Making Your Own Glass & Window Cleaner

Take a trip down the cleaning product aisle in the grocery store and you’ll find shelves packed with options. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of products marketed for specific uses – especially glass and window cleaners. But here’s the truth: you don’t need a dozen different bottles to keep your home sparkling. In fact, a simple glass cleaner recipe can go a long way in making your windows, mirrors, and other surfaces shine. If you understand the surface you’re cleaning, you can get by with just two or three multipurpose cleaners. And even better, you can make many of these cleaners yourself with supplies you probably already have in your kitchen.

Save Money, Be Smart, Get Clean

Making your own cleaning products is smart, frugal, and eco-friendly. A good glass cleaner recipe can often double as a general-purpose surface cleaner. That means fewer bottles, less waste, and more money in your pocket. It also means you know exactly what ingredients you’re using – no mystery chemicals, artificial dyes, or overpowering fragrances. Homemade cleaners are often safer for kids, pets, and the environment. Here are a few easy and effective glass cleaner recipes to try.

Glass Cleaner Recipe: Rubbing Alcohol and Vinegar

This is a great everyday glass cleaner that evaporates quickly and leaves no streaks or residue.

• 1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
• 1 cup water
• 6 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon liquid dish soap

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake gently. Spray directly onto glass surfaces and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.

Glass Cleaner Recipe: Rubbing Alcohol and Ammonia

Need extra cleaning power for tough grime? Try this stronger glass cleaner recipe.

• 1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
• 8 cups water
• 1/4 cup clear, non-sudsing ammonia

Mix in a large container or bucket, then transfer to a spray bottle for easier use. Use in well-ventilated areas due to the ammonia. If you have respiratory issues, you should either avoid this recipe or wear a mask!

Glass Cleaner Recipe: Vinegar and Water

If you don’t have rubbing alcohol or ammonia, this basic glass cleaner recipe still works well for routine cleaning.

• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish soap

Combine in a spray bottle and shake. Spray directly onto windows or mirrors. Note: Do not use vinegar on marble, granite, or other natural stone surfaces – it can damage or etch them permanently.

Tips for Cleaning Windows

• Place a towel along the windowsill to catch drips and protect the surface.
• Start at the top and work your way down for streak-free results.
• Avoid cleaning windows on sunny days; the heat may cause your cleaner to evaporate too fast, leading to streaks.

Tips for Cleaning Mirrors

• To avoid damaging frames, spray your cloth – not the mirror – then wipe.
• Use a Q-tip or small soft brush to clean around detailed or decorative frames.
• Buff with a dry microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.

Choosing the right glass cleaner recipe can make window and mirror cleaning much easier, more affordable, and environmentally responsible. Whether you prefer vinegar-based options or need the extra punch of ammonia, you’ve got multiple recipes that work just as well – if not better – than commercial brands. And remember, cleaning glass is best done on a cloudy day – less sun means fewer streaks.

Natural Cleaning