How To Cleaning Windows with Newspaper

May 18, 2020 By Margie Rawls

Window glass-cleaning products are usually filled with dangerous chemicals. They usually leave nasty odours too. Moreover, even natural cleaners often don’t work as well, leaving lines on the glass which seems to happen often even with those products that claim to be streak-free. Moreover, then there is the problem of the little bits of covering left by the paper towels that make the glass look just as dusty as if it had never been cleaned in the first place. Let’s talk about cleaning windows with newspaper to save time, money and efforts.

Instead of harmful chemical sprays, get those windows and mirrors sparkle clear with a simple solution of the newspaper. You will also save money and the hassle of needing to stock more cleaning supplies.

If you have heard of people using pieces of newspaper to clean windows, but you have never tried it at home. You should try this very promptly. The newspaper is an effective way to wipe glass windows to clean.

Our ancestors were right. The fifty-cent daily can double as a glass cleaner. Newspapers are made of thick fibres that contain no solid, scratching materials like silica or calcium carbonate. Compared to paper towels, newspaper fibres are more inflexible and will not separate and cause lint. Ninety 90% of newspapers converted from petroleum-based ink, which caused tints and smears, to the cheaper, smear-free alternative of soy-based ink. The switch reduced the newspaper perfect for multipurpose use.

There are many ways to clean windows but cleaning windows with the newspaper is an inexpensive method which we can use at homes, offices and other places where glass windows installed. Newspapers are readily available at home and offices. It works well, the newspaper and ink act as a light rough to give you clean windows.

A glass of windows and mirrors quickly collect dust, even if you clean them too often. Furthermore, in the meanness of all the particular cleaning and elbow grease, the glass does not seem sparkling clean because of the lines and lint. Thus, apart from the elbow grease, you also need to use the right tools. For instance, it is best to clean glass windows with the old newspapers.

Below are the methods for cleaning windows with newspaper.

Cleaning Windows with Newspaper

Gather the below items/material before cleaning of windows with the newspaper;

What You Need to Gather:

A dirty window Bundle of Old Newspapers A piece of clean clothes Empty Spray Bottle Clean Water

A Dirty Window

First of all, find the dirty window, you can find a dirty window at your home, offices and also your shops. Do not feel shy to clean your windows. Windows are part of our daily routine life and frequently used by us. It is not the duty of handyman only in our offices and of a house cleaner in our homes.

Bundle of Old Newspaper

The compulsorily required item you need for this method, of course, is a couple of pages from an old newspaper. It would be better if using the typical old-fashioned black and white paper kind, though, not the coloured shiny pages used for ads and store fliers.

A piece of Clean Fabric

You will have to gather some pieces of clean clothes. Before cleaning the windows with newspaper, clean the windows with a clean cloth and remove all dust with it.

Empty Spray Bottle

During the cleaning windows with the newspaper, you will need to empty spray bottle. Fill the empty spray bottle with clean water and keep it with you.

Clean Water

Clean water also required for cleaning of windows with newspaper. Arrange a small bowl of clean water.

After the above-required items arrangements, follow the below instructions and start to clean windows with the old newspapers.

Preparation for Cleaning Windows with Newspaper:

Dip the old newspaper into a bowl of water, or mix it under the spout, and squeeze out any excess water, so it is just damp and not dripping wet.

After that just scrub away at the window like you usually would. Unless it is dirty, you perhaps would not have to rub too hard.

After following the above instruction, just take a dry page of the old newspaper and polish the window glass with it until all the water drops are gone, and it looks clear and shiny. Put the newspaper into the recycling bin, and you are done.

Benefits of Cleaning Windows with Newspaper

No Extra Cost

By using old newspaper, you save the money. You have already finished reading.

No Noxious

You also save yourself from harmful danger chemicals as well by using clean water. Clean water has no negative effects.

No Strips

There is no stripes and shades leftover on the windows by clean with old newspaper.

No Lint

A newspaper does not leave dusty lint behind like paper towels

No Waste

Unlike paper towels sodden with window glass cleaner, the newspaper can be recycled.

We have read a useful method for cleaning windows with newspaper, but this is just about as carefully as it gets. In the home mostly housewives and janitorial staff at offices are using this method and also guide to your future ones.

Crystal Clear Window Cleaning With Newspaper!

Introduction: Crystal Clear Window Cleaning With Newspaper!

When everything in the world seems to be getting more and more complicate, its refreshing to discover a simple solution to a common problem.

If you’ve ever had to clean your bathroom mirrors, windows of your house and even your car windscreen getting that crystal clear movie standard finish can be very frustrating. The greasy smudges and long unwanted streaks seem to stick around like a bad smell.

