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Tip Store: Cleaning: Windows and Glass

​No Cost Glass Cleaning

The very best way to clean glass and it costs absolutely nothing is use a bucket of very hot water and a chamois. I wring out the chamois but leave it slightly wet so that it glides over the glass and transfers enough water on to the surface. I then rinse the cloth and wring out as hard as I can and wipe over the window/glass to dry off. I find this is the only way to clean windows and leave a streak free finish. Another tip is to use a microfibre cloth instead of a chamois​- it does the same job.
​Contributed by Sue Bell, 6th March 2014

​Cheapest Ever Mirror & Glass Cleaner

I have a lot of mirrors and glass in the house and have spent a lot during the year on paper towels and glass cleaner. And still didn't manage to get them squeaky clean. While in the hair salon, I asked the owner how they keep their mirrors so pristine! The answer surprised me. A plastic spray bottle full of water and old newspapers! Simply spray the glass or mirror, then crumple up a sheet of newspaper and clean it. It's fast, easy, doesn't leave streaks or lint. Shower stalls look brand new. No soap scum or water marks on the glass. I now collect the free local papers delivered and save them.
​Contributed by Mary Piper, 16th January 2014

​Mirrors That Shine

Approximate $ Savings: $5.00 per bottle of spray & time & energy

I have always had problems cleaning mirrors, especially the mirrored robes in the bedrooms. I have tried all different types of products and wasted a lot of time, energy and money to only get a so so job done. The mirrors always were streaked and the more I tried to polish them the worse they seemed to get. I would stand back after giving them a good clean and polish thinking that I had done a good job only to discover all these streaks... Ahhhhh....what a waste. I had a friend tell me of a hint, a house keeper had told her, I have tried it and never looked back. Forget the purchased products just go into your laundry cupboard get a clean empty spray bottle fill with half water and half methylated spirits and add about six drops of eucalyptus oil to the mix then give it a good shake. Use a clean soft cloth, I use a microfibre car cleaning cloth and go to work. The result is amazing and cheap. Looks fantastic and smells great. I save not only money but also energy and time (which we all know are also precious). Keep shining! Narelle
​- Contributed by Narelle Rae, 4th March 2011

​High Pressure Soap for Less

Approximate $ Savings: $5 each time

I purchased a high pressure cleaner to enable me to clean windows and patio. I was going to buy the bottle of all purpose cleaner which comes with it when the guy at Bunnings told me to buy sugar soap instead. He said it will not damage the machine and I can buy a large bottle for approx $3 instead of a small bottle of all purpose cleaner for $7. It worked so well!!!
​- Contributed by Linda, Leumeah, 17th April 2009

​Cheaper Alternative for Cleaning Windows and Mirrors

Just put 2 litres of warm water in a bucket, add 2 drops of eucalyptus oil and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Dunk a chamois into the bucket and squeeze off some of the excess water and wash the window/mirror. Take 2 sheets of newspaper and scrunch them up and wipe the window dry. The vinegar cuts the dirt/grime off the windows and the eucalyptus oil puts a lovely shine on them...crystal clear. No chemicals are used and it's MUCH cheaper than store bought cleaners. You can also fill a spray bottle with some of the mix before using the chamois for spot cleaning; then you simply use it like any other window cleaner and wipe dry with the newspaper. Your windows will sparkle like never before!
​- Contributed by Jeanette Sainsbury, 6th January 2009

​Cleaning Window Tracks

I found baby wipes (no frills brand) as the best, easiest and cheapest way to clean window tracks in the home (inside and outside), no need to use any cleaning products. They are great.
​- Contributed by Pamela, Southport, 21st May 2010

​Easiest and Cheapest Way to Clean Windows

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​Some people advise cleaning windows and glass with newspaper. This sounds like a good old-fashioned idea but in fact it's just going to cause more smears to clean off! Many years ago newsprint was the perfect glass cleaner, but now the new ink used in papers is not the same stuff. It's full of synthetic horrors that make everything dirty. The easiest and cheapest way to clean a window or mirror is to wipe with a wet cloth, using a little soap in the water if the windows are really dirty, and plain label vinegar if they are just dusty. Then get a cotton or linen tea towel and rub a bit until the glass is dry. Your glass will be lovely and streak-free. I keep a clean linen cloth in the bathroom cupboard and rub the mirrors over with this, dry, whenever I see a smear.
​- Contributed by Georgina, Keilor, 10th December 2009

​Heat and Scrape

To remove window tint yourself try using a hair dryer and a scraper. Start in one corner and work across. It works great.
​- Contributed by Zvonimir, Werribee, 24th December 2009

