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If you think cleaning windows is horrendous nightmare, I have the most amazing window cleaning solution to save your sanity!
When I decided—contrary to everything I had planned—to become a stay-at-home mom 27 years ago, I knew that the only way it would work for me was if I took it seriously, saw myself as a professional, and approached home management in a systematic, efficiency-minded way.
With that in mind, I started using janitorial supplies to clean my house back in the 80s, when Sam was still in grad school. Not only were they actually cheaper in the long run, but they worked better. Proper tools and systems (such as Jeff Campbell's speed cleaning system) made housework thorough and efficient.
It was during this time that I purchased my first squeegee. Not just some flimsy old automobile type, but a genuine brass Ettore Steccone squeegee. And not just that, I also got an old school Ettore “golden glove” window scrubber (they aren't golden anymore, they are even better). Later when we moved to multi-story dwellings, I added an extension pole to the mix.
Here's the kicker. I still have the same ones today, nearly three decades and multiple moves later. (The scrubber is in the picture.) It wasn't the brand I was going for, it was the quality.
Having professional quality equipment saved tons of time and money for us over the years. It was still tedious, but possible to get a good outcome…without ever getting on a ladder and without paying a pro. But a year ago I copied down a self-sheeting, no wiping, no squeegeeing window washing recipe from Pinterest that has changed my life. (I wish I remember where I saw it so I could give credit, but I think the magic of it is all over the place by now.)
I still use my trusty squeegee on windows inside the house and on mirrors (so much quicker than wiping!), but on the outside of the windows, this is a most wondrous thing.
Today my daughter cleaned all the windows in our house in just a few hours with this method. They look marvelous.
Please tell me how this has changed your life…and your outlook! (Get it? Outlook?)
Ingredients
- 3.5 oz dishwasher rinse aid
- 4 T rubbing alcohol
- 1/4 C ammonia
- 1/4 C powdered dishwasher soap
- 2 gal hot water
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bucket.
- Spray window with powerful nozzle to remove surface grime.
- Use window scrubber (on extension pole, if necessary) to thoroughly scrub down the window.
- Spray the window again to rinse.
Alison Moore Smith is a 61-year-old entrepreneur who graduated from BYU in 1987. She has been (very happily) married to Samuel M. Smith for 40 years. They are parents of six incredible children and grandparents to two astounding grandsons. She is the author of The 7 Success Habits of Homeschoolers.
I’m a little concerned about the mix of ingredients. Ammonia and dishwasher detergent seem like a slightly scary mix. I thought many dishwasher detergents had a bit of bleach in them. I know ammonia and bleach create very dangerous fumes. Any thoughts on that?
I’ve used it about a dozen times and I’m still alive. 🙂
Lots of laundry detergent has bleach (labeled) but none of the brands of dishwasher detergent I have used contain bleach. Good thing to check, though! Thanks for the reminder.
My detergent (pictured, Walmart’s brand) has the following ingredients:
Alison-
You need to take this “recipe†off the internet ASAP! Most powdered dishwasher soaps have chlorine bleach in the formulations! This, when combined with ammonia produce a lethal gas! At the very least you should have a chemist evaluate any homemade concoctions that you promote. Please, for the sake of health and safety!
It is my understanding that some dish soaps contain ammonia (not bleach). So the valid concern would be adding bleach, which is not part of the recipe.
If you have contradicting information from a reliable source, I welcome the input.
Yes. This has changed my life! I HATE doing outside windows and this actually seems fun!
Are saying rinse with this solution or just hose water spray.?
Like Michael’s question – do you “rinse ” with the same solution, or plain water?
Just plain water!
Hey, thanks a lot! How do you clean the outside of your house windows? Any life hacks? 🙂
Will the ammonia hurt the finish on an Rv motor home??
It hasn’t done any harm to various surfaces on my home, but you might want to check with your RV manufacturer.
Thanks for this valuable window cleaning solution! I have found it to be very effective. What I have noticed, is if you’re dealing with windows near plants or flowers, you can also add a drop or two of mild dish soap to the solution. This helps repel insects that might be attracted to the ammonia scent, leaving your windows clean without any unwanted visitors! Thanks for sharing
Vinegar Solution: Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Vinegar works well for removing filth and grease off windows
Spray Generous: Generously mist the window surface with the vinegar solution. Make sure the whole window is closed.
Await Sheeting: Give the solution a short while to sit on the window. The dirt and grime should start to “sheet” down the glass as the solution dissolves them, taking the debris with it.
Air drying by windows: Allow the windows to dry naturally. The vinegar solution should evaporate, leaving behind a finish that is free of streaks.