This, to the left, is me taking a break from writing and
cleaning my windows. Just kidding. I do take breaks from writing and I do
sometimes clean my windows, but this isn't me or anyone I know. I do, however,
like the blue sky and clouds reflected in those perfectly clean streak-free
windows.
True confessions: one
of my pet peeves is looking at streaky glass – windows, mirrors, glass
tabletops. Basically anything that has come within spitting distance of a
Windex bottle (sorry, Windex). I hate Windex. But, I've been using Windex nigh
these many years because I haven't found anything better to streak my windows,
mirrors and tabletops with. You'd think a glass cleaner would, ah, clean glass,
but I've, apparently, never figured out how to properly use commercial glass
cleaner so that the glass products I am trying to clean actually get clean. Maybe it’s just me. Windex, forgive my outburst. You’re probably fine in more capable hands.
Anyway, since I sometimes peer off into the distance during
my writing time to refocus my eyes and get my head clear (ah, that window
metaphor again!), I don’t want to be distracted by streaks. I want nothing between me and the great
beyond. I want to look out and see the
edges of the world.
And that requires a better glass cleaner.
So, I hunted and hunted around until I found some homemade
glass cleaner recipes and tried one this weekend. (Don’t worry, I did other fun things this
weekend besides trying homemade glass cleaner recipes, I promise!) I know you’re on pins and needles, wondering
if my search was fruitful. In a word –
YES.
Thanks to blogger Crunchy Betty, whose "Alvin Corn" recipe is
printed on her blog (and here), I have clean table tops, light fixtures, mirrors and
windows. Okay, once I realized how great
this stuff worked, I went a little crazy, but I did not get all geared up and
start cleaning skyscrapers.
Promise.
But, I am so happy that I had to share the wealth with you! Get our your pencils . . .
Alvin Corn Homemade Glass
Cleaner
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 cups warm water
Put it all into a spray bottle
and shake it well. Shake it periodically
as you use it because the cornstarch will settle to the bottom. Enjoy sparkly clean glass. Write the great American novel.
