Do you want to stop buying Windex and or other ammonia-containing window cleaners – and start making your own? Below, I share the best homemade glass cleaner I’ve found, and it’s cheap to make.
DIY Window Cleaner Recipe:
Here is the DIY window cleaner recipe that I use. In a 24-ounce spray bottle, add the following:
- 1/2 Cup Distilled White Vinegar
- 1/2 Cup Rubbing Alcohol
- Squirt of Dish Soap
- Fill the Rest of the Bottle with Filtered or Distilled Water
Some people like to add a few drops of essential oil to give their cleaning solution a fresh fragrance, but you don’t have to.
I love this homemade window cleaner because it’s so cheap and simple to make. In fact, you may already have all the ingredients you need to make it.
On top of that, a jug of distilled vinegar and a bottle of Isopropyl alcohol will last you a long time. Plus, you can use them for other cleaning projects or first aid purposes too.
Does this Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner Work
as Well as Popular Store-Bought Products?
Many commercial glass cleaners at the store contain ammonia because it evaporates quickly to produce a streak-free finish. However, rubbing alcohol does the same thing.
Ammonia also works to kill mildew. On the other hand, vinegar can get rid of mildew naturally due to its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Plus, the small amount of dish soap added to this homemade glass cleaner helps it helps you remove fingerprints, smudges or greasy marks with less effort. Consequently, you really don’t need ammonia-based window cleaners.
By the way, I also use this mixture on counters, stovetops, kitchen and bath fixtures, in showers and more. I even use it to clean my car windshield.
How to Clean Windows with Vinegar and Alcohol:
In my opinion, the best way to clean windows without leaving streaks and marks is with a quality squeegee.
These simple, inexpensive gadgets effectively remove virtually all water and residue without leaving lint behind (like many cloths and towels).
My squeegee has saved me a ton of time because it works faster than wiping with a towel. Plus, I don’t mind cleaning windows now because it doesn’t take so long.
Note: It actually took me several tries before I got the hang of using a squeegee to clean my windows. If this happens to you, don’t get frustrated. As with any skill, you improve with practice.
For corners and edges of windows (or cleaning borders of mirrors or shower doors), I use mini lint-free microfiber eyeglass cloths to absorb any excess moisture that I can’t get to with the squeegee.
These mini cloths don’t cost much (about 50 cents apiece), plus you can wash and re-use them many times. And, you can use them to gently clean eyeglasses, sunglasses, computer screens, tablets and more.