Fall Window Cleaning: Why Viral Aluminum Foil Hacks Don’t Always Work

Fall Window Cleaning and the Viral Hack That Didn’t Quite Work

With the fall weather cooling things down, I figured it was a good time to tackle a long-overdue task: cleaning the sunroom windows. My windows get a lot of sun, and with their odd shape, it can feel like living in a greenhouse some days. Back in September, when we had a few unbearably hot days, I tried a viral "life hack" I’d seen—using aluminum foil as a quick blackout film.

@mariamamaoftwo on Tiktok

    I had originally seen the hack for darkening hotel rooms when you’re staying with a baby or toddler. It seemed simple: spray the window with water, stick aluminum foil on, and voilà! Instant blackout. It worked great for blocking out streetlights, so I thought, “Why not block the blazing sun in my sunroom?”

    And, it actually worked for a few days—until it didn’t. The foil started falling down, and that’s when I realized I had a bigger problem on my hands: aluminum transfer all over the windows! What influencers don’t mention is that in extreme heat, like what my south-facing windows endure, the aluminum can leave a metallic residue behind. Great. Now I had eight large windows with streaks of aluminum and no idea how to get rid of it.

The Long Road to Clean Windows

Aluminum Foil transfer on windows

I tried rubbing alcohol. Nope. Vinegar? Nada. Even trusty window cleaners didn’t make a dent. I started thinking maybe it wasn’t aluminum at all but some kind of calcium buildup from the water. So, I tried calcium, rust, and lime remover—still nothing. After searching through Reddit threads and still coming up short, my husband had a brilliant thought: “It’s aluminum, right? Maybe we need something to break it down?”

That’s when I remembered Bar Keepers Friend, a cleaner I’d used before with micro-abrasives (not sponsored). My husband and I, channeling our old high school chemistry days (yes, I used to copy off his schoolwork back then), thought this might be the answer. And it did!

barkeepersfriend.com/

I made a light paste with Bar Keepers Friend and water, gently worked it into the areas with aluminum transfer, and finally—success! The aluminum started to come off.; and to my shock quickly. A word of caution: Bar Keepers Friend is powerful stuff, so make sure you rinse it off really really really well. I wouldn’t leave it on too long, as it might start affecting the window’s protective coating. After rinsing thoroughly, I followed up with window cleaner for that final, sparkling shine.

Safety First!

While I’m thrilled that I found a solution, this whole experience reminded me how important it is to be careful with cleaning products. Always wear gloves—your skin will thank you. Bar Keepers Friend can be harsh on hands, and you don’t want to inhale the powder.

Another thing: be really cautious about mixing chemicals. I’ve seen other viral cleaning videos where people mix dish soap, vinegar, and all sorts of cleaners, thinking they’re concocting a magic solution. That’s such a terrible terrible idea. Mixing the wrong chemicals can be dangerous, even deadly. Some combinations could create gases like mustard gas (seriously!), so stick to using products as directed and never mix them unless you know exactly what you’re doing. Your lungs will thank you! These viral videos purpose is solely to get paid from the clicks and views of the mixing. They are not concerned about those who may actually try doing so or because of the pretty colors. It is so very dangerous.

Trying New Things Isn’t All Bad

Despite the hiccups with the aluminum foil, I’m not totally against trying viral hacks. In fact, the blackout trick worked wonderfully in a hotel room. The foil stuck to the window just fine with water, no tape was needed, and it really blocked out all light. I think my issue with the sunroom was simply a case of bad luck or perhaps not taking into consideration the intense sun and heat that took the hack too far.

But for those using the foil trick at night or in cooler environments, you probably won’t have the same issues I did. Avoid extreme sunlight, or you might be stuck scrubbing off aluminum for days like me!

Would I Try It Again?

Well, maybe not with aluminum on sun-exposed windows. However, in smaller, more controlled situations, sure! And next time I need to tackle a tough stain, I know Bar Keepers Friend is my go-to. I did think about trying a glass stovetop cleaner afterward, which might have been less abrasive. It’s worth considering if you’re worried about protective coatings on your windows.

Final Thoughts:

While viral cleaning hacks can seem fun and convenient, they don’t usually show the full story. Always take safety precautions, follow product instructions, and use a little common sense. Most of all—enjoy the process! I was so proud after getting one-third of the window done that I even climbed a tall ladder to clean the outside of the windows to get crystal clear look outward to the prairie. It was hard work but so satisfying in the end.

The After! 

To all my fellow cleaning warriors out there, remember: to rinse thoroughly, stay safe, and don’t believe everything you see on the internet (unless it’s this post, of course!). Always use caution with what someone tells you on the internet in all reality.

Have you ever tried a viral cleaning hack that didn’t quite go as planned? Share your stories in the comments! And if you see someone attempting a dangerous cleaning trick, don’t hesitate to speak up. Let’s keep cleaning fun—and safe!