This is a technique my grandparents told me to use when cleaning the car windscreen. I couldn’t get rid of the streaks and smudges when the sun shone on the windscreen. I thought it was a trick to get me to clean my car with newspaper but honestly i haven’t used anything else since!

This Instructable will guide you through the super simple process for that professional looking clean glass.

Disclaimer: No «super high tech fiber» cleaning cloths or ‘new proven «chemical formula» window fluid have been used in the making of this Instructable.

Step 1: The Ins and Outs!

It might seem a bit strange using vinegar and newspaper in the process but it made a lot of sense when i did some research!

Why Vinegar?

Its important to use white vinegar. When white vinegar dries it leaves no residue. This is extremely important when cleaning glass. The acidic nature of the vinegar helps to break down any pesky grease and oil on the glass so that they can be wiped away!

Why Newspaper?

The real star of the show is the newspaper. This is down to the fact that newspapers are made from really densely packed fibers with nothing in the paper that can scratch or mark the glass. These densely packed fibers mean that the fibers cannot separate which is very important. You see this unwanted separation first hand when you use other materials like tissue paper or cloth to clean your glass. These materials leave a trail of lint across the glass when you use them! This is also the reason why, when using newspapers to clean windows they will never leave a streak! The absorbing nature of the newspapers also helps to absorb any oils and smudges that may be on the glass allowing for that crystal clear finish.

The combination of both allows for the ultimate glass cleaning combo. The vinegar helps to break down the oils and dirt on the window and the newspapers absorb it all, all the while leaving zero streaks!

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

Your material list for this Instructable is very reasonable. Everything you need should be found around the house!

Your supply list is:

1. Newspaper
2. White Vinegar (Optional but recommended for glass that you might not have gotten around to spring cleaning in a while)
3. Water

A bowl for your water or a bottle with a spray nozzle would be very useful but they aren’t necessary required! Remember the vinegar used has to be white vinegar as it doesn’t leave any residue!

Step 3: Scrub

Now its time to get down to work. Grab the newspaper and scrunch up a few sheets into newspaper balls to use for the scrubbing. If the glass is very dirty use a mixture of vinegar and water in a bowl of water to scrub the glass. A mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water is what i used. For heavier dirt you can add more vinegar! Alternatively you can mix the vinegar and water in the spray bottle for easy application onto the glass.

Using your bowl or spray bottle as well as the newspaper scrub the windows until the grease and smudges start to disappear. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the water!

Unfortunately it was very hard to photograph the difference between the clean and dirty glass with a normal window so i had to use a frosted glass window.

Step 4: Dry!

After you’ve scrubbed the glass the last step is to dry them. Again using the newspaper to dry off the glass means that no smudges or streaks are allowed to form when the glass is drying. Not allowing it to air dry also helps to stop the formation of those pesky water-spots on the glass!

It helps if you spread a sheet of newspaper flat to cover more area and just wipe it around on the glass! After that just crumple up a couple of sheets of the newspaper into balls and wipe away whatever moisture remains. Replace your newspaper balls when they become to wet to dry !

And there you have it! Crystal clear professional looking glass using Eco friendly materials, a simple technique and reusing the things you have at home! The elusive trifecta 🙂

Just an added note, this is extremely effective on car windscreens. When your driving into the sun and you have a dirty windscreen the sun can really blind you as it shines on the smudges and streaks. This technique is perfect for getting rid of those. You can really appreciate the clarity when your driving and not having to shield your eyes!

Thanks for reading guys. If you have the time i would really appreciate your vote in the spotless contest! 🙂

How to clean windows – get sparkling windows inside and out without streaking with our expert tips

Invite the brightness back into your home with sparkling clean windows. From making your own window cleaning solution to the trusted old newspaper trick, there are plenty of ways to bring the shine back to your window panes. Never underestimate the power of clean windows to transform your rooms, making them light, bright and good for the soul.

Take a look at our care and cleaning advice section for a host of tips and care guides

How to clean windows

Image credit: James French

Here’s what you’ll need for cleaning windows in order to get a professional finish:

• Large dry brush or broom handle for removing cobwebs and dust
• Bucket
• Sponge
• Squeegee
• Purpose made window cleaning solutions or vinegar
• Brown paper or newspaper
• Microfibre cloth
• Dry lint free cloth or drying pad

1. Remove curtains and blinds

Image credit: Damian Russell

Start by taking down curtains and blinds. If you can, take the opportunity to give drapes a thorough wash or spritz
with a fabric freshener like Febreze. Use a dry brush or dusting attachment on your vacuum to sweep away any dust
or cobwebs from around the corners of the windows and the windowsills.

