Homemade Window Cleaner: 3 DIY Recipes For Streak-Free Windows

Why Make Your Own Window Cleaner?

We’ve all been there – staring at streaky windows after spending considerable time cleaning them. Store-bought window cleaners often leave residue behind or contain harsh chemicals that can trigger allergies or irritate sensitive skin. When I discovered one member of our household was allergic to ammonia (a common ingredient in commercial glass cleaners), I knew we needed a better solution.

Making your own window cleaner isn’t just about avoiding chemicals – it’s also incredibly cost-effective. With just a few dollars’ worth of ingredients, you can make 2-3 times the amount of cleaner compared to a $4 bottle of Windex! Plus, you can customize it to tackle specific cleaning challenges or add pleasant scents without artificial fragrances.

After testing numerous recipes and combinations, we’ve settled on a simple yet highly effective 2-ingredient homemade window cleaner that delivers streak-free results every time. The best part? You probably already have these ingredients at home!

Ingredients & Supplies Needed

Our basic homemade window cleaner recipe requires just two simple ingredients: water and isopropyl alcohol. However, you can customize and enhance the formula with optional additions depending on your cleaning needs and preferences. Here’s everything you might want to gather:

Basic Ingredients (Required)

• Water (regular tap water works fine, but distilled water prevents mineral deposits)
• 70% Isopropyl alcohol (also called rubbing alcohol)

Optional Ingredients

• White vinegar (great for cutting through stubborn grime)
• Mild dish soap (a drop or two helps with greasy residue)
• Essential oils (for fragrance – citrus oils like lemon or orange work particularly well)
• Cornstarch (surprisingly effective at preventing streaks)

Supplies

• Empty spray bottle (either glass or plastic works fine)
• Funnel (for easy transfer of liquids)
• Measuring cups (for precise measurements)
• Label and marker (important for safety)

The beauty of this DIY solution is its affordability. Most of these ingredients cost no more than $2-$3 each. Our total investment was just $4.50, which makes approximately 2-3 times as much cleaner as a store-bought bottle that costs around $4!

Can I Reuse A Spray Bottle?

Yes, you can definitely repurpose an empty spray bottle, but with some important caveats. If you’re reusing a bottle that previously contained commercial cleaning products, ensure it’s thoroughly rinsed to remove any chemical residue that might react with your homemade solution. For safety, always clearly label your bottle with both the contents and the date it was made.

Glass bottles are ideal since they don’t degrade over time with alcohol-based solutions, but high-quality plastic bottles designed for cleaning products will also work well. Avoid reusing bottles from food products or personal care items to prevent confusion and potential accidents.

Why These Ingredients Work

Many commercial window cleaners contain unnecessary additives like artificial dyes, strong fragrances, and harsh chemicals such as ammonia. These not only pose potential health risks but can actually make cleaning more difficult by leaving behind residue that attracts dust and dirt.

Our simple formula works on scientific principles:

Isopropyl Alcohol

The star ingredient in this formula is isopropyl alcohol, which:

• Evaporates quickly, preventing streaks
• Cuts through grease and oils from fingerprints
• Has natural disinfectant properties
• Doesn’t leave residue behind

Water

Water serves as the carrier for the alcohol and helps dilute it to a safe and effective concentration. Distilled water is ideal because it lacks the minerals that can leave spots on glass surfaces.

Optional Ingredients and Their Benefits

White Vinegar: An excellent degreaser that helps remove stubborn residue. The slight acidity breaks down mineral deposits and soap scum. While some people dislike the smell, it dissipates quickly as it dries.

Dish Soap: Just a tiny amount (literally a drop) can help cut through especially grimy build-up, particularly in kitchens where airborne grease can accumulate on windows.

Cornstarch: This might sound strange, but a small amount of cornstarch in your cleaner creates a very mild abrasive effect that helps polish glass to a streak-free shine. It’s particularly helpful for outdoor windows.

Essential Oils: Beyond adding a pleasant scent, certain essential oils like tea tree or lemon have natural antibacterial properties. They’re also helpful for masking the smell of vinegar if you choose to include it.

Window Cleaner Recipes

Basic 2-Ingredient Recipe

This is our go-to formula for everyday window and glass cleaning:

• 1 part 70% isopropyl alcohol
• 1 part water (distilled preferred)

For a standard 16oz spray bottle, this would be:

• 1 cup (8oz) isopropyl alcohol
• 1 cup (8oz) water

Simply combine the ingredients using a funnel, shake well, and your cleaner is ready to use! Be sure to label your bottle as “Glass Cleaner” and include the date you made it.

