It’s a beautiful first day of Spring here in Northern Idaho, the sun is out, there is a chilly wind blowing. I have little birds moving into the bird house my front porch. Watching them, it dawns on me…holy smokes my windows are dirty! Time to truly begin the Spring Cleaning, washing the windows will be at the top of the to-do list.
There are several different methods for washing windows and I think everyone has their favorite. You will want to start with a bucket of cleaning solution, a sponge, lint free towels or squeegee and possibly a step-ladder. For your outside windows a soft brush or mop on and extension pole will work well. Most popular window cleaning solution recipes are hot water, a little white vinegar and a little dish soap. I change mine just a bit, I fill a bucket with a gallon of hot water, about 1/4 c. white vinegar (a little more if they are really dirty) but instead of dish soap I use a capful of Avon’s Bubble Bath, Lily and Honeysuckle is one of my favorites. I find it does just as well, if not better than regular dish soap plus it smells much better.
For outside, hose your windows off first to remove the dust, loose dirt and cobwebs. Dip your mop in the bucket and go to scrubbing. It shouldn’t take too much elbow grease unless you have a lot of hard water spots. You may need to add a little extra vinegar to help with those. Give them a rinse with the water hose of needed, then quickly squeegee or wipe dry with the lint free towels.
Inside, be sure to vacuum out the tracks, and sill so you don’t make mud while washing. Lay and old towel or newspaper down to catch drips and wash the windows well with a sponge dipped in the solution in your bucket. Again, quickly dry with either the squeegee or lint free towels and your windows will sparkle.
I try to do the heavy-duty window washing twice a year, Spring and Fall. For in between cleaning you can keep 1 c. water, 1 T. vinegar and about a 1/4 t. bubble bath in a squirt bottle. Give a gentle shake, spray on and wipe off with newspapers or paper towels. Adjust the proportions to your liking, just don’t get the vinegar so strong that the smell is overwhelming.
I have found there are many places around the house that I like using the Avon Bubble Bath better than conventional cleaners. I do laundry with the Lavender Garden, just a capful for a large load, two capfuls for my husband’s dirty work clothes. It is great at getting out spots and I have found I can use less fabric softener. In the kitchen I use it for hand washing dishes, I change the scents Orange Honeysuckle, Cherry Blossom, Vanilla, Apple Orchard, whatever suits my mood. Fill up the sink with hot soapy water to wash down my counters make the kitchen smell fresh and clean. I refill all my hand wash pumps with the Sensitive Skin formula. A small squirt in the toilet bowl before brushing it will make it sparkle without harsh cleaners. Give it a try, I think you’ll like it. If you don’t have an Avon Rep for personal service you can find one close to you at www.youravon.com or you can order directly at www.youravon.com/jackiepannell.
Happy Spring!! 
For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
~ Song of Solomon 21:11-12