​Removing Window Film Takes Time

You need a scraper and lots of scraper blades, a hair dryer, a spray bottle with a little dishwashing liquid in it, old rags and towels. Lay towels under window or on sill. Spray window film with solution and leave for a little time to soften and then scrape. If still hard to remove use hair dryer on low heat to soften adhesive. Change the blade regularly so as not to scratch the glass. It is a time consuming job so be prepared.
​- Contributed by Eva Stead, 24th December 2009

​Heat Lifts Film

An easy way to remove window tinting film is to heat it with your hair dryer and it will peel off easily.
​- Contributed by Susan, Clayfield, 28th December 2009

​Soak and Scrape Window Tint

To remove tint from windows wet window and cover with sheets of newspaper and spray with water. Keep wet for several hours by spraying with water regularly. Most of the tint will peel off, the rest can be removed with a sharp scraper.
​Contributed by Kathy, Port Denison, 9th January 2010

​Soften the Film for Easy Removal

To remove window tint film from windows you need to soften the adhesive to get it to come off cleanly, and the best way is to use a hairdryer or heat gun (like you use to remove wallpaper). Once the tinting film is soft you can use a razor blade or other scraper to scrape it off easily. I had to have the tinting film removed from my car windows and the man that did it used the same technique. It takes a while and you need lots of patience as it is a messy job. Good luck.
​-Contributed by Sarah Martin, 29th December 2009

​Get Expert Advice

Rather than trying to get window tint off you windows and risk damaging the glass or the frame, I suggest you ring one of the window tinting companies found in the telephone book and ask them. They will know exactly how to remove the old window tint without damaging your windows.
​- Contributed by Angie Gay, 29th December 2009

​How to Get Window Tint Off a Window

You need to put a small amount of dishwashing liquid and water into a spray bottle. Shake it up. Place an old towel on the window ledge or floor below the window to catch any excess water. Spray the soapy water on the entire window and then cover with a layer of Gladwrap/shrink wrap, whilst it is still very wet and soapy. Leave for approximately 15 - 20 minutes, then carefully pull back one corner of the plastic wrap and the old film should peel away with it. You may need to leave it a little longer, depending on the old film. Dry the window after removing the plastic and film. Any residue sticky stuff can be cleaned off with eucalyptus oil.
​- Contributed by Jan Googe, 26th December 2009

​Solution to Melt Window Tint

Spray the window with cloudy ammonia and cover with a black garbage bag. It helps if the window is in the sun as the sun heats the glue up and the cloudy ammonia melts it. Tape the bag on and leave to soak. The tint should just peel off and the residue glue will come of with more cloudy ammonia. I used this method on my car and was very successful.
​- Contributed by Debbie Lever, 24th December 2009

​Give Window Film the Blow Off

We used a hairdryer to remove the old tinting from our car windows - the heat melts the glue and makes the tint easily peel off in one big sheet!
​- Contributed by Danielle Lee, 24th December 2009

​Sparkling Windows and Mirrors

I thought you may be interested in a cheaper alternative to cleaning windows and mirrors than store bought cleaners. Just put 2 litres of warm water in a bucket, add 2 drops of eucalyptus oil and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Dunk a chamois into the bucket and squeeze off some of the excess water and wash the window/mirror. Take 2 sheets of newspaper and scrunch them up and wipe the window dry. The vinegar cuts the dirt/grime off the windows and the eucalyptus oil puts a lovely shine on them...crystal clear. No chemicals are used and it's MUCH cheaper than store bought cleaners. You can also fill a spray bottle with some of the mix before using the chamois for spot cleaning; then you simply use it like any other window cleaner and wipe dry with the newspaper. Your windows will sparkle like never before!
​- Contributed by Jeanette Sainsbury, 6th January 2009

​Shampoo Keeps Windows Clear

To keep down condensation off windows, wipe with a little neat shampoo and wipe off with a soft cloth until dry. This works wonders on the inside of car and coach windows so there is no reason why it won't work on the inside of house windows. Give it a try. Just a cheap shampoo is fine.
​- Contributed by Sandra, Goolwa, 23rd August 2008

​Wrap 'Em Up

Believe it or not cling film is the easiest and cheapest way of double glazing your windows. Just make sure you have washed the window frames to remove any grease, then the cling film will stick to the frames, leaving an air gap between the film and the windows. Press the cling film to the window surround as you go to get a good seal. When you have it in place, you can gently re-adjust to remove the wrinkles by gently picking it of a few centimetres at a time and re-stretching it. You can also use the heat of a hair dryer to help smooth the film. If you have wide windows, you can usually get wider rolls of cling film from catering/party supply places. This cling film glazing should last about a year. Just make sure you leave at least one window free to open for ventilation!
​- Contributed by Fiona, Wilton, 21st August 2008

