Top 5 Environmentally Safe Ways to Clean Your Dirty Windows! (Edmonton 2024)
Cleaning your windows is an essential part of maintaining the exterior of your home or business, but traditional methods can often involve harsh chemicals, such as Windex, that are harmful to the environment. Fortunately, there are many environmentally friendly cleaning techniques available that not only restore the shine to your windows but also minimize your ecological footprint. Below are what we consider the top 5 most eco-friendly ways to clean windows, plus an honourable mention!
Honourable mention: Baking Soda Paste
For stubborn stains or hard water spots, baking soda can be an effective and environmentally friendly cleaning agent. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply the paste on the stained areas and gently scrub using a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse with clean water afterward. This method is not only environmentally friendly but also deodorizes as it cleans.
Pros:
Affordable
Easy to use
Cons:
Can be messy
Can be a lengthy process
5. Vinegar and Water Solution
A simple and effective solution for window cleaning is a mixture of vinegar and water. Combine equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This natural cleaner removes dirt and grime without harming the environment. Vinegar is biodegradable and nontoxic, making it one of the safest options available.
Pros:
Affordable
Quick cleaning time
Cons:
Odour may not be pleasant
May leave behind streaks
4. Castile Soap Solution
Castile soap is a plant-based soap that serves as a gentle yet effective cleaner. Mix a small amount of Castile soap with water in a spray bottle and use it to clean your windows. Using this biodegradable soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s, avoids harmful chemicals, ensuring a cleaner rinse and a safe wash for the surrounding environment.
Pros:
Easy to use
Low chance of streaks
Cons:
Expensive
3. Essential Oils
Adding a few drops of essential oils, such as lemon or tea tree, to your vinegar and water solution can enhance the cleaning process while imparting a pleasant scent. These oils often have antibacterial properties, making your cleaning both effective and eco-friendly.
Pros:
Improved version of vinegar solution
Inexpensive
Masks the smell of vinegar
Cons:
More complicated than vinegar solution
2. Commercial Green Cleaners
If you're looking for convenience, there are several commercially available green cleaning products specifically formulated for window cleaning. These products are often made from biodegradable ingredients, ensuring that they are less harmful to the environment than traditional cleaners. Opt for brands that can provide transparency about their ingredients, such as Simple Green, to ensure you're making a sustainable choice.
Pros:
If used correctly, a streak free clean can be achieved
Cons:
Expensive for a DIY
1. Water Fed Pole Method
The water fed pole method is the most innovative and eco-friendly way to keep windows clean. This system removes all the vitamins and minerals which would normally leave hard water marks on a window. The purified water is then delivered through specially designed poles to clean exterior windows. The soft bristled brush scrubs all the dirt and grime, then the purified water washes it off the window without the need for chemicals, reducing environmental impact significantly. This technique allows for enhanced reach, making it suitable for both residential and commercial buildings, while leaving windows streak-free through a natural process. As water fed pole systems are costly, most people will hire a local window cleaning company, such as Renew Exterior Cleaning, to provide the service for them.
Pros:
Streak free clean
Professional cleaning saves you time
Cons:
More expensive than doing it yourself
TLDR
There are numerous environmentally friendly methods to clean windows that yield fantastic results while being considerate of our planet. By opting for natural ingredients or employing advanced cleaning technologies like water fed poles, you can effectively maintain your property without the negative effects associated with traditional cleaning chemicals. Making a conscious shift towards sustainable cleaning practices not only leads to cleaner windows but also promotes a healthier environment for our whole community.