Cleaning Windows with Newspaper Alternatives

Cleaning Windows with Newspaper: Are there Better Alternatives?

There are many different ways to clean windows. While some swear by using microfiber cloths, others insist that newspaper is the best way to polish windows for a streak free finish – but who’s right? Are all window cleaning techniques equally effective, or are some methods better than others? Here’s what you need to know about cleaning windows with newspaper and other alternatives.

Benefits of Cleaning Windows with Newspaper

Cleaning windows is an arduous task. Luckily the use of newspaper tends to make it a bit easier to wipe away any droplets of water left after cleaning. Newspaper has an astounding ability to produce sparkling clean windows. What’s even more impressive is that newspaper was never made specifically for the purpose of cleaning windows, but it still works quite well.

There’s are a lot of theories as to why newspaper is so effective for cleaning windows. Some people believe that the inks in the paper is what makes newspaper such an effective cleaning tool.

More likely, however, newspaper is effective simply because it’s absorbent. Most paper used for print media is specially made to be water resistant, but not newspaper. Instead newspaper is specifically made to be porous and absorbent to allow it to soak up ink more easily.

Seeing as newspaper’s absorbency is what makes it so effective, anything highly effective should deliver an equally good result. But alternatives don’t always work as well. Soft cloths of towels are prone to leaving lint behind, for instance.

Another attribute of newspaper is the rough texture when you crumple it. This crumpled surface tends to be effective at wiping away streaks, perhaps even scraping them off the window. Soft cloths don’t have this same scraping action, so it often takes more rubbing to get rid of streaks.

Newspaper Pros and Cons

Here are some of the main benefits of cleaning windows with newspaper:

  • Newspaper is cost effective – some households may even get them for free
  • It’s easy to wipe streaks away, leaving a spotless finish
  • Cleaning windows with newspaper is like a form of recycling
  • Newspaper is biodegradable, so it’s an eco-friendly option

That said, newspaper also has its disadvantages:

  • The crumpled paper eventually gets soaked, in which case it will no longer be effective.
  • Because paper gets soaked, you’ll need a good supply of paper before you start.
  • Rubbing away stains can take a lot of time and effort.
  • Soaked pieces of paper will leave some lint and even streaks behind.
  • Newspaper pieces that are dry aren’t quite as effective as ones that are only slightly damp, so the optimal lifespan of a single piece is quite short.

Because it takes so much newspaper to clean windows, you can easily find yourself running out. In this case you’ll need to resort to using pieces that are saturated, which will leave behind a lot of lint and streaks on your windows.

Newspaper Alternatives for Cleaning Windows

There are quite a few alternatives for cleaning windows. Some of the most popular windows cleaning alternatives include squeegees and microfiber cloths. You could also use newspaper or microfiber cloths with a squeegee to help dry up any streaks left behind.

Some people also use regular cloths, towels and sponges to clean windows, albeit the most popular alternative remains a window squeegee.

When looking at alternatives, most offer a simple benefit over newspaper – they’re reusable.

Using a Squeegee for Cleaning Windows

Windows squeegees are so fast and effective – everyone should try them at least once. How to clean with a window squeegee will depend on what kind of squeegee you have.

Some squeegees are made with both a spongy side and a scraper side. If your squeegee doesn’t have a spongy side, you can use a squeegee glove to cover your squeegee. Alternatively, you can use a sponge separate from your window squeegee.

First, you must wet the window using your soap solution of choice and the spongy side of your squeegee. Be sure to wipe the whole window over with the sponge thoroughly to clean it. Once you’re done, scrape away the remaining water and soap solution using the rubber blade on your squeegee.

If there are any streaks you couldn’t get rid of using your squeegee blade, take some newspaper or a cloth to wipe it away.

Pros and Cons of Window Squeegees

Using a squeegee offers several benefits over any other methods:

  • The rubber blade on a squeegee quickly dries away water residue, preventing stains.
  • Squeegees are effective for large surfaces, as they are quicker and more convenient.
  • The handle allows you to reach the upper parts of your windows without standing on a ladder.
  • Squeegees are reusable, so you won’t need a new one every time you want to clean your windows.

While there are a lot of benefits to using squeegees, they also have some disadvantages:

  • A good quality squeegee is more expensive to buy than newspaper.
  • If you have a second floor on your house, the squeegee handle won’t allow you to reach all your windows.
  • Squeegees often leave behind small streaks that your just can seem to scrape off.
  • The water you scrape off when you use a squeegee will wet the ground, so they’re not good to use inside your house.

Despite the disadvantages of squeegees, they’re still an excellent choice for cleaning exterior windows.

Using a Microfiber Cloth to Clean Windows

Microfiber cloths are gaining popularity for household cleaning. Good quality cloths are tightly woven together, so you can see a good cloth by holding it up to a light source. If you see light poking through tiny holes on the cloth, you’ll need a better cloth to clean your windows.

