Surprising 70p household item that will leave your windows streak-free

Spring has come and gone but that doesn’t mean we should give up on our housework or cleaning.

While for many of us, it seems like it is a constant chore that we have to do, one expert has shared what we need to do.

In particular when grubby marks on glass windows and doors are much easier to spot in the summer.

Get your paper and pen at the ready as Jamie Jones, a glass expert and founder of Open Space Concepts, has revealed eight tips to help keep your glass windows sparkling and streak-free.

One of them includes a surprising item which only costs 70p from the supermarket.

Fabric softener

It’s not just for laundry it seems. Jones said: “Dilute about one part fabric softener to four parts water in a spray bottle.

"The anti-static properties in fabric softener help to ward off dust and keep the glass cleaner for longer - this method is ideal if you have children who are likely to leave their fingerprints on glass doors.”

Baby oil

We know how great baby oil leaves the skin feeling soft. Jones said baby oil is used in many cleaning practices - including on glass surfaces.

“Put a little bit on a clean cloth and use it to polish glass surfaces,” he said. “The oil helps to remove stubborn marks and leaves it with a shiny finish, with no streaks.”

White bread

An even more unusual item is white bread - which apparently acts as a mild and gentle abrasive.

“This is always a bit of a weird one, but it actually works,” he said. “Roll a piece of white bread without the crusts into a ball and wet it with a small amount of water or vinegar. You’ll find it removes dirt and grime and doesn’t leave any scratches behind.”

Plus, the item is 70p from supermarket Asda meaning you can't go wrong.

Rice water

For those who want to partake in a more environmentally friendly cleaning method, rice water is the way to go.

The pro advised: “Save your cloudy rice water after you’ve finished cooking, and all you need to do is use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the glass.

“It’s the starch which helps to get rid of dirt, and again, it leaves no streaks. This is a good option for people whose homes have hard water coming through their taps, which can leave stains because of the calcium and other minerals it leaves behind.”

Soda water

When it comes to using soda water, it’s the fizz that works on the grime on glass surfaces. Jones added: “Spray it onto the glass and then wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth. Then all you need to do is buff it dry for a streak-free sparkle.”

Shaving cream

This is another handy cleaning product which people might not have realised they could use. You will need to pick a non-gel solution.

“You only need a small amount, put it on the glass surface and spread it around evenly,” he advised. “Then, let it sit for a couple of minutes before you wipe it off with a clean and dry cloth, for a streak-free shine. It’s great at removing dirt.”

Black tea

According to the expert, black tea contains tannins - which are naturally occurring chemical compounds, known as polyphenols.

The expert said: “They’re a natural shining agent. Make a cup of strong black tea and let it cool down. Pour it into a spray bottle so it’s easy to transfer to your glass surface, then wipe it off using a clean cloth. The Tannins dissolve sirt and won’t leave behind annoying streaks.”

Vinegar and newspaper

Finally, we can’t forget about vinegar and newspapers. He recommended: “Putting an equal amount of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and using scrunched newspaper rather than a cloth. The reason for this is that newspaper helps to polish the glass without leaving any streaks. Some people prefer this as a way to make use of their old papers, rather than constantly washing cloths.”