5 Things To Do with Window Cleaner
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
You use window cleaner to remove those stubborn smugdes from your windows and glass doors. But it has lots of other interesting uses. Read on to find out how window cleaner can polish jewelry, banish pimples and more.
Reduce Swelling From Bee Stings
Spritzing some window cleaner on a bee sting is a quick way to reduce the swelling and pain. But first be sure to remove any stinger. Flick it sideways to get it out-don’t tweeze it-then spray. Use only spray-on window cleaner that contains ammonia and never use a concentrated product. It is the small amount of ammonia that does the work, and beekeepers have known for years that a very dilute solution of ammonia helps relieve stings.
Get Off That Stuck Ring
That ring felt a little tight going on, and now (oops!) it’s stuck. Spray a little window cleaner on your finger for lubrication and ease the ring off.
Clean Your Jewelry
Use window cleaner to spruce up jewelry that is all metal or has crystalline gemstones, such as diamonds or rubies. Spray on the cleaner, then use and old toothbrush for cleaning. But don’t do this if the piece has opaque stones such as opal or turquoise or organic gems such as coral or pearl. The ammonia and detergents in the cleaner can discolour these porous lovelies.
Remove Stubborn Laundry Stains
If laundering with detergent isn’t enough to get tough stains such as blood, grass, or tomato sauce out of a fabric, try a clear ammonia-based spray-on window cleaner instead. (It’s the ammonia in the window cleaner that does the trick, and you want uncoloured cleaner to avoid staining the fabric.) Spray the stain with the window cleaner and let it sit for up to 15 minutes. Blot with a clean rag, rinse with cool water, and launder again. A few tips:
- Do a test on a seam or other inconspicuous part of the garment to see if the colour runs.
- Use cool water and don’t put the garment in the dryer until the stain is completely gone.
- Don’t use this on silk, wool, or other blends.
- If the fabric colour seems changed after using window cleaner on it, moisten the fabric with white vinegar and rinse it with water. Acidic vinegar will neutralize alkaline ammonia.
Fight Pimples
Although the formula varies by brand, window cleaners generally contain ammonia, detergents, solvents, and alcohol. This combination will clean, disinfect, and dry out skin. So as long as you keep it out of your eyes and have no allergies to the ingredients, it probably will help suppress pimples.
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