Why You Should Grab An Onion The Next Time You Tackle Cleaning Your Windows

Are your windows covered in grime and dirt? If your windows are covered in a sticky dust buildup, you're missing out on natural light and the beautiful views you might have. A 2022 study published in Building and Environment has shown that having plenty of natural light can improve mood. You need clean windows to ensure you get tons of natural light in your house. Window cleaning is often overlooked, but it's just as essential as cleaning your bathrooms, floors, and kitchen.

Cleaning your windows might seem simple, but getting streak-free windows can actually be quite difficult. It's disappointing when your windows are cloudy right after you clean them. If you are often left with residue after using a window cleaner, then you'll want to know this hack — use an onion the next time you clean your windows. This onion hack can help you get crystal-clear windows. There are two primary methods that you can use to clean your windows with an onion.

For the first method, you'll want to cut an onion in half. Add the onion half to a bucket of warm water. Let the mixture set for 30 minutes or so. Then, rinse the windows with the onion and water mixture. Onions produce a chemical called syn-Propanethial-S-oxide. This is what makes your eyes water when you chop an onion. It's also the chemical that will give you a streak-free shine when you use onions to clean windows.

The second method of cleaning your windows with an onion also starts with cutting an onion in half. But, rather than adding it to a bucket of water, you will want to apply the cut side of the onion directly to the window. Go over the entire window a couple of times. But regardless of which onion method you use to clean the window, you need to spray the window with a cleaner afterward. Try to use a vinegar-based or eco-friendly cleaner. Spray the entire window and then squeegee it to finish. Finally, use an absorbent microfiber cloth to dry the window. That way, you can be sure that there are no streaks.

Clean your exterior windows twice per year, ideally once in the spring and once in the fall. Interior windows should be cleaned monthly. If you live in a home with pets, you may want to clean your interior windows more often. Before you get started, remove any window treatments and blinds. This will make it easier to clean them. You can also use this time to dust blinds and throw your curtains in the washing machine for a deeper clean.

If you'd like to DIY a window cleaning solution, you can make your own. Combine ½ teaspoon of dish soap, ¼ cup of white vinegar, and 2 cups of water in a bottle. Shake the bottle to mix the ingredients. Then, spray this directly on the window after you use the onion on it. You should also clean your window ledges when you wash the windows, as these can become pretty gross with dead bugs and other debris. Spray your cleaner over the entire ledge and then wipe dry.