Surfaces will be streak-free in no time with this simple DIY solution14:49, 30 May 2026Cleaning windows and glass without leaving streaks can be challenging - there's a reason supermarket shelves are packed with products claiming to deliver a crystal clear finish.‌For those wanting to tackle the task without harsh chemicals, vinegar is a well-known alternative that's non-toxic and budget-friendly. But there's another kitchen essential claimed to outperform vinegar for cleaning - a glass cleaner you can create at home using old tea bags. The kitchen leftover is the "secret ingredient" to streak-free windows, according to professional cleaners.‌The DIY streak-free window and glass cleaner is a formula that emerged after considerable experimentation, revealed Crowd Cleaners: "After years of trying all kinds of methods, ingredients, and techniques, we've found the secret ingredient to streakless windows!"‌You'll need to gather some tea bags as you consume them throughout the week. The formula calls for 10 to 15 black tea bags specifically, according to the cleaners, and ensure you remove them from your brew before adding milk.When it comes to cleaning, they suggest using a squeegee or newspaper for the best results, reports the Express.‌"Of course, it's always best to prep beforehand," they instructed."I find for window cleaning, either a professional squeegee will do the trick, or newspaper. Yes, newspapers are one of the best things for achieving streakless windows." They continued: "And other than that, all you need are about 10-15 used black tea teabags. Yes, you heard me, black tea teabags. Make sure they've been removed from the tea before you've added milk though!"Milk will definitely leave your glass at home quite muggy, to say the least! Other than that, you need a small amount of general glass cleaner. And that's it!"‌How to clean windows without streaksDrink 10-15 cups of tea, removing the teabags before milk is added, and put aside them for the solution.Now, boil about 300ml of water and add the teabags.Get your standard glass cleaner and add about 20-50ml.Now put your DIY glass cleaner in a spray bottle!MethodSpray your glass with your DIY cleaner, don’t be shy with it!Using the soft side of a sponge, lightly go over the glass surface. Pay special attention to any smudges or greasy areas.Now rinse the glass with hot water and spray the glass again.Using either your squeegee or newspaper (whichever you feel more comfortable with) dry the glass surface.The best way of cleaning glass with a squeegee‌If cleaning with a squeegee, there's a particular method to achieve the best results.Crown Cleaners explained: "When using your squeegee, start from the top right corner, drag horizontally across the top until the edge, kind of like a rainbow shape, and then drag down."Exercise the amounts of pressure you use until you find the perfect amount to leave your glass streakless.‌"More than likely, you'll have to wet and dry with a squeegee at least two or three times before achieving crystal clear glass."How to get glass perfectly clean with newspaperRegarding cleaning with newspaper, they recommend keeping the glass from getting excessively wet. Applying too much spray will make the newspaper saturated and create streaks.Article continues belowThey said: "We advise using at least three or for sheets at once. Make sure there are no creases in the newspaper before you start the drying process."Get your sheets of newspaper, place them on a top corner of the glass, apply pressure, and drag slowly down. You may have to lightly wet the glass and repeat the process a few times."If there are any small smudges, using the newspaper and rubbing firmly over the spot will help break down the grease and dirt."