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This is such a fun post today! How to make homemade window cleaner from tea bags! This also works for glass surfaces like ovens, mirrors, or glass tops.

First, WHY would you want to know how to make window cleaner from tea bags?? Well, if you ever run out of window cleaner, it is nice to have multiple alternatives to use around the home.

We love to share so many cleaning tips based on chemistry so you will always have options! Remember to follow on instagram where I share many tutorials on how I use all of our products 🙂

Plus, this smells great and it’s super easy to make! You will love making this homemade window cleaner from tea bags!

Homemade Window Cleaner From Tea Bags

 

What You Need To Make DIY Tea Bag Window Cleaner:

4 Black Tea Bags (MUST BE black tea, I like one with lemon)
8 oz boiling water
Spray Bottle (Any of these from the list work great!)

Directions:

1. Make sure your water is at a rolling boil. Filtered water works best for this.
2. Add the 4 tea bags to the boiling water and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes (no less than 10).
3. Remove tea bags and allow mixture to cool for a few hours.
4. Add to your spray bottle!

Shelf Life For Tea Bag Cleaner:

This will last for a week, but it is such a small amount, you probably won’t have to worry about it. You can store it in the refrigerator to keep it longer, just allow it to come to room temperature before using.

Application:

This will clean quit a few surfaces because you don’t have to use much. I cleaned my bathroom mirror, large sliding glass back door, stove top, and other various things around the kitchen with some leftover tea to spare. It is so handy to use and have on hand! If you are looking for something more traditional, be sure to check out our eBook for the best all-purpose cleaner (it’s on page 13) that works for windows too!

To Apply This Homemade Window Cleaner:

1. Spray the glass or window surface well.
2. With a microfiber cloth (these work best for cleaning windows) or paper towel, rub the solution around the window area and buff.
3. This didn’t take much elbow grease to remove the dirty smudges and bulldog slobber from my back door, just a light circular motion. If your surface is extra dirty or stuck on, repeat application if necessary.
4. That’s it!

Okay, this is pretty gross thanks to Ruger constantly slobbering on the back door when he is waiting to come in. I let it build up a couple of days so I could show you how well it cleaned up with this homemade window cleaner from tea bags!

Those that follow me on Instagram and watch my IG stories got to see this full tutorial of cleaning off doggy slobbers LOL. I had some readers saying wow that cleaned up really good!

Here is a picture of using it on my glass stove top. I had some sticky oatmeal and honey among other things left on the surface. I sprayed with the tea spray, wiped with a microfiber cloth, and it helped right away.

How Exactly Does Tea Clean??

Now for the fun part. The chemistry behind why this actually works!

Black tea contains a chemical called tannins. Specifically, thearubigins including theaflavins. These tannins are responsible for the antioxidant activity and color of tea. Contrary to many articles I have read online, tea DOES NOT contain tannic acid!

Tannic acid is found in wood like oak, cherry, and walnut.

The Role of Tannins

Tannins like to bind to other compounds like proteins and other organic compounds. This is their role within the plant, but it also transfers over to the tea once steeped. Tea has the ability to clean the glass surfaces from dirt and grim for this very reason.

Can I Use Any Tea For Cleaning?

NO! Black tea is the only one that will work properly. Green tea isn’t powerful enough and herbal teas don’t contain any part of the actual tea leaf. In order for this to work, you must use black tea.

Read about the different between black, green, and white tea in this post.

FAQ’s

Does the Tea Stain?

No, the tea will not stain your glass surfaces. If some tea drips on something else, simply wipe it off. It won’t stain 🙂

Can I use this for counter tops or other stone surfaces?

Due to the nature of the tea, it works best on glass or window like surfaces. Remember, this isn’t going to be an antibacterial like cleaner. For those types of recipes, please check out our eBook.

Do I have to use a microfiber cloth to apply?

No, you can also use a paper towel. Microfiber clothes are best, but paper towels will also work. Don’t use anything like a regular towel that can leave behind residue like lint.

Enjoy!!

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