There’s nothing I love more than a clean, clear, window. Natural light really transforms a space. But dirty, smudgy windows and glass can really make a room look sloppy! Even if you do clean them regularly, it’s hard to find a good smudge-free glass cleaner. Well, I’ve found it, and it’s green, easy, and costs less than $2 to make.
Windex does work really well, but I’m generally wary of any cleaning products that are a color and have a strong scent. Windex scores a D on the EWG’s guide to healthy cleaning– at minimum it causes skin and respiratory irritation, and its ingredients are terrible for aquatic life. It has two of my least favorite things in a cleaner- dye and artificial fragrance. I think we can agree that it’s just not something I feel comfortable using in my home- and with such a good alternative, why would you?
With only three ingredients, this homemade glass cleaner is so easy to make. It works on any type of glass- windows, mirrors, glass doors, etc. It’s super effective and streak free, every time. And it’s not causing you any negative health effects and you know EXACTLY what’s in it. Plus, it’s way cheaper than windex!
If you like this green cleaning recipe for homemade glass cleaner- check out my other recipes for green cleaning month!
I like to explain why I use each ingredient in my cleaning recipes. After all, if you know what’s in your cleaners, you should also know why they are there!
Ingredients:
- Rubbing alcohol: Disinfects and evaporates quickly for that streak free shine
- Vinegar: Great at removing dirt and smudges
- Dish soap: For just a little extra kick to remove dirt and smudges
- Essential oils (optional): for scent (I used lemon in this recipe)
Ready for the recipe?
Homemade Glass Cleaner Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 2 drops dish soap
- 2 cups hot water
- 5-10 drops essential oils (optional)
Instructions
- Mix water, alcohol, vinegar, dish soap and essential oils
- Add to a spray bottle
- Spray on glass and wipe up with a microfiber cloth
Want to see just how great it is? My dog loves pressing his nose right on the sliding glass windows to watch passerby and always leaves smudges. I used this glass cleaner and the smudges were gone! At least until he put his nose up on the glass again 10 minutes later…
I just love a good green cleaning recipe that is super effective. You may not believe how great this cleaner is, but the alcohol really does make it streak free every time. I just love it!
I can’t get enough of my shiny clean windows and mirrors!
Let me know how making your own homemade glass cleaner goes for you!
Dorothy says
Question: Can I use Castile soap in place of dish soap for the Glass Cleaner recipe? Thank you
Susie says
Yes, that will be fine! I’ve done it before.
Dorothy says
Thanks very much!
Amy Mason says
Loving your blog and recipes! Just made the glass cleaner with my 6 yr old daughter and she is loving cleaning with the non toxic cleaner and the soft micro fibre clothes. We can’t wait to make the next item now to eventually remove all toxic cleaning products from our home. :)
Susie says
Yay! I’m so glad to hear that- it must be nice to get the whole family helping! Have you checked out my ebook 5 step switch to green cleaning? It’s free if you sign up for my weekly mailing list and it might help you in the transition!
Dan Grahovac says
I own my own window company and I’m always searching for newer
info in the industry. Enjoyed the read. You’ve got a great
site BTW.
Paula says
How long will this product keep since it has water in it? I would use distilled water perhaps.
Susie says
It kept for me for at least 4-5 months, but distilled water is a good idea.
Jamie says
Do I need to make this for each use? Will it keep?
Susie says
It should keep for a few months. I’ve used mine for even longer than that but to be on the safe side I’d stick to a shorter time period.