7 DIY Homemade Window Cleaners

Making your own homemade window cleaner is an easy, non-toxic, and cost-effective alternative to a commercial cleaner. This guide shares several different homemade window cleaner recipes that you can ultimately adjust to your cleaning needs.

Most homemade window cleaning recipes require two to three ingredients that you likely already have in your home. The only other materials you’ll need include a glass spray bottle or bucket and a microfiber cloth.

# Vinegar solution

A vinegar and water window cleaner is the most common homemade window cleaner. This widely used household solution is a go-to in any homemade cleaning arsenal.

Using vinegar as an alternative to chemical store-bought cleaners can prevent you from breathing in toxic and harmful fumes. Vinegar also has an added benefit of being streak-free. This solution can be used on glass surfaces, such as glass top tables, but should not be used on marble, granite, slate, or any other porous surface.

Ingredients

Equal parts white vinegar and water
Glass spray bottle
Microfiber cloth
Optional: a few drops of citrus scented essential oil, such as lemon, grapefruit, or tangerine for an extra fresh scent

Method

- Pour equal parts of white vinegar and water into a spray bottle.
- Add in a few drops of essential oil if you want a scented solution.
- Shake the bottle and spray your window surface.
- Wipe your window clean in one direction with a microfiber cloth.

# Lemon juice solution

Give your home an extra fresh scent with nature’s antiseptic: lemons. The lemon’s acidic base will eliminate window grime, while ensuring that you’re only using clean ingredients in your home. This cleaning remedy can also be used on glass, plastic, or ceramic surfaces. Avoid using lemon juice on marble, granite, slate, or any other porous surface.

Ingredients

1 quart water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Glass spray bottle
Microfiber cloth

Method

- Add both the water and lemon juice to a spray bottle.
- Shake the bottle to mix the solution.
- Spray the solution directly on the windows.
- Wipe dry in one direction using a microfiber cloth.

# Vinegar and alcohol

Thanks to the alcohol, this recipe evaporates fast, eliminating spots and streaks. Vinegar is antibacterial and non-toxic, making it a must-have for any cleaning supply cabinet. It also helps to break down any film or grime that builds up on glass surfaces because of its acidity. This solution can be used on glass, plastic, or ceramic surfaces, but should be avoided on marble, granite, slate, or any other porous surface.

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup rubbing alcohol
Glass spray bottle
Microfiber cloth

Method

- Pour the ingredients into your spray bottle and shake.
- Spray directly onto the window.
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe dry, in one direction. Due to the alcohol content, be sure to store this mixture in a cool location, away from any heat.

# Dish detergent window cleaner

This glass cleaner recipe can be adjusted to the amount of window cleaning you have to do—use a spray bottle for smaller interior windows or a bucket for exterior windows.

Ingredients

Hot water
Several drops of Dawn soap or other dishwashing liquid
Glass spray bottle or bucket (depending on window surfaces)
Microfiber cloth

Method

-Combine the water and dishwashing liquid in either a spray bottle or bucket.
- Shake and mix the solution.
- Spray the cleaner on your windows and let it sit.
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe clean in one direction.

# Jet Dry solution

This large-volume recipe is best for outdoor windows that need some extra scrubbing. While this recipe makes a big batch, it can be adjusted for smaller interior windows, as well.

Ingredients

1 gallon of warm water
2 tablespoons of liquid Jet Dry
4 tablespoons of dishwashing soap
Bucket
Squeegee or cloth
Hose sprayer

Method

- Mix the ingredients in a bucket.
- Use a squeegee or cloth to clean your windows (this might depend on the window size).
- Rinse clean with a hose sprayer.

# Vinegar and baking soda

Give your vinegar-based homemade window cleaner some extra cleaning power by adding baking soda to the process.

Ingredients

Equal parts white vinegar and water
1 box of baking soda
Glass spray bottle
Microfiber cloth
Cloth or paper towel

Method

- Sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth or paper towel.
- Gently move the cloth across the windows.
- Fill a spray bottle with liquid ingredients and shake the bottle to mix the solution.
- Spray the solution on your windows.
- Wipe off your windows with a microfiber cloth.

# Ammonia and cornstarch

This recipe helps break down stubborn fingerprints or grease marks, thanks to the ammonia, while leaving the windows clean and streak-free, courtesy of the cornstarch. This solution can also be used on glass, plastic, or ceramic surfaces. It shouldn’t be used on marble, granite, slate, or other porous materials.

Ingredients

1 quart warm or hot water
1/4 cup ammonia
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Glass spray bottle
Microfiber cloth

Method

- Mix the ingredients in a glass spray bottle and shake.
- Spray directly on the window’s surface.
- Wipe the window from top to bottom with a microfiber cloth.