2. What’s the best thing to clean windows with?

Image credit: Debi Treloar

Cleaning expert, Lynsey Queen of Clean recommends using white vinegar to clean windows. ‘When you spray it you don’t need much, it’s going to smell for about 15 minutes, but it’s going to disappear.’

You can also wash your windows with soapy water. Fill a bucket with a simple solution of washing-up liquid and warm water, but avoid creating too many soap suds as
these will leave further marks if allowed to dry. Start washing windows using a non-abrasive sponge.

3. How to cleaning windows without streaks – wipe off any excess cleaner

To clean the window work in an S-shape advises Lynsey. ‘With your microfibre cloth work in the shape of an S so you will get into every bit and that will stop the smears.’

You can also use a squeegee for a streak free finish. Also work in an S-shape. Periodically wipe the squeegee blade on a clean rag to avoid smearing dirt around. Remove remaining water with a damp chamois or microfibre cloth and dry the windowsill.

Avoid paper towels or cloths that might leave lint on the glass. For exterior upper-floor panes, it’s worth investing in a gadget with a U-shaped pole to avoid reaching out of top-floor windows!

4. Try traditional methods

Image credit: Holly Jolliffe

If you prefer to make your own cleaning solutions, add two tablespoons of vinegar to a small bucket of warm water (this won’t kill bacteria, though). If your windows need tough love, add two tablespoons of household ammonia, but wear rubber gloves. Buffing your clean, dry glass with crumpled newspaper gives windows a sparkling finish.

TIP: Aim to clean your windows at least twice a year to keep your rooms light and bright – avoid washing them on a sunny day, though!

5. Clean the window edges

Most window edges will be left gleaming after washing with soapy water. However, if you have white PVC Lynsey recommends using a cream based cleaner or a whitening product to keep them looking new.

‘You could use a white toothpaste. Leave it to do its work and that will whiten the frame,’ says Lynsey.

Does Cleaning Car Windows with Vinegar and Newspaper Work?

We all want only the best for our precious cars. That’s why many of us tend to spend too much money on high-quality cleaning products. But, sometimes, the most effective solutions are the cheapest ones. Therefore, I decided to test the old school method of cleaning the windows of a vehicle by using the newspaper and vinegar. So, does cleaning car windows with vinegar and newspaper work? Well, you should definitely continue reading this article if you want to find out!

Why Does the Newspaper Clean Windows so Well?

There are a couple of theories on why the newspaper is that effective in cleaning windows. The most probable one lies in the fact that the paper is made out of fibers that are densely packed. That means that it’s impossible for it to leave any residue or scratch the surface.

Furthermore, if you’ve ever spilled something on your newspaper, you’ve probably noticed that it stayed unscathed, unlike toilet paper, for instance. That’s another thing to attribute to the density of fibers.

What’s more, there is a theory that backs up using newspaper as a cleaning tool due to its gritty texture. To clarify, the ink that is used for letters and photos resembles lighter sandpaper. Therefore, it has the ability to get into the layers of dirt and grime on the glass and remove them successfully.

However, not every reading material is good for cleaning. For example, magazines are made out of material that repels water. Therefore, they won’t be the best choice for cleaning your car’s windows.

On the other hand, the newspaper will absorb just enough water instead of moving it around, and it will also soak in oils and smudges from the glass. So, if you’re interested in trying out this method, you should only use this kind of paper.

Upsides to Using Newspaper for Washing Your Car’s Windows

I’ll give you a couple of reasons why you should give the newspaper a go for cleaning your car’s windows.

The newspaper is cheap

You can spend money on rolls of paper towels or on a special cloth that is made for cleaning glass, or you can just use something that you probably have in your household, such as the newspaper. The low price is a good enough reason to at least try this method.

It is good for the environment

The newspaper is 100% recyclable. Therefore, there is no waste and no guilt while using it.

You don’t have to wash it

Unlike most cleaning tools, you don’t have to waste your energy on washing and drying the newspaper. You can throw it away as soon as you’re done cleaning.

Disadvantages of Using the Newspaper for Cleaning

The only trouble that you’ll probably have with the newspaper is the ink. When wet, the ink can get on some parts of your car or your hands and it can be hard to remove. If something like that happens, you can use some rubbing alcohol or a stain remover.

Why Is Vinegar a Good Solution for Cleaning Car Windows?

Vinegar is one of the best cleaning solutions for glass. However, a lot of car owners avoid it due to its unpleasant smell. But, you shouldn’t worry about that, because the smell will evaporate as soon as the vinegar dries out.