The best microfiber cloth for cleaning windows is one that’s fine and delicate, like the one you might use to polish your car mirrors. The fine texture of these cloths makes them super absorbent, which is great for cleaning windows.

Pros and Cons of Using Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber cloths offer the following benefits for cleaning windows:

  • Just like squeegees, microfiber cloths are reusable.
  • The tiny microfibers on your cloth will pick up and lint and dust from the window.
  • A good cloth is absorbent enough to hold 8 times its weight in water.
  • Microfiber cloths can reduce your need for chemicals while cleaning.

Like all other window cleaning tools, microfiber cloths have some disadvantages:

  • Good cloths are very durable and effective, but they’re also quite pricey.
  • The tiny microfibers on your cloth can come during washing, these fibers eventually find their way into the oceans, causing pollution.
  • It’s almost impossible to clean oil out of microfiber cloths, so cleaning a window with oil spatters will drastically reduce its lifespan.

All and all, microfiber cloths are effective, and you can definitely consider using them next time you clean your windows.

Conclusion: What’s the Best Way to Clean Windows?

There’s no single way that’s best to clean windows. However, newspaper alone probably isn’t as good a choice these days. For the best results, use a squeegee together with either newspaper or a microfiber cloth to wipe streaks away.

If you want the best result for the least amount of effort, opt for using a squeegee and microfiber cloth. Not only will your microfiber cloth leave no lint on your windows, its soft texture will ensure your windows stay in mint condition, free of scratches.

What do you use to clean your windows at home? Are there any methods you find more effective than others? Be sure to leave a comment and tell us what your thoughts are.

The Pros and Cons of Cleaning Windows with Newspaper

Cleaning glass windows is the most tiresome chore and why many people avoid it. It is also the most challenging to master. Clean your windows wrong and you end up with smudges or streaks. However, doing it right can help brighten up a room. Sadly, the battle is often lost before it can begin just based on the type of cleaning material you use. We’ve all heard the old wives’ tail: newspaper used in home window cleaning. There are some that use newspaper in window cleaning for offices! But is it true? Let’s weigh in on the pros and cons of using newspaper for clean glass windows.

Pros of Using Newspaper to Clean Glass Windows:

Save a few bucks

If you want to live as frugal as possible or to tuck a few bucks away for a rainy day, the cost of newspaper is minimal at best. In many cases, if you know where to look, you can get your hands on it for no more than the time it takes to pick it up. Many places recycle newspaper and would be more than happy for you take a few bundles off their hands.

Easily Available

The worse feeling is when you head to the store only to find the item you needed is sold out. Newspaper is so readily available that you’re guaranteed to pick up a good stack in one trip. No special trips to a specific store, no ordering online or waiting on a shipment. If you use newspaper for window cleaning in offices, chances are you’ll find bulk newspaper just lying around near recycling bins by the dozens.

Scrub Away with Ink

Interestingly, window cleaning contractors believe that the ink on newspaper can help scrub away dust, dirt and small stains without harming the glass. The ink gives texture and can act like gentle sandpaper without scratching the glass. You won’t be able to get the same result with regular wash clothes or paper towels.

Streak Free

If you’ve spent time doing home window cleaning or window cleaning for offices, then you are well aware that using paper towels or clothes often leaves a streak behind. Also, depending on the brand, you might find lint left behind that requires another wipe down. It almost becomes an endless cycle leaving you with spotty, streaky glass to look at. Newspaper doesn’t have that problem. Most times just a bit of wiping and your glass is clear and lint-free!

Disposable and Recyclable

Unlike clothes that require rewashing, newspaper can go right into the trash or—better yet—go into the recycling bin. So you can say goodbye to your rag washing days and save yourself some room in your washing machine. Not to mention saving on laundry detergent, electricity and dryer sheets.

Cons of Using Newspaper to Clean Glass Windows:

Limited Use

While newspaper is in abundance, you’ll need to keep a good stack if you plan to do all the windows in your home or office. When using cloth to clean a window, you have the option of rinsing and reusing. Unfortunately, newspaper does not have the same ability. Once newspaper is wet it will begin to break down and fall apart.

Ink Bleeds

Many times when you use newspaper to wash glass, you will notice some black (or perhaps other color) smudges appearing on your fingers or under your nails. As the newspaper starts to dissolve, some of the ink will begin to transfer to your hands. While the ink will not appear on the glass, it will appear on your skin. Often times the ink will remain on your skin for a few days or more. Some people have claimed luck with using rubbing alcohol to clean your hands, but this can leave your hands feeling dry. Fortunately, this con can be avoided by using rubber gloves while washing windows. However, be sure to watch for wooden frames since ink will stick to window frames and is not easy to remove.

Ultimately, the use of newspaper to clear home or office windows will depend on you. You might want to consider the kind of windows you’ll be working on and the number of windows that need washing. If you still find yourself on the fence with your decision, newspaper is so easy to come by so it doesn’t hurt to give it a try. Comparing the two results and seeing if newspaper provides you with the results you want costs nothing more than your time.