Stop using vinegar on windows as 1 other kitchen item leaves a ‘better streak-free finish’

Stop using vinegar on windows as 1 other kitchen item leaves a ‘better streak-free finish’ (Image: Getty)

Window cleaning can be one of the longest and most tedious tasks many often turn to the help of white vinegar as a natural alternative to those chemical window cleaning sprays.

However, many don’t get on too well with using white vinegar or don’t see the results they’re after with the kitchen staple just like one cleaning enthusiast found.

Taking to the Mrs Hinch Cleaning tips Facebook page Lisa Jones said: “Hi all, desperately need amazing tips on cleaning windows. I’ve tried white vinegar, wet cloth/dry cloth. Tried window cleaners. Bought a squidgy from B&M. Just leaving streaks! So frustrating.”

Rushing to offer their recommendations, many Mrs Hinch fans suggested using black tea to clean windows to get them streak-free.

Julie Megan wrote: “Cold black tea and a microfibre cloth. It’s amazing.” Rebecca Garrod claimed: “Cold black tea is the best thing I’ve used.”

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Vinegar can sometimes leave streaks behind (Image: Getty)

Eileen Chapman said: “Sorry to be boring but cold tea and kitchen roll no smears lots of sparkle that's just my favourite.

“I just use one tea bag in a jug with about half a pint of boiling water when it’s cold pour it into a little spray bottle and do my mirrors and windows.

“I guess you could just double it if you needed more. I only live in a very small flat so only three windows sadly. Hope it works for you if you try it.”

The tannic acid in black tea is what helps break down the grease and grime on windows (Image: Getty)

Claire Tippen said: “Sounds like you need to use cold black tea. I thought my windows were clean when using vinegar then I used this and I’ve never had a better streak-free finish.”

Linda Gallagher commented: “Someone said cold tea put it in a bottle with a spray on it I tried it. That is all I use now on any glass and I just wipe it off with a microfibre cloth. Love it.”

The tannic acid in black tea is what helps break down the grease and grime on windows to leave a crystal-clear finish. The tea leaves a natural shine on the glass without any chemical residue.

To keep the cost down further, store leftover tea bags in an air-tight jar before making up a batch of the cleaning solution.

After cleaning that, make sure to do so regularly to prevent heavy build-up of dirt and grime, which makes cleaning easier and more effective.

After applying the tea to the windows, you can use a microfibre cloth to wipe the window in a circular motion or a squeegee.