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How do I Make Homemade Glass Cleaner?

B. Miller
B. Miller

Even though most grocery stores are filled with products that promise to clean glass, some of the most effective glass cleaners can be made right in your own home. These homemade glass cleaners are effective and better for the environment, and you can reuse the bottles. There are a few options to make homemade glass cleaner.

The simplest and most often cited homemade glass cleaner is a mixture of one part white vinegar to one part water. Vinegar is effective at removing soap scum, grease, hard water, mold and mildew. The acetic acid kills germs and bacteria. It also deodorizes as it cleans, and is non-toxic, leaving no residue. Some also suggest adding a few drops of dish soap to the mixture, which can add a pleasant scent.

A woman cleaning a window with homemade glass cleaner.
A woman cleaning a window with homemade glass cleaner.

A slightly more effective mixture is made of one of one cup (240 ml) of water, one cup (240 ml) of isopropyl rubbing alcohol, and one tablespoon (30 ml) of white vinegar. The rubbing alcohol and vinegar will both evaporate as they clean. This mixture is also effective when cleaning stainless steel or chrome. Do not use these cleaners on floors, however, as they can damage marble and stone.

A bottle of rubbing alcohol, which can be mixed with vinegar to clean glass.
A bottle of rubbing alcohol, which can be mixed with vinegar to clean glass.

Finally, a third option for a homemade glass cleaner is to substitute the one tablespoon (30 ml) of white vinegar in the previous recipe with one tablespoon (30 ml) of household ammonia. This version is also slightly stronger than the version above. Making homemade glass cleaner will save you money at the grocery store while still cleaning your home effectively.

Homemade window cleaner can be made with dish soap.
Homemade window cleaner can be made with dish soap.

If you do make homemade glass cleaner, there are a few safety tips to follow. Purchase a spray bottle to use when cleaning and to store the glass cleaner in, and clearly label it "glass cleaner." Keep the bottle out of reach of children. It might be a good idea to write the ingredients you've used on the bottle in case of an emergency. Rubbing alcohol and ammonia are both poisons.

Remember, never mix bleach with any type of household cleaner. A combination of bleach and ammonia can create a toxic and deadly mixture. Bleach should always be used independently of other cleaners.

Ammonia, when mixed with vinegar, makes a good homemade glass cleaner.
Ammonia, when mixed with vinegar, makes a good homemade glass cleaner.

Making a homemade glass cleaner is a relatively simple process. Mix your ingredients well and use common sense, avoiding contact with the skin or the eyes. Most homemade glass cleaners will last a very long time, so if you want to make a big batch and store it for later, that will work too.

Discussion Comments

babyksay

@BelugaWhale - Borax works wonders, no joke! You can use it for pretty much any type of homemade cleaner. It's most commonly used in paste form and even though baking soda will foam when it meets vinegar, you can still mix with a little water and lemon juice to create a dishwasher detergent or (in paste form) it makes a good polishing agent for sink hardware and stainless steel.

BelugaWhale

Home generated cleaners are often the best type of cleaning agent a person can have. This article gives good insight on what works and what doesn't. Other effective combinations include baking soda and borax in the mix.

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    • A woman cleaning a window with homemade glass cleaner.
      A woman cleaning a window with homemade glass cleaner.
    • A bottle of rubbing alcohol, which can be mixed with vinegar to clean glass.
      By: Gordana Sermek
      A bottle of rubbing alcohol, which can be mixed with vinegar to clean glass.
    • Homemade window cleaner can be made with dish soap.
      By: Kuzmick
      Homemade window cleaner can be made with dish soap.
    • Ammonia, when mixed with vinegar, makes a good homemade glass cleaner.
      By: eugy
      Ammonia, when mixed with vinegar, makes a good homemade glass cleaner.
    • Bleach should always be kept away from ammonia, as the two combined create toxic gases.
      By: design56
      Bleach should always be kept away from ammonia, as the two combined create toxic gases.