As many of you know, homemade cleaning supplies are often the greenest cleaning supplies. Such is the case with homemade window cleaner solution. Making your own window cleaning solution not only reduces the negative impact of the packaging, shipping, and hazardous chemicals of traditional cleaners, but it also saves you a little cash.
A simple mix of 2-4 common, around-the-house, and most importantly, non-toxic items and a reusable glass spray bottle or recycled plastic spray bottle (try to use something you already have, rather than buying anything new) are all you need for the perfect window cleaning solution.
I’ve gathered together the best recipes I’ve found. Just put all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake it up. Experiment with them until you find a mix you like. If you are like me and find even dish detergent a little less natural than you’d like, I recommend recipes #4 or #8.
Homemade Window Cleaner Recipes
Recipe #1
2 cups water
½ t mild dish detergent
3T vinegar
Recipe #2
2 TBSP cornstarch
1/2 cup household ammonia
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 gallon warm water
Recipe #3
1 cup water
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 cup rubbing alcohol
Recipe #4
1 gallon warm water
1/2 cup white vinegar
Recipe #5
1 gallon water
1/4 cup vinegar
1 tsp dish detergent (liquid)
Recipe #6
1 gallon water
2 TBS lemon juice
1/4 cup vinegar
squirt liquid dish detergent
Recipe #7
4-5 cups water
2 cups rubbing alcohol
1/2 cup ammonia
1 tsp dish detergent (liquid)
Recipe #8
3T Ammonia
1T vinegar
3 cups water
Window Cleaning Tools
Another important aspect of green window cleaning is the tools you use. Believe it or not, windows can, and should, be cleaned without paper towels because paper towels always means unnecessary waste. All you really need to clean your windows is a squeegee and old newspapers or reusable lint-free towels.
Just spray on your homemade cleaner, wipe it off with the squeegee, and clean up the excess spots with newspaper or towels. It’s that simple.
I know it is not a big step towards saving the environment, but it is a little thing to lessen your impact.
Hey, thanks for the great recipes. I am on a mission to find the best homemade window cleaner. there are so many great recipes already, but I want a super one!
My opinion, old recycled newspaper is the cats meow when it comes to window cleaning. I used to use paper towels like the rest of the world, but then I found out that newspaper doesn’t cause streaks as easy.
Steve K´s last blog ..Homemade Household Cleaners
@Steve K. – Thanks, and I have to agree with you. I consider that newspaper is the best. I use it with water, or with water mixed with a small amount of white vinegar. Even red vinegar works in a pinch but it leaves a more lingering smell, which white vinegar doesn’t.