​Homemade Damp Absorbers

I had a problem - wet windows and loads of mildew!!! I found that our family of 4 generated so much water vapour inside the house via cooking, showering (yes, exhaust fan on), breathing! In fact, every activity that uses water like dishwashing, mopping floors and doing laundry adds moisture to the air. So the challenge is to reduce water vapour inside the house. I started by opening the windows a couple of millimetres just during the day even with the heating on, this helps dry out the air (Tassie is freezing, but this really works). Then I bought a couple of 2kg bags of kitty litter!! I've never owned a cat, but kitty litter (from Woolies or Coles) is now made with "silica gel" like you find in shoe boxes. Silica gel is the secret ingredient - it absorbs loads of moisture, cheap and enviro friendly. I half fill ice cream and margarine containers and put them in all the wardrobes, I fill old socks and put them in drawers and hang them up with the clothes, I even fill small organza bags and hang them on the back of all my picture frames on the walls. Every morning I go around with a supersoaker cloth and dry up the bedroom windows, but some mornings they are dry!! I've stopped the mildew from growing back and feel much healthier - mildew is known to cause depression. I found a great site that explains in "laymans terms" all about condensation. http://www.mayfairwindow.com/About%20Condensation.html Also a dehumidifier can help a dampness problem, very cheap to run apparently. Good Luck Bianca.
​-Contributed by Michelle, Nowra, 20th August 2008

​Air Flow Solves Condensation Problem

We used to have this problem in Melbourne with very large floor to ceiling windows. We found the only solution was air flow. You will have to leave your windows just partially open during the night when condensation builds up whilst you are asleep. You will still get a little, but it will not be enough to cause any problems. Having your heating on during the day will be enough to dry the air, or if there is any sunshine around it will help also. Let nature take care of it and it won't cost you anything.
​- Contributed by Julie, Heathcote, 19th August 2008

​Let the Moisture Escape

Do you have gas heating? We inherited a gas heater just before winter started and we noticed that since we'd been using it the condensation on our windows was getting really bad, and the mould was disgusting! Someone told me that gas heaters create more moisture in the air, which then in-turn creates the condensation on the windows. I now keep the window in the dining room open just a little bit (about 2cm) to let the moisture escape and we have had no mould/condensation problems since. I also wiped down my window sills with a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of warm water to keep the mould at bay.
​- Contributed by Jessica, Nowra, 19th August 2008

​Investing in a Dehumidifier Solves Condensation Problem

We had the same problems with condensation as we live in the Southern Highlands, NSW. I have found the best way to stop the mould is to wipe the windows with vinegar as this helps to retard the growth and we bought a Delonghi dehumidifier. It cost about $300 but it has worked. It has a cut off valve when the tank is full so it won't overflow like some of the cheaper ones do. It's not cheap but we have found it is the only was to control the mould when you live in very cold conditions. I guess you have to ask how much is your health worth as living in mould can make you very ill and then you have bad health and lots of doctors bills. The water that is collected in the tank can be tipped on your garden.
​- Contributed by Megan, Moss Vale, 19th August 2008

​Plastic Film as a Makeshift Double-glazing Solution

Years ago we lived for a year in a rented house in England. The kitchen (obviously an afterthought) was a lean-to with an almost flat roof, no insulation anywhere, and cold as ice. I ran lengths of plastic film wrap from frame to frame across each window (not touching the glass), slightly overlapping each length, a little sticky tape holding it in position, and thus created temporary double glazing. The effect was amazing, the room was so much warmer and we didn't have any more condensation problems. When spring came and we wanted to open the windows, the plastic wrap simply pulled away. When we returned from England we made more permanent versions of the cling wrap double glazing by making lightweight timber frames to fit each of the windows and stapling thicker clear plastic (Spotlight stores) across.
​- Contributed by Heather, Eglinton, 19th August 2008

​DIY Double-glazing

Attach cling wrap to the inside of your single glazed windows. Stick it tightly to the frames so that it creates a gap similar to the size of the gap between the glass panes in your double glazed window. Then use a hair dryer (not to close) to shrink and tighten the cling wrap further. This should keep your windows condensation free. But don't forget to leave a slight opening somewhere for the condensation to escape otherwise you'll end up with damp walls instead. The condensation needs to escape somewhere.
​- Contributed by Ruth, Albany Creek, 19th August 2008

​Bubble Wrap Acts as Insulation on Windows and Saves Energy

Check out the page from the TV series Carbon Cops for some ides - "There are several ways of retrofitting glazing, including cutting and permanently installing a second layer of new glass, making removable glass panels that can be lifted in and out of the window frame, sealing a new top surface across the window with heatshrink plastic or even taping on a layer of bubble wrap." Try: www.clearcomfort.com.au, www.magnetite.com.au, www.voltscommissar.net We have used the plastic film on our celestery windows with success. Good Luck.
​-Contributed by Su, Montrose, 19th August 2008

