How to Make Homemade Glass Cleaner

How to Make a Vinegar-Based Glass Cleaner

Though there are many types of vinegar, be sure to use cleaning or distilled white vinegar for cleaning windows. The acetic acid in vinegar, which is also used in many store-bought cleaners, is a powerful cleaning agent that dissolves mineral deposits and greasy smudges.

1. Create the Mixture

   Fill a clean spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and distilled water. Label the bottle.

2. Add Fragrance

   If you don't like the smell of vinegar (which dissipates quickly), you can add fragrance to your glass cleaner. Add about 10 drops of your favorite essential oil into the water and vinegar in the spray bottle and shake to mix.

   Tip

   If you plan to add essential oils, consider a glass spray bottle. Essential oils, even diluted in the liquids, can still be concentrated enough to degrade some types of plastic bottles and cause leaks.

3. How to Use the Cleaner

   Spray the window just as you would any glass cleaner. Start at the top of the window to avoid drips. Wipe away with a lint-free cloth or newspaper. When cleaning a mirror, consider spritzing the cloth instead of the mirror to avoid damage to the frame.

   Tip

   Newspapers are made of dense fibers that don't scratch or leave lint. Crinkle up a sheet of newspaper into a ball and use it to wipe away the dirt and cleaner from the glass. Newspapers are the secret to streak-free windows.

How to Make a Rubbing Alcohol-Based Glass Cleaner

The combination of the acids in vinegar and the solvent-based alcohol is effective in removing the toughest grease from windows. Both evaporate quickly so eliminate streaks and spots.

1. Measure Ingredients

   Pour one cup of rubbing alcohol, one cup of distilled water, and one tablespoon of vinegar into a spray bottle. Shake to mix and label the bottle.

2. Spray and Wipe

   Starting at the top of the window, spray on the cleaner and wipe away grime with a microfiber cloth.

3. Store Correctly

   Store cleaner in a cabinet away from any heat source because the alcohol makes this mixture flammable.

How to Make a Cornstarch-Based Glass Cleaner

The fine texture of the granules in cornstarch creates a gentle abrasive for deep cleaning windows. Together with vinegar, this combination is ideal for cutting through dirt and grime, especially on outside windows where you can use a hose to remove any cornstarch residue.

1. Measure Correctly

   Measure one-fourth cup of rubbing alcohol, one-fourth cup of distilled white vinegar, one tablespoon of cornstarch, and two cups of distilled water.

2. Combine and Shake

   Add the ingredients into the bottle and shake well to mix. Label the bottle.

3. Shake and Wipe

   Shake the spray bottle each time to mix the solution well before spraying the cleaner onto windows. Wipe the glass until it looks crystal clear. Keep moving to a clean area of your newspaper or cloth. When the glass is clear, the cornstarch is gone.

   If you don't wipe well, the cornstarch leaves a residue on the glass. Use a hose on outdoor windows and then dry the glass well.