Simple Pleasures

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I have to say one of life's simple pleasures is clean windows! 


But it is such an unrewarding chore which is why I usually only clean my windows once a year, in the Spring, when the rainy season comes to an end. 


I dread getting out the Windex and paper towels and making the rounds, first inside and then out.


I guess I'm fortunate to live in a single level house where I can actually reach all my windows pretty easily.

 
Still, I hate cleaning my windows...


Being a perfectionist I'm never satisfied.  There are always streaks and smudges no matter how hard I try! 


Every year I swear I will find a new method that will bring about sparkly streak free windows. 


Well this was THE year my friends... 

EUREKA! 

I discovered the e-cloth!


I have never enjoyed cleaning glass and mirrors more! In fact after cleaning my windows, inside and out, I went on to my mirrors, glass coffee table and glass & mirrored accessories before attacking my crystal chandeliers!


I was a woman possessed! 
I love this product so much... it is truly amazing!

If you haven't heard of e-cloths, click here.


I found mine at TJ Maxx and will be buying them out whenever I see them from now on.


I will also be cleaning my windows on a regular basis because it's no longer a chore!


Comments

Anonymous said…
Ive never gotten good results with Windex. A professional window washer gave me this recipe years ago and I've used nothing but this since: Add a bottle of rubbing alcohol to an empty gallon container along with 1 teaspoon Dawn liquid dish detergent. Gently fill the container with water.Shake to mix well. Label accordingly to fill spray bottle and use as you would any window cleaner. This will last a long time and works well on mirrors too.
April 16, 2012 at 8:46 PM
Linda in AZ * said…
*** THIS made me smile, as I too am... well... rather "NUTTY" about clean windows!!! I suspect about 40-45% of our house is floor to ceiling glass~~~ beauuutiful to enjoy the desert, pool and city light views... but it really DOES "require" CLEAN windows...

We hired pros to do it every month (cuz I physically "can't" & the hubs is so busy playing golf he just can't do them when I want!)... It's a pretty hefty bill, but I NEVER mind paying because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE those clean windows sooooo much, and it makes life even MORE beautiful!!!

As always, enjoying your terrific column!!!

Warmest,
Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net
April 16, 2012 at 8:47 PM
Linda in AZ * said…
P.S. Someone told me, yeeears ago, to NOT use paper towels on the windows, but use NEWSPAPERS instead!!! ...And it WORKED!!! Maybe that will lighten the load a bit for you!!!

Am so glad to find a cohort in this "commitment", girlfriend!!!

Best again, Linda in AZ *
April 16, 2012 at 8:50 PM
Tricia Rose Rough Linen said…
Come round to my house...

When is the rain going to stop this year anyway?
April 16, 2012 at 11:03 PM
Jane and Lance Hattatt said…
Hello Terri:
We really have a blind spot when it comes to windows, only getting galvanized when we can no longer see through them. But, fortunately, our housekeeper is a wizard with them and it is lovely when they are all sparkly and gleaming.
April 17, 2012 at 1:07 AM
Acquired Objects said…
I was going to say lose the windex it leaves streaks. I use water, vinegar and a drop of liquid detergant and it does such a wonderful job. Now I'm going to check out your new wipes, anything to make my job easier.

XX
Debra~
April 17, 2012 at 4:27 AM
designchic said…
And now I'm obsessed. Can't wait to find and give it try. Right now I have taped up rooms, dust everywhere and painters galore...can't wait to have fresh paint and clean windows!!
April 17, 2012 at 5:21 AM
jeanette from everton terrace said…
I JUST read about these in a magazine, which also gave them rave reviews. I'm spoiled because my husband does out windows. He does the soapy water method as well. Maybe I'll get him one of these cloths as a little present :)
April 17, 2012 at 8:25 AM
Anonymous said…
Norwex has a whole mop system that uses
these clothes.

The video is shows how it works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NztSmEcHPBM&feature=player_embedded
April 17, 2012 at 9:53 AM
Mary Ann Pickett said…
Great tip!!! My windows are filthy.
April 17, 2012 at 1:37 PM
vignette design said…
Hi Terri,
I can't wait to find that product--and at TJMaxx no less.
I've just resigned myself to the fact that my windows are dirty. It's all outside and I can't reach them. I'm too cheap to hire someone, but now I think I should anyway, especially after reading Linda's comment.
Clean windows are in my future! Yay! ~Delores
April 17, 2012 at 2:45 PM
Anonymous said…
Went to TJ Maxx today looking for the e-cloth. I found another brand called Casabella microfiber glas cloth. The best part is the price $2.99!!! no more waste of paper towels and glass cleaners. Thanks for the tip!!!
April 18, 2012 at 10:15 AM
Seawashed said…
Thank you so much for the tip! I feel the same way and am a perfectionist as well so the dirty windows irritate me. I will be on the look out for these.
April 18, 2012 at 10:56 AM
Beach House Living said…
I will have try to these. I use microfiber ones made for auto glass that work pretty well.
April 18, 2012 at 4:01 PM
Kathysue said…
Hi Terri, I have to give these a try, my windows look clean until the sun reflects on them and then OH MY!! Horrible streaking and smudges, Yikes. Hopefully this will be the problem solver for me too, xo Kathysue
April 19, 2012 at 12:18 PM
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