Enhanced Recipe for Tough Jobs

When dealing with particularly dirty windows or stubborn streaks, this enhanced formula works wonders:

• 1 cup isopropyl alcohol
• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1-2 drops mild dish soap

Streak-Fighting Cornstarch Formula

For exterior windows that are exposed to environmental elements:

• 1 cup isopropyl alcohol
• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Mix the cornstarch with a small amount of warm water first to dissolve it before adding the other ingredients. Shake well before each use as the cornstarch may settle.

How to Use Your Homemade Window Cleaner

The right technique is just as important as the cleaner itself when it comes to achieving streak-free windows. Here’s how to get professional-quality results:

Step 1: Preparation

Always start with the right tools. Microfiber cloths are ideal for cleaning glass without leaving lint or streaks. If you don’t have microfiber, surprisingly, crumpled newspaper works exceptionally well and can be composted afterward. Avoid paper towels as they tend to leave lint and streaks.

Step 2: Timing Matters

Clean windows on a cloudy day or when the windows are in shade. Direct sunlight causes the cleaner to dry too quickly, which leads to streaking.

Step 3: Dusting First

Before applying any liquid cleaner, dust the window frame and glass with a dry microfiber cloth or duster to remove loose particles that could scratch the glass during cleaning.

Step 4: Application Technique

Spray the cleaner generously but not excessively on the glass. Some people prefer to spray directly onto their cloth to prevent drips, especially for indoor windows. Work in sections for larger windows.

Step 5: Wiping Pattern

The wiping pattern makes a difference! Wipe in one direction (horizontally) on one side of the window and in the opposite direction (vertically) on the other side. This makes it easier to identify which side streaks are on if they appear.

For best results, use overlapping strokes and change to a clean portion of your cloth frequently. Remember that less pressure is better – let the alcohol do the work!

Benefits of Homemade Window Cleaner

Cost Savings

A 26-ounce bottle of commercial window cleaner typically costs around $4. Our homemade solution costs approximately $1.50-$2.00 for the same amount. For a family that uses 6-8 bottles annually, that’s a savings of $16-$20 per year – not enormous, but it adds up over time!

Health Benefits

Commercial cleaners often contain chemicals like ammonia, which can trigger respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and skin irritation. Our simple formula eliminates these concerns, making it ideal for households with children, pets, or individuals with sensitivities.

Environmental Impact

By making your own cleaner, you reduce plastic waste from disposable bottles. Additionally, the simple, biodegradable ingredients have minimal environmental impact compared to some synthetic chemicals in commercial products.

Customization

Perhaps the greatest benefit is the ability to customize your cleaner. You can adjust the formula based on your specific needs – more alcohol for frigid winter cleaning, added vinegar for mineral deposits, or essential oils for a pleasant scent.

Storage and Shelf Life

Your homemade window cleaner will remain effective for 6-12 months when stored properly. Keep it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, which can degrade the alcohol content.

Always label your bottle with both the contents and the date it was made. If you notice any change in smell or effectiveness, it’s time to make a fresh batch. The alcohol content helps prevent bacterial growth, but it’s still good practice to make only what you can use within a reasonable timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this homemade cleaner safe for tinted windows?

A: Yes, this alcohol-water solution is safe for most tinted windows. However, avoid recipes containing vinegar on tinted windows, as the acidity could potentially damage the tint over time. When in doubt, test on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Q: Can I use this cleaner on other surfaces?

A: Absolutely! This versatile cleaner works wonderfully on mirrors, glass shower doors, glass tabletops, smartphone screens, and eyeglasses. Just be cautious with electronic screens – apply the cleaner to your cloth first rather than directly on the screen.

Q: Why does my cleaner leave streaks sometimes?

A: Streaking typically occurs for one of these reasons: the surface is too dirty and needs a second application, you’re cleaning in direct sunlight causing the solution to dry too quickly, your cloth is leaving lint behind, or there might be residue from previous cleaning products on the glass.

Q: Is this cleaner safe to use around pets and children?

A: While significantly safer than many commercial products, this cleaner still contains alcohol, which is toxic if ingested. Store it out of reach of children and pets, and ensure surfaces are dry before allowing contact.

Q: Can I use a different percentage of isopropyl alcohol?

A: Yes, 91% isopropyl alcohol works well too – you might want to use slightly more water in that case. Avoid alcohols below 70% as they may not clean as effectively.

Making your own window cleaner is one of those simple DIY projects that delivers real benefits. Not only will you save money and reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals, but you’ll also likely achieve better cleaning results. Give this recipe a try, and you might never go back to store-bought window cleaners again!

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee