How to clean any windowsill fast with two drops of ammonia

Generated by DALL·E

The windowsill is one of those places where dust and marks appear almost daily. From rings left by flowerpots to greasy fingerprints, removing them can be tricky, especially once the grime settles in. Lately, though, a method has been quietly making the rounds among those who favor simple, effective fixes—and it earns that attention.

Many have been calling the result almost ingenious for how unexpectedly effective it is. The best part: it works on nearly any kind of sill, whether plastic, varnished wood, or a painted surface.

A household staple hiding in plain sight

The trick is disarmingly simple: household ammonia. It’s long been known to tackle stains, scale, and greasy residue, yet few people reached for it specifically on windowsills. Those who have tried it say ammonia restores whiteness and freshens the surface. Even stubborn dirt yields with little effort, while lighter marks disappear almost instantly.

How the method works

The major draw is the minimal time and cost: the whole routine takes just a couple of minutes.

What you’ll need:

  • a cotton pad or soft cloth,
  • two drops of household ammonia,
  • a little water for the final wipe-down.

How to clean:

  • Apply two drops of ammonia to the cotton pad.
  • Gently glide it over the dirty spots.
  • Let it sit for a few moments—usually a few seconds is enough.
  • Wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
  • For a polished look, finish with a dry cloth.

Those in the know stress that your motions should stay light, without heavy pressure. The ammonia does the work, and the surface stays safe.

Why this approach caught on

There are several reasons. Ammonia is inexpensive and often already in the house. Two drops truly suffice, so the use is minimal. It also works fast: the windowsill looks fresh and clean after the first pass. Most importantly, there’s no need for special products, long soaks, or scrapers. It’s a neat solution when you need to tidy up before unexpected guests or simply want to brighten the space—no wonder it’s catching on.

A small finishing touch

After cleaning, many recommend a final wipe with a dry cloth: the windowsill looks noticeably lighter and gains a soft, matte sheen. This simple move has already become a favorite among those who prefer quick, accessible solutions.