Skip the store-bought glass cleaner and make the best homemade window cleaner. It's easy to make and uses just 3 simple ingredients. Say hello to streak-free windows and mirrors!
I love it when I can find a way to make something at home instead of buying it at the store. With so many cleaners, not only are they often cheaper to make at home, but they don't have all the weird ingredients and harsh chemicals that the store-bought cleaners often have. Why are commercial glass cleaners blue anyway?
This homemade glass cleaner is not only easy to make, but it will save you money too. Plus, it leaves a fantastic streak-free shine on mirrors and windows.
Other homemade cleaners I recommend are DIY Floor Cleaner, Homemade Disinfecting Wipes, and Easy Kitchen Degreaser.
What You'll Need
- empty spray bottle
- vinegar (just the plain white vinegar, I don't recommend apple cider vinegar)
- corn starch
- isopropyl alcohol (aka rubbing alcohol)
- 2-4 drops lemon essential oil (if desired)
- 2 cups water
Plus, I highly recommend skipping paper towels, which leave behind residue, and instead, use a microfiber cloth. I love these microfiber cloths from Amazon.
How to Make Natural Window Cleaner
To start you will need a large bowl or funnel with spray bottle to mix your ingredients.
I prefer a mixing cup with a pour spout so it's easy to transfer to the spray bottle.
Step 1: Pour two cups of warm water in the measuring cup.
Step 2: Add in 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
Step 3: Then add 1/4 cup vinegar
Step 4: Add 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol.
Step 5: You can add in a couple of drops of essential oil to make it smell good if you would like. My favorite is the lemon essential oil.
Step 6: Mix everything until combined and transfer to a spray bottle. Or, add lid to spray bottle and shake.
Using the DIY Glass Cleaner
To use the homemade glass and mirror cleaner you will want give the bottle a few good shakes first.
The cornstarch will settle over time so by shaking it you help to mix up the cornstarch.
Get Started Cleaning with Essential Oils!
Get your free Cleaning with Essential Oils printable!
Spray a small amount onto the glass or mirror that you want to clean and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
The homemade glass cleaner will quickly remove any dirt and grime. Plus, the rubbing alcohol and vinegar will help insure there isn't any water spots left behind.
Helpful Tips
- Use this homemade solution on dirty windows (indoor and outside windows), mirrors, shower doors, car windows, or any other glass surfaces.
- Ditch the paper towels and use a lint-free cloth such as a microfiber for the best streak-free results.
Clean windows like a pro by using your own cleaning products and for a fraction of the cost as store-bought glass cleaners. I love making my own cleaners using natural options because you can avoid nasty chemicals, they are so much cheaper, and always give good results.
Homemade Window Cleaner Recipe
Equipment
- 1 spray bottle
- 1 funnel
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup Vinegar
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
- 2-4 drops Lemon Essential Oil
Instructions
- Place two cups of water in a bowl or spray bottle.
- Mix in 1 tablespoon corn starch.
- Then add 1/4 cup vinegar.
- Next, 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol.
- Add in a couple of drops of lemon essential oil.
- Add spray bottle lid and shake well before each use.
Steve says
We son't have rubbing alcohol in Australia. Will vodka work?
Julie says
You could give it a try. It does have a much lower alcohol content than rubbing alcohol so I am not sure if it will work or not. If you do I would try a very small batch at first. Let me know how it works. Thanks!