Keeping windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces sparkling clean can be a chore. While store-bought glass cleaners get the job done, they also come with downsides. Many contain chemicals, fragrances, and other ingredients that can leave streaks and residues behind. Fortunately, you can easily make effective DIY glass cleaners with just a few simple ingredients. Not only are homemade cleaners better for your health and the environment, they’re also inexpensive to make.
This guide will teach you how to create natural, non-toxic glass cleaners using common household items. We’ll provide recipes, instructions, and tips for cleaning windows, mirrors, glasses, screens, and other delicate surfaces throughout your home. With a little time and effort, you can make your own glass cleaning supplies that rival anything from the store.
Why Make Your Own Glass Cleaner?
Here are some of the benefits of creating DIY glass cleaners rather than relying on commercial products:
Cost Savings – Homemade cleaners are extremely economical to produce. With just a few inexpensive ingredients, you can make enough cleaner to last months. Commercial glass cleaners can get expensive over time.
Control Ingredients – Store-bought glass cleaners often contain chemical fragrances, dyes, foaming agents, and other unnecessary additives. When you DIY, you decide what goes in. You can avoid anything that may be irritating or harmful.
Reduce Waste – Making your own cleaning supplies eliminates the need to toss out and recycle plastic spray bottles every month. You can reuse glass jars and containers, which cuts down on waste.
Custom Formulas – Customize your glass cleaner recipes according to your specific needs. Adjust the proportions of vinegar, water, essential oils and other ingredients to create the perfect mix.
Streak-Free Results – Carefully crafted homemade cleaners clean just as effectively, if not better, than many commercial brands, without any streaks or residue.
Better for Health – Avoid exposure to the strong fumes, chemicals, and toxins found in many store-bought glass cleaners by creating natural, non-toxic versions.
How to Make Simple Homemade Glass Cleaner
This basic homemade glass cleaner requires just a few simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here’s the easy recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 part white vinegar
- 1 part water
- Few drops of essential oil (optional for scent)
Supplies
- Spray bottle
Instructions
- Fill spray bottle halfway with white vinegar.
- Fill remaining half of bottle with water.
- Add several drops of your favorite essential oil if you want a fresh scent. Good options include lemon, peppermint, orange, lavender, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lime and tea tree oil.
- Screw on spray nozzle and shake well to combine ingredients.
That’s all there is to it! This 2-ingredient cleaner will effectively remove smudges, fingerprints, dust, and grime from windows, mirrors, glass surfaces, and more without leaving any streaks or residue.
Some tips when using this basic homemade glass cleaner:
- For best results, use white distilled vinegar. Apple cider vinegar and other types may leave behind more streaks.
- Warm water helps dissolve and cut through grease and grime even better.
- Spray cleaner directly onto a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Wipe surface using a circular motion.
- Avoid spraying cleaner directly onto glass, as this can leave drips.
- Work in sections for large windows and mirrors. Dry each section with a clean cloth before moving on.
- Buff dried glass thoroughly with a microfiber towel or newspaper to eliminate streaks and water spots.
This simple vinegar-water glass cleaner works great for most non-porous surfaces. But you can also experiment with variations and custom formulas using other ingredients for more heavy duty cleaning power.
Enhanced Homemade Glass Cleaner Recipes
While the basic vinegar, water and essential oil recipe is effective for light cleaning, sometimes you need a bit more cleaning power. Here are some ways to enhance your homemade glass cleaner:
Add Dish Soap
Adding a small amount of mild dish soap boosts grease-cutting power. The soap combined with vinegar helps lift away oils and grime.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish soap
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a spray bottle. Shake vigorously before each use to re-emulsify the soap.
Include Rubbing Alcohol
The addition of a small amount of isopropyl rubbing alcohol helps homemade cleaner evaporate more quickly. This further prevents streaking and water spots.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol
Directions:
Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well before use.
Make an Ammonia-Free Windex Substitute
For sparkling clean windows and mirrors, try this recipe modeled after Windex glass cleaner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vodka (helps prevent streaking)
- Few drops blue food coloring (optional)
Directions:
Whisk cornstarch into the vinegar first to dissolve. Add remaining ingredients and transfer to a spray bottle. Shake before each use.
Boost Cleaning with Essential Oils
Add a few drops of lemon, eucalyptus, tea tree, or other essential oils to any of the recipes. The oils add a fresh scent and provide extra cleaning and sanitizing power. Lemon oil cuts through grease, while tea tree oil has anti-microbial properties to disinfect surfaces.
Try Club Soda
The carbonation in plain seltzer water helps remove dirt and grease from glass surfaces. For an easy cleaner, combine equal parts club soda and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
How to Use Homemade Glass Cleaner
Once you’ve made your DIY glass cleaner, be sure to use and apply it properly for best results:
Supplies Needed
- Spray bottle of DIY glass cleaner
- Microfiber cloth, newspaper or paper towels
- Squeegee (optional)
Directions
- Remove any loose debris or dirt from glass using a dry cloth or paper towel first.
