December’s Recipe of the Month: Window Dressing

December is a great time to sit back with a cup of something hot and watch the snows of winter fall from the sky. Whether you’re entertaining family and friends for the Holidays or just watching the season from the comfort of your warm home, make sure windows are clean and shiny without the use of harsh, toxic cleansers. Most glass cleaner is made with ammonia, which is a major respiratory irritant, but you can make your own with just a few ingredients you probably already have lying around.

Glass Cleaner
1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
5-10 drops essential oil (optional)

Combine alcohol, water and vinegar in a spray bottle and shake well. If desired, add 5-10 drops of the essential oil of your choice. We like the calming scent of lavender, but you may prefer mint or lemon or no scent at all. Give the mixture one more shake and spray directly to windows or glass for a streak-free shine. To max out the eco benefits of your homemade cleanser, use a lint-free cloth or an old t-shirt or pair of undies to wipe down glass instead of paper towel.

Clear visibility isn’t the only reason to pay attention to windows this month. Drafty windows are major energy suckers, so pay attention while you wipe down windows for any drafts. If drafts aren’t obvious, you can hold a candle or piece of thread near windows on a windy day to see if any air is coming through.

To insulate windows from the chill outside, pick up a DIY insulating kit from the hardware store and spend an hour or so protecting your home from drafts. Insulating kits are typically comprised of sheets of insulating plastic film and special tape. You’ll simply need to stretch plastic across the window pane and blow with a hair dryer to seal in place. Not only will well-insulated windows keep the cold air out and the warm air in, you’ll save energy and money in the process. For more information on insulating windows yourself, check out this video.