7 Homemade Window Cleaner Recipes

Everyone loves the look of sparkling clean windows in their home. Not only do they boost curb appeal, but they also let you fully enjoy the view outside. However, cleaning windows often feels like a dreaded chore. When it’s time to tackle this task, making your own DIY window cleaner offers an easy, non-toxic, and cost-effective alternative to commercial options like Windex.

In this article, I’ll share some fantastic homemade glass cleaner recipes for streak-free windows. Whether you’re dealing with hard water spots or mineral deposits, these cleaning solutions will get the job done. Plus, using a clean microfiber cloth can make all the difference.

Let’s dive into some of the best window cleaning tips and recipes that will make your windows shine like new.

How To Make a Homemade Window Cleaner

You can make most homemade window cleaners with two to three ingredients that you likely already have in your home. You’ll also need a glass spray bottle or bucket and a microfiber cloth.

To make sure your windows stay streak-free, start by using distilled water because it’s purer than tap water and won’t leave mineral deposits behind. When applying your window cleaner, spray it directly onto the glass and let it sit for several minutes before wiping it off. This waiting period lets the cleaner break down grime and dirt on your windows. Instead of using paper towels or rags — which can leave streaks or residue — always opt for lint-free microfiber cloths. Microfiber cloths trap dirt and dust without scratching the window glass, giving you a clear finish.

When it comes to the actual cleaning technique, I recommend you wash your windows in one direction. Work from top to bottom or left to right. This method helps avoid smudges and doesn’t create streaks. Following these guidelines will make your windows sparkle and leave you with a perfect, streak-free finish every time.

Method #1: Vinegar Solution

A vinegar and water window cleaner tops the list of common homemade solutions. 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.

Materials

• 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

Directions:

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

Method #2: Lemon Juice Solution

Give your home an extra fresh scent with nature’s antiseptic: lemons. The lemons 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.

Materials

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

Directions:

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

Method #3: Vinegar and Alcohol

Thanks to the alcohol, this recipe evaporates quickly, getting rid of spots and streaks. Vinegar, being antibacterial and non-toxic, makes a must-have for any cleaning supply cabinet. Its acidity helps break down any film or grime that builds up on glass surfaces. You can use this solution on glass, plastic, or ceramic surfaces, but avoid using it on marble, granite, slate, or any other porous surface.

Materials

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

Directions:

1. Pour the ingredients into your spray bottle and shake.
2. Spray directly onto the window.
3. 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.

Method #4: 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.

Materials

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

Directions:

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

Method #5: 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.

Materials

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

Directions:

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

Read also: DIY small window pane cleaning squeegee

Method #6: Vinegar and Baking Soda

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

Materials

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

Directions:

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

Method #7: 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.

Materials

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

Directions:

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

Benefits of Making Your Own Homemade Window Cleaner

Making your own homemade window cleaner can help cut costs on cleaning supplies and eliminate interactions with toxic fumes and chemicals found in store-bought window cleaners. Additionally, homemade window cleaners are versatile and can be used on other glass surfaces, such as mirrors, shower doors, or photo frames.

Making your own homemade window cleaner saves you money. It’s incredibly cost-effective. Brand-name window cleaners usually run around three dollars. Homemade versions cost only pennies, aside from the initial investment in a spray bottle.

Beyond saving money, creating your own cleaner is environmentally friendly. By cutting down on plastic waste from store-bought cleaners, you reduce landfill overflow. For example, U.S. landfills are already overwhelmed with two million tons of discarded water bottles. Switching to glass bottles for your homemade cleaner can make a difference.

Additionally, using homemade window cleaners reduces the number of chemicals you release into the air. Harsh chemicals affect the environment and damage your health. Making your own cleaning solution also gives you control over the volume you need. It lets you create large or small batches, depending on your cleaning needs.

Final Thoughts

Homemade window cleaners are a great choice if you want to keep your windows sparkling while saving money and being kinder to the environment. These DIY solutions help cut down on expenses compared to pricey commercial cleaners, and allow you to avoid harmful chemicals found in store-bought products. Simple ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda, are found in most homes. Using these items, you can whip up effective cleaners that tackle grime, reduce streaks, and add a pleasant scent to your window cleaning solution.

Keeping homemade window cleaner recipes in your arsenal means you can enjoy sparkling, streak-free windows. By making your own solution, you save money and contribute to a healthier environment, while enjoying the crystal clear view.