Clean windows with cheap cupboard items that 'cut through grime'

Window cleaning is a laborious task so it can be disappointing to find that the results aren't as expected after hours of scrubbing.

And often, it's the tools that people use that are to blame when unsightly stains remain on the glass.Even some shop-bought cleaning solutions don't do what they say on the label, unlike natural remedies which can be much more effective.

Allan Reid, company founder and cleaning expert at Art Windows and Doors agreed that Britons need not look further than their kitchen cupboards for an effective remedy that actually works.

He claimed that using cheap ingredients like white vinegar, hot water, and even black tea bags is ideal for a high-shine finish that doesn't compromise the integrity of the glass.

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He said: "Some marks require specific techniques for removal and incorrect cleaning techniques may lead to stubborn streaks, which are particularly noticeable when sunlight hits the glass.

"Glass is also a fairly delicate material, and using the wrong cleaning agents or abrasive tools may scratch or damage it."

Allan's top recommendation for immaculate windows was to "harness the power of vinegar and steam". He said: "This technique taps into the combined power of steam and acidity to dissolve grime and dirt.

"Heat up white vinegar on a low-medium setting in a heat-resistant container, but do not bring it to the boil. When the vinegar begins to produce steam, pour it into a spray bottle.

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"When spraying, focus on the areas with visible stains, streaks and grime. Leave the solution for a few moments, before wiping with a clean cloth or paper towel."

Those with a little more time on their hands can take this one step further by adding lemon zest to some white vinegar and leaving it to infuse for a week before heating up, diluting it with water, and spritzing it over windows.

Another "naturally astringent" formula is to use black tea on dirty glass panes. According to Allan, tea contains tannic acid which "cuts through grime and adds shine to glass surfaces".

The cleaning method is as simple as brewing a pot of two black tea bags and leaving it to steep for several minutes.

Then, cool the tea at room temperature before soaking a clean cloth in the solution. Gently apply it by wiping the cloth over the window and using a separate dry cloth to remove excess moisture from the glass.

Allan said: "Microfibre cloths typically work better than paper towels when cleaning windows, as they have a finer texture. This finer texture is designed to capture stubborn particles of dirt, leaving fewer streaks behind."

For the finishing touches, the window expert recommended using a toothbrush dipped in salted water to get into "hard-to-reach nooks and crannies", such as the corners, for some "precision cleaning".