The “recipe” for this homemade window cleaner works great on mirrors, inside windows, and outside windows. A perfect, streak free shine!
Homemade Window Cleaner
No one likes dirty windows – especially when it is beautiful weather outside! This Homemade Window Cleaner works wonders at getting windows sparkling and clean. I just takes a few minutes to make, and costs less than purchasing window cleaner at the store.
A few tools will help get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Recipe for Hard to Clean Windows
If winter really does a job on my outside windows and I have hard water stains to deal with I use a different formula. For hard to clean outside windows, I use another Homemade Window Cleaner. I add 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol to 2 quarts of HOT water. Use a sponge to apply the cleaner and then a squeegee or dry cotton rag to dry it streak-free. If there are still tough hard water stains, I use undiluted white vinegar and let it sit on the window for a few minutes before wiping it off.
Window Cleaning Tip
A couple of tips for cleaning windows:
- Clean windows early in the morning before they are heated up by the sun. A hot window, or a window in direct sunlight, is next to impossible to clean. No matter how good the window cleaner is, they will streak. This is also something to consider when having your windows professionally cleaned. Make sure you schedule in the morning or evening when the sun isn’t going to be an issue.
- Use the right towel for the job. A microfiber glass cleaning cloth or a lint-free cotton cloth (some call this a surgical cloth) will make the job easier and faster. Avoid the temptation to use paper towels or newspaper. These can scratch windows and leave streaks.
Window cleaning is not everyone’s favorite chore, but having the right cleaner definitely makes the job easier!
How to Make Homemade Window Cleaner
Ingredients
- 1 clean gallon jug an emptied gallon of milk or juice container works great!
- water
- 1 pint rubbing alcohol
- 2 tablespoon ammonia
- 1 teaspoon liquid dish detergent
- 1 drop blue food coloring* optional
Instructions
- Fill gallon jug 3/4 full with water.
- Add alcohol, ammonia, and dish detergent. A funnel is helpful when adding the rubbing alcohol.
- Add 1 drop of blue food coloring. This is optional, but it helps distinguish the window cleaner from a spray bottle filled with water.
- Fill remaining space in the jug with water, leaving about 2 inches from the top empty.
- Replace lid and gently shake the jug to evenly distribute the contents.
- Using a funnel, fill the spray bottle with cleaning solution and clean away!
Equipment
- Spray bottle
L. says
Own my own cleaning buisness so I’ve done my share of cleaning! This window cleaner recipe cleans the windows better than Windex!
Irina says
Made it today. It turned out perfectly. Thanks for all your tips and detailed explanations.
Alison says
Ran out of windex and made this recipe with things I already had at home! Who knew how easy it is to make your own window cleaner! Thanks for the recipe and tips!
Leslie says
I can’t remember the last time I bought window cleaner. Homemade is the way to go! Great recipe!
Rika says
I can’t wait to try this! It looks easy and cheap to make!
Angela says
This turned out perfect! I’ll never buy windex again. Thanks so much for sharing!