Get your mirrors and windows pristine and streak-free by using a solvent that evaporates cleanly along with a smooth, lint-free applicator. Most likely, you have both of these essential components in the medicine cabinet and recycling bin in your house.

Interior Window Cleaning

Crumple a sheet of paper into a ball, moisten it with 70 percent rubbing alcohol. Rub the moist paper across the glass to clean it. Use enough alcohol to moisten the center of this paper ball without soaking it. Repeat as required, decreasing the amount of alcohol as the stains on the window disappear. Alcohol is a powerful solvent and newsprint is smooth yet absorbent. Don’t worry, the ink won’t come off on the glass. Be sure you use pages from the paper itself, not the shiny inserts that come with it.

Outside Window Cleaning

Outside windows collect dirt and dust, so add a prewash measure. Mix 1 part 70 percent rubbing alcohol to 3 parts water in a bucket. Implement this solution generously using a sponge, washing the frames in addition to the windows. Rinse with clear water, and use a squeegee to dry the window glass. Then return over the window using rubbing alcohol on paper to remove stains and streaks. If you’ve got a huge expanse of glass, denim rags cut from old blue jeans are just as effective as newspapers and will last longer.

Safety Tips

Ventilate the room when cleaning with rubbing alcohol. Stay away from open flame, and wear rubber gloves if you’ve got sensitive skin.

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