Let the Sunshine In

Spring is a beautiful time when the sun begins to shine brighter and with more heat. After a hard winter I want to experience as much sun as possible even while inside, so those dirty windows need a clean'in! And of course one needs to clean with organic materials, for who wants to spend the beginning of Spring smelling chemicals? Here is a simple recipe for a window cleaner to keep on hand.

Glass Cleaner
1/2 cup dried lavender or thyme
1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup water

The power of vinegar is a well-known resource for cleaning glass and other shiny kitchen surfaces. However, not everyone appreciates vinegar's distinct scent. If you prefer a sweeter smelling clean, similar to the expensive herbal cleaners you can buy in a store, try this at-home formula instead. Combine the lavender or thyme and vinegar in a wide-mouth glass jar with a tight fitting plastic lid (vinegar will react to metal). Store in a cool, dark place for approximately 2 weeks. Shake the jar gently every day or two. After a couple of weeks have passed, strain the mixture through a sieve lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth. Transfer the vinegar glass cleaner to a plastic spray bottle and dilute with 1/2 cup of water. Shake well and spray directly onto glass surfaces, then wipe with newspaper, cloth or paper towels for a streak-free shine.