Today’s post has absolutely nothing to do with food. Wait, I can bring it back to food. I know I can. Give me a second…okay, I’ve got it! Today’s “Kitchen” Tip is just what you need to get your kitchen window shiny clean so you can be a happy cook and make amazing FOOD.
When Nate and I were first married we were washing our trusty old pick-up truck at his grandparents’ house. It was time to clean the windows when Grammy (of Grammy’s Orange Chicken fame) handed me a stack of newspaper when I asked for paper towels. I was like “Wha? Wha?” and she was like “Yup! Yup!” Okay, those may not be direct quotes, but you get the drift.
So, yeah, it’s true! For streak-free window cleaning use newspaper (a.k.a. newsprint) instead of paper towels or cloth towels. It works soooo much better. It sounds crazy until you give it a try. I have a ton of plain newsprint from when we moved so I’ve been using that, but you can use regular old newspaper with the print on it. It doesn’t matter. Your hands might be dirty by the end, but your windows will be sparkly clean!
Let’s do a comparison, shall we? Here is my front room window after cleaning it with paper towels but before the newspaper treatment.
Seriously, that’s a “clean” window. Well, I thought it was clean until the morning light came shining through the next day. I immediately grabbed some newsprint and glass cleaner and got to work. Here is the “after” shot:
There is no way I could have gotten it that clear with paper towels. I tried!
Here’s the view through my super clean window – crisp and clear!
I’ve used newsprint to clean mirrors and windows – I especially like using it for the inside of the windshield in my car. (I’m sort of a clean windshield nut.)
So, next time you need to clean some windows, grab the glass cleaner and a bunch of newspaper. And send happy thank you vibes to Grammy McCarthy!
Hi! My name is Jane Maynard and you've landed yourself on my blog, This Week for Dinner™. Every Sunday I share a weekly menu...and count on you to share yours! You'll also find other deliciousness that I hope you'll enjoy!
My windows end up looking like your first photo all the time, but in the afternoon when guests come over, not the morning. I’m going to give newspaper a try! Thanks Grammy McCarthy!
I learned this trick from my grandmother years ago. Works like a charm every time!
You can also just use plain Vinegar instead of glass cleaner Folks!! I use vinegar on all my glass, mirrors and faucets and works greaaat!
I love cleaning with vinegar! the family doesn’t love the smell, but I love how powerful it is and that it’s all natural!
I had a roommate once from Trinidad (of all places!) and she taught me this trick. It really is way better than paper towels. For some reason, I never stuck with the newspaper, but this is a good reminder that I should go back to it!
Great way to recycle old newspapers! Thanks!
It must be a ‘Grammy’ thing because my Grammy used to have me use newspapers and vinegar to wash and dry her windows! I just lost my Grammy last month…she was 104 and a 1/2..I suppose that’s the stuff they had back in the day before the 10million cleaners on the market today:)
that is so funny, it must be a grammy thing!
and, also, just goes to show a lot of the things that were used before all these products were on the market worked just as well and are better for so many reasons! 🙂
My gramma did this. It’s a great trick. Love the view out of the window.
WHAT?! Seriously? I’m about to go clean my windows!!
This is impressive, thank you for the tips and advices, I’ve learned more about it. Window cleaning is not easy.