I cleaned my windows with newspaper and coffee instead of Windex for 2 weeks. This is what happened

Cleaning windows is a task that most people find straightforward but tedious. With the plethora of cleaning products available, many of us simply reach for a bottle of Windex or a similar cleaner without much thought. However, the idea of using everyday household items like coffee and newspapers to clean windows has piqued the interest of many DIY enthusiasts.

In an attempt to explore this unconventional method, I decided to ditch my usual glass cleaner for two weeks and rely solely on coffee and newspaper. The goal was to see if this old-school trick could match or even surpass the effectiveness of commercial window cleaners. Here’s a detailed account of what happened during my two-week experiment.

The inspiration to switch from Windex to coffee and newspaper came from a conversation with a friend who swore by this method. At first, I was skeptical. After all, Windex is formulated specifically for cleaning glass, whereas coffee and newspaper seemed like an odd combination.

However, intrigued by the challenge and the potential to save money, I decided to give it a try. Coffee, a common household item, is known for its acidic properties, which can cut through grime. Newspapers, on the other hand, are said to offer a lint-free finish, thanks to their absorbent properties.

To ensure a fair assessment, I decided to clean my windows every three days for two weeks. This meant using the coffee and newspaper method five times in total. I chose five windows of various sizes throughout my home, each with different levels of dirt and grime.

Before starting the experiment, I gathered all the necessary materials: freshly brewed coffee, a stack of old newspapers, and a spray bottle. I also took ‘before’ photos of each window to help document any noticeable changes.

The method I followed was relatively simple. First, I brewed a pot of coffee and allowed it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, I poured it into a spray bottle. My chosen ratio was one part coffee to three parts water to prevent any potential staining.

For the cleaning process, I sprayed the coffee solution onto the window and used a folded newspaper to wipe it clean in circular motions. I continued this process until each window was clear of visible dirt and grime, finishing with a horizontal swipe to catch any remaining streaks.

To my surprise, the windows did achieve a noticeable shine after cleaning with coffee and newspaper. However, the process required significantly more effort compared to using Windex. After each cleaning session, I inspected the windows closely for streaks and smudges.

In general, the windows were clean, but there were still some streaks left behind, especially when the sun hit the glass at certain angles. The coffee solution effectively removed dirt and fingerprints, but achieving a streak-free finish was more challenging than anticipated.

One of the most significant downsides of using coffee and newspaper was the mess it created. The coffee solution dripped down the windows, and despite my best efforts, I often ended up with coffee grounds on the window sills and floors.

Additionally, the ink from the newspapers occasionally transferred onto my hands, leaving them stained. This was a minor inconvenience, but it was something I had to be mindful of, especially when wearing light-colored clothing.

Interestingly, the coffee left a subtle aroma throughout the room, which I found pleasant and refreshing. It was a nice change from the chemical smell of traditional cleaners.

However, I was wary of the potential for coffee stains on the window frames. While I didn’t notice any significant discoloration, I took extra care to wipe the frames down with a damp cloth after each cleaning session to prevent any long-term damage.

The DIY method was undoubtedly more time-consuming than using a store-bought cleaner. Each cleaning session took approximately 20 minutes longer due to the additional scrubbing required to achieve a clear finish.

In terms of cost, the coffee-and-newspaper method was cheaper, especially since I used leftover coffee and free newspapers. However, the increased effort and time commitment were significant considerations.

I reached out to a few professional cleaners to get their take on the coffee-and-newspaper method. Most were familiar with the newspaper trick for achieving a streak-free finish but were skeptical about the use of coffee.

Experts pointed out that while coffee’s acidity could help break down dirt, it might not be as effective as commercial products specifically designed for glass cleaning. They also noted the potential risk of staining if the coffee solution wasn’t properly diluted or wiped away.

The primary safety concern was the potential for ink transfer from the newspaper, which could be problematic for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, using too much coffee or not diluting it properly could lead to staining on certain types of window frames.

Overall, while the method was relatively safe, it required more caution and attention to detail than using a commercially available cleaner.

This DIY method might be appealing for those who prefer natural cleaning solutions or are looking to reduce their use of chemical-based products. It’s also a cost-effective option for those on a tight budget or for cleaning smaller areas where the mess factor is more manageable.

Additionally, if you enjoy the aroma of coffee or want to try a novel approach to cleaning, this method can be a fun experiment.

While the coffee-and-newspaper method had its moments, I don’t think I’ll be replacing Windex permanently. The increased effort and mess outweighed the cost benefits for me.

However, I appreciate the experience and will consider using this method in a pinch or for smaller cleaning tasks. Ultimately, it was a valuable learning experience that reinforced the importance of finding the right balance between effectiveness, convenience, and sustainability in household cleaning tasks.