Dec

11

Can you use alcohol as a window cleaner?

Anyone who has a house or works in an office understands the significance of clean and shiny windows. A glossy surface free from streaks adds a natural, elegant aesthetics to the architecture of any building. Some of the most effective cleaners to use on windows are glass cleaners and window sprays. But what would we do if there was a cheaper and more effective way to have those products? Is it legal to clean windows with alcohol? The answer to the question, well, yes!

Popular for use as a window cleaning solution, Isopropyl alcohol, rubbed as rubbing alcohol, is reliable for most. To learn more about the advantages of using alcohol in washing glasses and how it can be done properly, read this article. We will also give the right things that are related to this technique, as well as some other techniques that people who are not comfortable with it can use.

Pros of using alcohol for Window Cleaning

1. Cost-Effective

The main benefit of the use of alcohol in window cleaning and among these benefits, the cost factor will dominate over all other factors as a primary benefit. A bottle of isopropyl alcohol costs less than 5 dollars, and it can clean so many windows. Further, alcohol can easily be found in almost any supermarket and even pharmacies.

2. Versatility

Again, alcohol is a commercial cleaning solution that can be used on any sort of surface as it is especially very effective on mirrors, glasses, chromes, etc. It also dries up with a very clean shine, without streaks, and for this reason, it should be preferred for window cleaning.

3. Effective Against Germs

Isopropyl alcohol, being a germicide, is perfect to be used in cleaning windows and mirrors and any other surface that can dry up fast. This is especially true for windows in homes with children and pets to help remove and kill germs from the house.

4. Availability

Isopropyl alcohol is also incredibly easy to find, available in any common store, from pharmacies to supermarkets.

How to use alcohol on Windows?

Having cleared that alcohol is one of the best options for window cleaning, let us discuss the best way to use it.

Materials Needed:

1. Isopropyl alcohol at least 70 percent concentration
2. Tissues such as soft and lint-free fabric or paper tissues
3. A clean spray bottle
4. Squeegee (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Alcohol Solution

Take rubbing alcohol in a clean spray bottle and apply it directly onto the window. To remove the grime and dirt, you do not need to dilute the alcohol because it contains a high percentage.

Step 2: Apply the Alcohol Solution

Use the soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel, dab with the alcohol solution and then wipe the window. The solution can either be applied using circular motions or oscillating up and down motions. Scrub it enough to clean stains and/or spots off the material.

Step 3: Wipe the Window

With another clean, non-lint-producing cloth or paper towel, wipe off the window and alcohol solution. A squeegee is also acceptable in this case; however, be sure to use lint-free, fresh microfiber material to wipe off any remaining liquid.

Step 4: Polish the Window

After cleaning, when you are done, use something dry, clean, without fluff material on, such as a cloth or a piece of paper, to dry the window pane. This will eliminate any remaining streaks and make your car shine as it should shine without streaks.

Step 5: Repeat the Process

Perform the same actions on the other side of the window: 5% alcohol in the solution and wipe the window. Second and last, wash the window until it glows.

Pros and Cons

Hope this piece of writing will bring into the limelight some merits and demerits associated with the use of alcohol as a window cleaner.

Pros:

1. It is cheaper and easily found compared to buying commercial window cleaners in the market.
2. Alcohol is good at removing grime and killing bacteria and other pathogens.
3. It brings a shiny glare-free finish to windows, mirrors, and any other hard surface.
4. They are Multiple surface cleaning tools.

Cons:

1. Alcohol may cause some sort of wear on materials, so you have to first use it in zones where its effects won’t be as noticeable and then start applying it more often.
2. It may set too fast and, therefore, create blotchy lines if it is not wiped down soon after application.
3. There is a problem with sensitivity to the smell of isopropyl alcohol since it is quite an intense odour.

Alternative Methods

For those who may not be comfortable with using alcohol as their window cleaner, there are several alternative methods available:

1. Vinegar and Water Solution

The solution to clean windows should be made by combining an equal measure of white vinegar and water and then spray it. This mixture is great, organic and biodegradable, which makes it a perfect replacement for any synthetic window cleaner out there.

2. Dish Soap and Water Solution

You should mix a few drops of dish soap with some warm water in a bucket. After using this solution to clean your windows, use a dry bottle base a clean, lint-free cloth or a paper towel.

3. Commercial Window Cleaner

It is easy to purchase commercial window cleaners from supermarkets and any company that deals with hardware products. Such products are intended to clean windows and normally come with a shine that does not leave any streaks.