- Liberally spray cleaner directly onto microfiber cloth, newspaper or paper towels. Never spray directly on the glass.
- Wipe down glass surface using circular motions. Apply pressure to remove stuck-on dirt and grime.
- Work in sections for larger items like windows or sliding doors. Fully dry and buff each section before moving on.
- Follow up by wiping surface again with clean, dry paper towels or microfiber cloth to polish away any streaks. Consider using a window squeegee for larger glass.
- Allow glass to fully air dry for a crystal clear, streak-free finish.
- For mirrors, spray cleaner on towel and wipe mirror starting at the top corner and working sideways and downwards over the entire surface.
Remember, it takes a little time and some good elbow grease to thoroughly clean glass surfaces. Take your time and make sure to fully wipe away excess moisture to prevent streaks and water spots. Re-wet and rinse cloths frequently for best results.
Tips for Using Homemade Glass Cleaners
Follow these tips when working with homemade glass cleaners to get the best results:
- Shake bottle vigorously before each use to combine ingredients.
- Dampen cleaning cloth first, then wipe down glass surface using a circular buffing motion.
- Try adding a couple drops of jojoba or olive oil to condition microfiber cloths or rags so they glide smoothly over glass.
- Newspaper or paper coffee filters also make good lint-free buffing cloths for glass.
- Work in smaller sections when cleaning large windows or glass doors. This allows you to fully dry and remove cleaner before it dries and causes streaks.
- Give your cleaner an occasional good shake during use to keep ingredients mixed.
- Rinse and wring out cleaning cloths frequently as they get dirty for better cleaning action.
- Use a lint-free towel reserved just for glass to wipe away any final moisture and buff to an ultra shine.
- Avoid using homemade glass cleaner on porous surfaces like granite, marble or wood, as vinegar can damage them over time. Stick to non-porous glass, metal, tile, etc.
With a little practice, you’ll get the technique down and be able to quickly clean glass surfaces streak-free every time!
Common Questions About Homemade Glass Cleaners
If you’re new to making your own DIY glass cleaners, chances are you have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Is homemade glass cleaner as effective as store-bought brands?
Yes! Thoughtfully formulated homemade cleaners using ingredients like vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and dish soap can clean glass just as effectively as commercial products without the chemical fumes, fragrances, and high cost.
Why is there sticky residue left behind on my glass?
If you notice a sticky, greasy film on glass after cleaning, it likely means too much oil-based soap or other ingredient was used. Try reducing the amount of dish soap or oils in your recipe. Also, wipe away all moisture with a dry cloth after cleaning to avoid residue.
What if my homemade cleaner leaves cloudy streaks?
Cloudy streaks usually occur when minerals in tap water are left behind to dry. Use distilled, filtered, boiled or bottled water instead of tap water in your cleaner recipes to prevent streaks. Also, buff glass thoroughly with a dry cloth after cleaning.
How long does homemade glass cleaner last?
Most DIY glass cleaners will stay fresh in a sealed spray bottle for 1-2 months. If using essential oils, their cleaning power may start diminishing after a month. Give your spray bottle a good shake before each use. If cleaner seems diluted or stops working as well, time to make a new batch.
Can I use homemade cleaner on my electronic screens and devices?
We recommend caution. Vinegar and water can be safely used on TV screens, tablets, phones, and monitors. But avoid alcohol, ammonia, and soap-based cleaners as these can strip coatings and damage sensitive screens over time.
Why does my homemade cleaner leave a vinegar smell behind?
The strong vinegar odor will dissipate as the surface fully dries. You can mask the scent by adding essential oils. Also try a 50/50 vinegar & water ratio for a less potent smell, and wipe surface thoroughly with a dry cloth after cleaning.
Is rubbing alcohol necessary in homemade glass cleaner?
While not mandatory, adding a bit of isopropyl alcohol helps homemade cleaner dry faster by evaporating water and moisture more quickly from the glass surface. This further prevents streaking and spots. Use 1 tablespoon alcohol per 1 cup vinegar/water mixture.
Best Practices When Cleaning Glass
Follow these additional tips for the most sparkling clean windows, mirrors, glass surfaces, and screens throughout your home:
- Clean glass when the sun isn’t directly hitting the surface, which can cause fast drying and streaking. Early morning or dusk is best.
- Thoroughly dry clear and coated glass like shower doors and windows using a squeegee tool after spraying cleaner.
- Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads, brushes or paper towels, as they can scratch delicate surfaces.
- Rinse and replace cleaning rags, sponges, and towels often as they collect dirt and grease. Dirty rags just move around grime rather than lifting it away.
- For extra dirty glass surfaces, allow your DIY cleaner to sit and penetrate for 1-2 minutes before wiping clean.
- Move slowly and methodically when cleaning large windows and mirrors for best results.
