Vicki McDonald Vicki McDonald on Dec 14, 2020

    My window frames look kind of yellowed. I wonder what kind of toothpaste would be the best? Does it matter?


    • Tish Tish on Dec 14, 2020

      The regular old white version seems to be best... like you’d use if cleaning sneakers in the *olden days*😂

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