This spring cleaning season, making your windows shine without streaks is a top priority. Thankfully, cleaning expert Barbara 'Babs' Costello has some fantastic insights to share.
Babs emphasizes that spring is the perfect time to clean windows and enjoy the fresh air. "This is my foolproof method for achieving spotless, streak-free windows with minimal fuss," she explains.
Known for her practical advice on social media, particularly TikTok, Babs' window cleaning tips are timely and effective. She believes there's no better time than now to refresh your space and prepare for sunny days.
Three Strategies for Streak-Free Windows
Babs' cleaning techniques are quick, natural, and incredibly easy to follow. Here are her three essential tips for achieving spotless windows.
1. Clean at the Right Time
Before you start, timing is crucial. Babs advises waiting until the pollen has settled to prevent your efforts from going to waste. "If you clean too early, the pollen will just make your windows dirty again," she cautions.
Additionally, it's important to vacuum around your windows before starting. "Don't forget to vacuum the window sill, and if it's dirty, give it a wipe. You want a clean space to let in fresh air," she adds.
2. Use the Right Cleaning Materials
For the second tip, Babs stresses not to use paper towels. Instead, opt for coffee filters, an old t-shirt, or a microfiber cloth, like this one from Amazon. Babs recalls using newspapers in the past, which worked wonders.
To enhance your cleaning, she recommends a DIY window solution: one cup of distilled water, 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol, and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Using distilled water minimizes minerals, giving you a better shot at a streak-free finish. Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle, like this one from Amazon, and you're ready to clean.
3. Work from Top to Bottom
When cleaning, start at the top of the window. Use your chosen cloth or filter, spraying from the top down in a single direction. This method guarantees a streak-free finish.
Babs recommends cleaning on cloudy days or during the evening. This prevents the solution from drying too quickly, which can lead to streaks.
If you'd like more handy tips from Babs, consider her cookbook. Her recipes are just as simple and effective as her cleaning advice.
Celebrate with Babs: Holiday Recipes & Family Traditions | $20.40 on Amazon
This book offers recipes and hosting tips that can enhance your year-round celebrations, covering events from Valentine's Day to Christmas.
