Do you open your blinds and curtains only to find dull and dirty windows? If so, you might think that using ordinary window cleaner and paper towels is necessary. However, if you really want them to shine, create your own cleaning mix and then polish the glass with a chalkboard eraser. This guide explains the steps needed to make your windows sparkle like never before.

Step 1: Get Your Supplies In Order

• a teaspoon
• ¼ teaspoon
• a tablespoon
• a measuring cup
• non-antibacterial liquid dish soap
• rubbing alcohol
• ammonia
• a dry and clean spray bottle
• a pair of rubber gloves
• several newspapers or coffee filters
• a new chalkboard eraser

Step 2: Create Your Cleaning Solution

Locate a well-ventilated area in your home to mix the ingredients together, because ammonia is very strong. If you have sensitivities to strong scents, wear a facemask as well.

For a small batch of homemade cleaning solution, combine a half-cup of rubbing alcohol, two tablespoons of ammonia, and one-fourth a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap into the spray bottle.

Step 3: Clean Your Windows

Put on the gloves and spray the window with the cleaner. Then wipe the glass down with the newspaper or coffee filters. If there are some stubborn areas that don't want to come off, spray additional cleaner on the spot and let is sit for several minutes. Then scrub it off with the filters or paper. 

Step 4: Buff With the Chalkboard Eraser

For a sparkling finish, buff the window glass with your chalkboard eraser. Simply wipe the eraser over the glass in an even pattern, so you do not miss any part of the window. The eraser will buff out any streaks and virtually "erase" any leftover dirty imperfections.

Step 5: Double Check Your Work

Stand back and look at the window carefully to see if you notice any streaks. If so, buff the area again with the chalkboard eraser. Continue this step until all you see is sunshine coming through the window, along with flowers, trees and anything else outside that you want to view. Keep any leftover window cleaner stored in an area that's out of the reach of children and pets. If you have not used the mixture up in a couple of weeks, discard it.

The amount of time it takes to clean and buff your windows using this method depends on how hard you have to work to remove any stubborn stains. Ask a professional window cleaning company like Lindas Country Cleaners for help if you have any problems with these steps.