So, why is vinegar that good at cleaning glass? Well, it contains acids that have the ability to go into grease, dirt, and oils on the window and break them down.

However, not every type of vinegar will be good for glass. The only one that won’t leave any residue, which is one of the most important things when it comes to glass surfaces, is white vinegar.

Upsides to Using White Vinegar for Washing Your Car’s Windows

Why should you use white vinegar instead of professional cleaning supplies?

White vinegar is cheap

If you’re looking for a great cleaning product that won’t cost much money, white vinegar is a perfect choice. You probably already have it at home, and you can use it for so many different purposes besides cleaning.

It isn’t toxic

Unlike most cleaning solutions, white vinegar doesn’t contain any dangerous chemicals. You don’t have to worry about inhaling it for too long because it can’t harm you.

What’s more, if you have curious kids, there’s no reason to fear that they might ingest it, because nothing bad can happen. Therefore, white vinegar is as effective as it is safe for both your family and your car.

White vinegar is antibacterial

With white vinegar, you actually spend less money for a better cleaning solution. Acids that it contains will eliminate germs and bacteria more quickly than most cleaning products.

The Downsides of Using White Vinegar

Probably the only downside to using white vinegar is its smell. I think we can all agree that cleaning with vinegar isn’t the most pleasant experience. However, as I previously mentioned, the smell quickly evaporates. So, you’ll just have to ignore it while cleaning, or ventilate the area properly, and it will be gone in no time.

Homemade Window Cleaning Solutions with White Vinegar

There are various uses of white vinegar, especially for your car. For example, you can use it to clean your windshield. If you want to learn more about that, I have an article that you can read.

In addition, white vinegar can be mixed with so many different products. You can combine it with your favorite cleaning solution for windows to enhance the antibacterial properties, or you can make one on your own.

A solution with only vinegar

You don’t have to dilute vinegar for great results. In case your windows are greasy, you can warm a cup of vinegar and apply it on the surface. It’s best that you wait for a couple of minutes before rinsing the windows off.

A simple cleaning solution

If you need a cleaning solution that you can keep somewhere in your car for quick touch-ups, you can prepare a simple mixture of vinegar and water. You should take one cup of water and a half a cup to a cup of vinegar, mix them in a spray bottle, and you’ve got yourself a new cleaner!

A stronger solution

For a bit more effective cleaning solution, you’ll need water, white vinegar, and your favorite dishwashing product. You’ll have to mix two cups of water, a quarter cup of vinegar and half a teaspoon of a dishwashing product. You can put the mixture in a spray bottle or a bucket and wash the windows of your car once a month.

How to Clean Your Windows with the Newspaper and Vinegar

Before you start with the process, you’ll need to think about the best place to park your car. You’ll be cleaning both the inside and the outside of the windows. So, you should avoid parking under trees or washing just after a rain in order to ensure that nothing falls on your windows while they’re still drying.

In addition, if you’re annoyed by the smell of vinegar, you’ll need to park your car somewhere where you’ll have enough room to open all four doors. After you choose a perfect parking spot, it’s time to do some cleaning!

1. Choose a Cleaning Solution

The first step is to choose which of the cleaning solutions that I mentioned works best for the current state of your windows. I recommend that you use the one with just white vinegar and water.

You can also add a bit of rubbing alcohol to the mixture for additional antibacterial properties. If you have a spray bottle, you should definitely use it. However, if you don’t, a simple bucket will do.

2. Take the Newspaper

The next step is to make balls out of a couple of sheets of the newspaper. That way, your cleaning tool will be much easier to use, and you’ll make sure that the water doesn’t affect the state of paper. You’ll need more than one ball because you’ll have to replace it every time it gets too wet if you want to avoid smudges.

3. Clean the Windows of Your Car

Spray a bit of your cleaning mixture on the window and scrub the surface with the newspaper ball thoroughly. After you’re done, you can use another newspaper ball to dry out the glass in order to prevent any streaks or spots during the drying process. It’s best that you wait for the inside to dry out completely before you start working with the outside windows.

Congratulations! Your windows are now clean, and free of bacteria and streaks!

In Conclusion

You can make the windows of your car shiny and squeaky clean without spending too much money. There are things that you already have in your household which can do just as good of a job as a high-quality cleaning solution, and white vinegar and newspaper are some of them.

What’s more, there are other great ways to wash your windows on a budget. I have an article about amazing cleaning properties of rubbing alcohol that you should definitely check out.

If you need more great tips for maintaining your car, you should check out my other articles. See you in the next one!