- Mix a fresh batch of cleaner every 1-2 months for maximum cleaning power. Vinegar-based cleaners gradually lose their acidity over time.
Consistency is key for keeping glass sparkling clean long term. Set a recurring reminder to wipe down windows, mirrors, screens, glass tabletops, and other surfaces every week or two to prevent built up grime. Your homemade glass cleaner and a little elbow grease make the chore quick and easy.
Storing and Disposing of Homemade Glass Cleaner
Part of using natural cleaning products is learning how to properly store them for prolonged freshness. Here are some tips:
- Pour homemade glass cleaner into an empty, clean glass jar or spray bottle. Avoid plastic containers as vinegar can degrade plastic over time.
- Make sure container has an airtight lid or pump spray nozzle to prevent evaporation.
- Label bottle clearly with name and date. Include a list of ingredients.
- Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and heat to maintain potency.
- Write the date made on a piece of masking tape on the bottle so you know when it was mixed.
- Shake well before each use to disperse ingredients and renew cleaning power.
- Keep away from children and pets. As with any cleaning product, homemade cleaners should be used with care.
When it’s time to dispose of old homemade glass cleaner:
- Never pour homemade cleaners down the drain. Vinegar and soap can harm septic systems.
- Pour remaining used cleaner into the soil around non-edible outdoor plants. Diluted vinegar provides nutrients for many plants.
- Alternatively, soak up remaining product with paper towels or rags and allow to fully dry before throwing out with regular trash.
Making your own effective glass and surface cleaner is easy, inexpensive, and better for your health and home. We hope these homemade cleaner recipes, directions and tips empower you to skip the chemical-laden store-bought options in favor of safe, eco-friendly DIY versions. A little vinegar, water, and elbow grease keep windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces crystal clear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Homemade Glass Cleaner
- What are the benefits of making your own glass cleaner?
Some benefits of making homemade glass cleaner include cost savings, control over ingredients, reducing plastic waste from bottles, ability to customize formulas, streak-free results, and avoiding exposure to chemical fumes and toxins.
- What basic ingredients do you need for homemade glass cleaner?
The basic ingredients are white vinegar, water, and optional essential oils. Rubbing alcohol, dish soap, ammonia, and other additives can also enhance cleaning power.
- How should you apply homemade glass cleaner?
Spray directly onto a cleaning cloth, wipe down glass using a circular motion, work in sections, and fully dry and buff each section with a clean cloth to prevent streaks.
- Does homemade cleaner effectively remove grease and grime?
Yes, vinegar cuts through grease while adding a bit of dish soap boosts grime-cutting power. Letting cleaner soak for 1-2 minutes before wiping also helps lift stuck-on dirt.
- How long does homemade glass cleaner last?
Most DIY glass cleaners stay fresh for 1-2 months stored in an airtight container away from light and heat. Shake well before each use. Remake cleaners if they seem diluted or stop working as well.
- Is homemade glass cleaner safe for electronic screens and devices?
Use caution and avoid alcohol, ammonia, and soap-based cleaners, as they can strip coatings on screens. Vinegar and water can be safely used.
- Why does homemade cleaner sometimes leave cloudy streaks?
Hard water minerals left behind while drying can create streaks. Use distilled, filtered, boiled or bottled water instead of tap water in recipes.
- How often should you clean glass surfaces for best results?
For optimal shine and to prevent built up grime, clean glass surfaces like windows, mirrors, and glass tables every 1-2 weeks consistently.
- Can you use homemade glass cleaner on porous surfaces?
Avoid using vinegar-based cleaners on porous surfaces like granite, marble, and wood, as the vinegar can damage them over time. Stick to non-porous glass, tile, metal, etc.
- How should you store and dispose of leftover homemade glass cleaner?
Store in an airtight glass container in a cool, dry place. Dispose by pouring onto soil or soaking up with towels and throwing in trash. Never pour homemade cleaner down the drain.
Conclusion
Cleaning all the windows, mirrors, glass surfaces, and screens in your home using chemical-laden commercial products can be time consuming and unhealthy. Luckily, you can easily make your own effective glass cleaner with ingredients like white vinegar, water, dish soap, and essential oils.
Homemade glass cleaner rivals store-bought brands in its ability to cut through dirt, grease, fingerprints, dust, and grime. Natural cleaning ingredients thoroughly clean and sanitize glass without leaving streaks or residue behind.
Making your own glass cleaning solution saves money, reduces plastic waste, and lets you control the ingredients your family is exposed to. And customizing your own formula is easy and fun.
With a simple vinegar-water cleaner or any of the enhanced recipes provided, plus the right cleaning method, you can tackle glass cleaning day with confidence. A little mixing, shaking, spraying, wiping, and buffing transforms every window, mirror, and glass surface into a beautiful, sparkling fixture.
So skip the toxic chemical sprays and enjoy the benefits of green, non-toxic homemade cleaners throughout your home. Your windows (and wallet) will thank you!