This easy homemade DIY window cleaner leaves glass streak-free and sparkling clean with each use. As someone who doesn’t love to clean the house, I need something that works quickly, cleans thoroughly, and doesn’t cost a lot (plus is easy and quick to make). So, I’ve created this DIY version to get the job done right the first time round.
I recently made the mistake of using bathroom cleaner on my windows.
I’d been refilling my cleaning sprays at my local bulk foods store, The Source Bulk Foods, for a couple of years as a way to reduce my single-use plastic waste and reuse old cleaning containers.
I’d asked the lady at the store if the bathroom cleaner could be used on glass mirrors and windows, as I couldn’t find an option for a glass-only cleaner at the store, and the bathroom cleaner looked like the closest option, and she said she used it. So I tried it.
It did not end well.
My mirrors were left with a smoggy coating on the glass and I could hardly see out of the windows afterwards. It looked like a fog had settled outside and made everything blurry and hard to see.
I didn’t understand how it had worked for the lady at the store, but I quickly changed tact and began making my own to try and undo the mess I had created.
I looked around online for a few recipes that incorporated natural ingredients you could find in your kitchen to help create a streak-free glass cleaner, and began trialling a few recipes.
I found one that I loved as it removed most of the smoggy coating right away, and then it simply took a few more washes to remove the rest of the coating on the glass windows and mirrors.
I’ve come to prefer my DIY cleaner to previous window and glass cleaners as it’s really cost effective and cheap to make, and when you run out you can quickly make some more for when you need it, rather than running to the store to buy more. Plus, I get to continue using my cleaning containers, which means less plastic waste from replacing bottles of cleaning liquids.
For more ideas and DIYs on natural household cleaners, see here.
Before we get started in learning how to make a natural homemade glass and window cleaner – if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!!
DIY Natural Streak-Free Glass & Window Cleaner
Rubbing alcohol (i.e. isopropyl alcohol) and white vinegar are two fantastic ingredients which can be used to help achieve a streak-free finish on your glass surfaces.
Please note, if you plan on reusing an empty commercial cleaner bottle, ensure it has been cleaned thoroughly to remove all previous residue. This is really important. If you are not able to completely clean the contents of the bottle from the container, buy a new spray bottle for your glass cleaner. Both vinegar and alcohol act as solvents and will pick up traces of other chemicals that are left inside old spray bottles. With a new, clean bottle, you won’t have to worry about unintended, and potentially dangerous, reactions that may occur.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups distilled water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
- 1/2 tsp natural dishwashing liquid
- 10 drops eucalyptus or tea tree essential oil (optional)
- Microfibre cloth or squeegee
To make:
- Add the distilled water, rubbing alcohol, and vinegar to a glass spray bottle and gently shake to combine.
- Next, add the dishwashing liquid and essential oil (if using) and gently swirl to combine. Cap the lid on tight and store the window cleaner in a cool, dark, dry place beyond the reach of children and pets. As this homemade window cleaner contains rubbing alcohol, do not store it or use it near open flames or in direct sunlight.
- To use, spray the glass with the window cleaner to lightly saturate, then rub it away with a microfiber cloth to loosen any grime.
- Spray a second time and use a clean microfibre cloth to clean the windows and glass mirrors, moving from left to right using swift, smooth motions, until any streaks have been cleared. Using a squeegee can prove more effective at removing any streaks from glass and windows.
Pre-Made Natural Glass Cleaner Options
If you’re not into the whole DIY thing, or don’t have time to make a natural homemade window and glass cleaner yourself, check out these ready-made natural glass cleaning options:
- Euclove Glass & Mirror Cleaning Spray
- Lil’ Bit Chrome & Glass Cleaner
- Koala Eco – Glass Cleaner Peppermint Essential Oil
As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.
Have you made your own natural household cleaners before? Were they helpful and effective at cleaning? Share in the comments below.
Lots of love,
🖤 Vanessa