​Good Ventilation and a Window Cover Help With Condensation

When the condensation is bad at my house I wipe my windows over with paper towel each morning and try to let the windows dry out in the day time by letting the sun in. I also open the windows for a short while each day to let the moist air out. If you have a gas heater (which seem to be the worst offenders), leaving a window slightly ajar away from the heater can help. Make sure you always use the fan in the bathroom when showering and leave it running after you leave the room if it is still steamy in there, or open the window to let the steam out. If you're cooking in the kitchen use the range hood to vent the air or again open a window slightly to let the humid air out. Other than that, a company called Magnetite may be able to help - they basically fix an acrylic window over your existing windows by way of magnets, which then acts as double glazing, and can be made to fit any size or shape window. Their website is www.magnetite.com.au Good luck!
​- Contributed by Rebecca, Goulbourn, 19th August 2008

​Cold Tea and Streak Free Glass

Approximate $ Savings: $200

​ I have lots of glass at home and find commercial glass cleaners leave everything smeary. A hint passed on to me by somebody else was to make a cup of weak black tea, let it go cold, put into a spray bottle and use that (together with paper towel) to clean all your glass. You can use a pre-used tea bag rather than a fresh one. It works like a treat !! The tannins in the tea leaves the glass streak free. All my household windows and sliding doors have tinted film on them as do both our cars so I have to be careful what I use but this is fine. No streaks and sparkling clean. It also works on my glass splash backs, glass tables etc. Glass cleaners were probably costing me somewhere around $200 a year and now - FREE.
- Contributed by Debbie, Greenwith, 3rd July 2008

​Newspaper for Sparkling Windows

Scrunch up newspaper and put a splash of straight vinegar, use some effort and rub well. Leaves windows shinning and streak free.
​- Contributed by Jennie, Galston, 2nd October 2007

​Neat Window Washing Trick

I use a generous splosh of white vinegar (supermarket Homebrand) diluted in some water to wash my windows and wooden floorboards - they gleam. Even better, keep old socks, dip them in the vinegar solution, squeeze them out, put on your hand (mitten style) wipe over your windows (I find the wrung out sock leaves less excess water on the window than a regular cloth) then immediately dry and buff window off with a soft lint free cloth - easy work - great results! Note: if you have been using something else to clean the windows with, it may take a couple of goes with the vinegar to rid the window of built up residue.
​- Contributed by Suzie, Melbourne, May 20th 2005

​Cleaning the Fireplace Door

To get all the burnt black marks off your glass of your fire place door, get some newspaper, dampen it then dip it in the ash and rub on the glass. Gives a perfect clean and saves you money on all those expensive cleaning products
​- Contributed by Kellie, South Toowoomba, October 20th 2006

​Washing Windows

Dishwashing liquid for hand washing dishes,( not machine) cleans glassware beautifully and makes it sparkle. I use it for cleaning windows very satisfactorily, without using expensive window cleaner
​- Contributed by Muriel, Campbelltown, July 11th 2006

​Newspapers for Sparkling Windows

As a student, I worked on a pub hot-food snack bar to make extra money. At the end of the shift the glass would be greasy. The snack bar owner gave me a great tip - all you need is newspaper and a pair of rubber gloves. Scrunch a couple of sheets of newspaper into a ball, soak it in water, and rub thoroughly over the glass. Now polish off with dry scrunched up newspaper - sparkling glass and almost free! You definitely need the rubber gloves though :-)
​- Contributed by Fiona, July 22nd 2006

​Cleaning Windows

If you hate cleaning windows, shower screens or almost anything, buy a micro cloth from your supermarket for about $4. All you need to do is wet the cloth, wipe over the surface and buff up with a dry cloth. I use old towelling nappies. No need for expensive cleaners and no more streaks. Fab for mirrors and car windows.
​- Contributed by Jeanette, Rosebud, June 28th, 2004

​Mirrors

​Many times windows and mirrors don't need anything but plain water to come clean. Just smear or splash on some water, then, instead of using paper towels or rags to dry them, use crumpled newspaper. Barring grease or heavy dirt, it will clean and polish them to perfection. That's cheap!

​Best Ever Glass Cleaner

​Replace expensive glass cleaner with a solution of ammonia and water. Use it on your mirrors, glass surfaces, and any other areas you'd normally clean with glass cleaner. You'll find ammonia and water streak less. If you want an easy way to eliminate streaks completely, wipe off your ammonia and water solution with old newspapers. Don't worry about the newsprint. It won't come off. Surfaces dry clean and streak free!

​Vinegar Window Cleaner

​1/2 cup white vinegar 4 litres warm water Just mix and scrub. When washing windows, using newspaper is best.

​Window Cleaner

​1/2 tsp liquid soap (detergent) 3 Tbsp. vinegar 2 cups water 1 drop blue food colouring (optional) Blend well and store in spray bottle.

​Squeegee

​Use a squeegee and water spray to clean windows. This is the easiest way. Also use a squeegee on the walls and door of your shower. It will keep water spots and soap deposits from building up.