let the sun shine in...

14 October 2009

Our garage door windows probably hadn't been washed in 10 years~honestly. The pictures really don't show the cloudy, hazy, filmy, built up mess.
I have tried to clean them since we've been here a couple of times with window cleaner, but they had so much dried build-up on them, it wasn't doing much good.



Somewhere in my google searches for sparkling windows, someone suggested using fine steel wool. We've been having beautiful weather the last couple of days, so while we've been outside, I decided to try it.

I sprayed homeade glass cleaner
(mix in a spray bottle: 1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon clear, non-sudsing ammonia)
rubbed the finest steel wool I could find all over in circular motions,
wiped it off with a soft, dry cloth,

and that was it, Hooray for clear windows!
Can I show you one more?

Thanks~that feels much better.
Have a great day~

22 comments

  1. Heidi10/15/09, 12:02 AM

    that's awesome! I'm filing this away one day to use when I'm motivated to clean some windows! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tracy10/15/09, 4:43 AM

    Well, there is one I have never heard of but there is nothing worse than cleaning a bunch of windows only to turn around and see streaks! Thanks for the tip. Your windows look so sparkly. Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Melanie10/15/09, 6:01 AM

    I can't stand dirty windows. I don't like finger prints on the car windows either. I guess you could say I have a little OCD:) I know that you feel much better now.

    ReplyDelete
  4. BLJ Graves Studio10/15/09, 6:42 AM

    Thank you!!! I have a few windows with a film I have been unsuccessful in cleaning off as well. I will be trying this today.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous10/15/09, 7:22 AM

    omg what a great tip! i will have to try this! but i have too many darn windows...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kat Curtis10/15/09, 7:38 AM

    I actually washed my windows yesterday and was frustrated by some of the back windows - I'll have to try the steel wool. Great idea! And perfect timing too.

    By the way, thanks again for having Ben over. We'll have to have Logan over sometime too.

    ReplyDelete
  7. A Wedding Story10/15/09, 7:56 AM

    I just love clean windows!!! They look great. Love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lindy10/15/09, 8:44 AM

    Thanks for the tip and the recipe! I know what I will be doing tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Gordostyle10/15/09, 8:49 AM

    Oh my goodness! I'm trying that for sure! :o) Rock on!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Amanda @ Serenity Now10/15/09, 11:04 AM

    You should market that stuff in your own Etsy shop. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Unknown10/15/09, 12:34 PM

    Great tip, and thanks for the cleaner recipe! Actually, why don't you just bring me some and you can clean my windows while I make dessert! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Jen10/15/09, 12:46 PM

    Hi! Just wanted to let you know I read your blog and LOVE it! I started a brand new site and am hoping to gather a creative group of ladies (Ok, men too if necessary) who share the love of spray paint. Please take a minute to stop by and decide if you'd like to be a part of it!!

    http://paintitpretty.ning.com/


    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  13. Liz Harrell10/15/09, 1:30 PM

    Great job, now PALEESE come help me with my seriously dirty front window. :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. preppyinnewengland10/15/09, 2:22 PM

    Isn't it amazing what elbow grease can do?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Karen at Nittany Inspirations10/15/09, 2:26 PM

    Thank you for the tip. I would have been afraid to use steel wool for fear that it would scratch the glass, but it looks great. I know how excited you are. The first time I used Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, I went all around the house looking for something to clean and I couldn't wait to tell everyone about them.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous10/15/09, 4:11 PM

    I just love that homemade window cleaner...there is truly nothing like it. Your windows look great ;o)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Kari10/15/09, 4:29 PM

    Oh my gosh! Your results are wonderful and your timing is perfect. We have some windows that need cleaned and I was just about to start a google search to find the best way to clean them. THANKS SO MUCH!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com10/15/09, 5:57 PM

    So shiny - isn't that a great feeling! I hope it doesn't rain! (that's what happens to me every time I wash ours - lol)

    XOXO
    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  19. Rachel10/15/09, 8:59 PM

    Oh. my. word. I have windows on my house I haven't been able to get clean since we moved in 18 mos ago. And now I have an idea.

    THANK YOU!!!! Now, to get to the store and get some steel wool, and some ammonia!

    WOOHOO! And this weekend bids to be mild and clear...for the first time in a loooong time...great weekend project!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sandy10/15/09, 9:44 PM

    --Oh Wow, that's great!! Thank you for the tip!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sharon10/15/09, 10:35 PM

    Beautiful. Thanks for the tip.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Angie10/15/09, 11:20 PM

    Good for you that you did something that is not so fun to do! My husband is the window cleaner, not me. They do look great!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to leave me a note!

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
© 320 * Sycamore.
Theme by dulcet sight.