I hate streaks on my windows and mirrors. It’s so disappointing to go through the effort of cleaning them, only to find out the glass cleaner I used left them looking worse than before. This is what started me on a quest to find the best homemade, streak-free glass cleaner recipe.
I’ve been using DIY cleaners in my house for a couple of years now. I’m just not comfortable inhaling all the mysterious chemicals found in the products you buy in the stores. Plus, store-bought cleaners are expensive. I’d rather make my own and put that money to use elsewhere.
When I set out to find the best recipes for homemade window cleaner I used some criteria:
- The recipe had to be simple.
- It had to use ingredients I already had on hand.
- The DIY window cleaner had to be inexpensive to make.
- It had to dry without streaks, and work as well, or better, than store-bought window cleaners.
I found two recipes that did all of the above, and more. Read on to learn how to make the best, homemade window cleaner, as well as our tips for how to use it to clean your windows and mirrors without streaks.
Homemade Window Cleaner #1
Recipe:
- 1 ½ cups of water
- 1 ½ cups distilled white vinegar
- 1 drop liquid dish soap
- Mix all ingredients well in an empty spray bottle
It seems there’s nothing distilled white vinegar can’t do. If you dilute it, you can use it to clean just about everything. It’s inexpensive, effective, and best of all, it’s something you probably already have in your kitchen. We found that a solution of equal parts water and vinegar worked perfectly for cleaning windows and mirrors and made for a streak-free, sparkling shine.
Homemade Window Cleaner #2
Recipe:
- 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 drop dish soap
- Mix all ingredients well in an empty spray bottle.
Hydrogen peroxide is amazing. You can use for a wide range of tasks, and like vinegar, it’s cheap, effective, and readily available in most households. This hydrogen peroxide is ideal for cleaning windows and mirrors. Not only does it result in a gorgeous, streak-free shine, but it also kills germs and bacteria. This makes homemade window cleaner #2 ideal for cleaning bathroom mirrors.
How To Use Your Homemade Window Cleaner
Method matters when it comes cleaning your mirrors and windows. Even if you use the best window cleaner in the world, your windows can have streaks and spots if you don’t clean them properly. Follow these steps for a streak-free shine, every time.
1. Use A Squeegee And/Or Microfiber Cloth
Don’t use a paper towel or dishcloth to clean your mirrors or windows. They tend to shed and cover the surface with little flecks of lint. Squeegees and microfiber cloths will do the job without leaving any unsightly particles behind to spoil your view.
2. Preclean The Area
Preclean the area before you use your homemade window cleaner by removing dust, spider webs or debris. Otherwise, you’ll just spread them around.
3. Wipe Every Part Of The Window Or Mirror
Spray your homemade window cleaner on the window or mirror, and then use your squeegee or microfiber cloth to make sure you spread it to every area. If you’re using a microfiber cloth, wipe with a circular motion, this will dry and remove streaks as you go.
If you’re using a squeegee, wipe with a downward, vertical motion. If there is still window cleaner left behind, use a microfiber cloth to remove the residue.
Homemade window cleaners are easy to make and effective to use. Your house will thank you!
