We started using a homemade window cleaner last year and immediately wished we’d switched sooner. It’s cheaper than store-bought brands and delivers a clearer, streak-free shine. The basic recipe requires just two ingredients, though you can add optional extras if you like. Grab an empty spray bottle and try it—your windows will thank you.
Beyond cost savings, homemade cleaners let you reduce harsh chemicals in your home and tailor the formula to your needs. Even if eco-friendliness isn’t your primary concern, better results and lower cost are convincing reasons to mix your own.
Ingredients & Supplies
Our go-to window cleaner uses only two core ingredients: water and isopropyl alcohol. You can customize the mix with optional household items listed below. Exact measurements follow in the next section.
- Empty spray bottle (glass or plastic)
- Distilled water
- 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
- White vinegar (optional)
- Mild dish soap (optional)
- Essential oils for scent (optional)
- Cornstarch (optional, for extra scrubbing power)
- Funnel and measuring cups
Most of these supplies are inexpensive. For a few dollars you can make several times the amount of cleaner found in a typical store bottle.
Can I Reuse A Spray Bottle?
Repurposing an old spray bottle is tempting, but leftover chemicals can react unpredictably with new mixtures. For example, combining vinegar and bleach produces toxic chlorine gas. To avoid risk, use a new or thoroughly cleaned bottle. If you clean and reuse one, rinse it well with soap and water before adding your homemade cleaner.
Why These Ingredients Work
Commercial glass cleaners often include dyes, scents, and harsh additives like ammonia. Making your own lets you keep only the ingredients that improve cleaning performance without unnecessary extras.
- Distilled water avoids mineral deposits found in tap water, which can leave spots on glass, especially in areas with hard water.
- Isopropyl alcohol dissolves grease and evaporates quickly, minimizing streaks and drying marks.
- White vinegar contains mild acetic acid that helps dissolve grime and mineral buildup without harming glass surfaces.
- Dish soap cuts through oils and stubborn dirt; use sparingly to prevent residue.
- Essential oils add a pleasant scent—use five drops or fewer to avoid streaking from excess oil.
- Cornstarch acts as a mild abrasive for tougher exterior grime but must be rinsed off fully to prevent residue.
How To Mix Your Homemade Window Cleaner
There isn’t a single perfect recipe—try a few to see what works best for your windows. Precise measuring isn’t essential; small adjustments are fine.
- Alcohol-based (fast drying, streak-free): 1 cup water + 1 cup rubbing alcohol
- Vinegar-based (good for mineral deposits): 2 cups water + 1/4 cup white vinegar
- Mild, lower odor: 2 cups water + 1/4 cup isopropyl alcohol + 1/4 cup white vinegar
- Grease-cutting boost: Add 1/2 teaspoon or 5–10 drops of mild dish soap to any mix
- Fragrance boost: Add up to 5 drops of essential oil to any mix
- Scrub boost: Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch for extra scrubbing power; rinse thoroughly after cleaning
Combine the ingredients in your spray bottle using a funnel if needed. Shake the bottle before each use and label it “Glass Cleaner.” Store away from heat and out of reach of children.
Window Cleaning Tips
Follow these simple tips to get the best results when cleaning windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces.
Wait For Shade
Avoid cleaning windows in direct sunlight. If glass is hot, the cleaner can dry too quickly and leave streaks. Clean on cloudy days or when windows are cool for a more even, streak-free finish.
Dust First
Wipe away loose dust and dirt with a microfiber cloth or a lint-free rag before spraying. Removing surface debris first prevents you from smearing grime around when you clean with liquid.
Spray, Wait, Wipe
Allow the cleaner to sit for a few seconds so solvents can loosen dirt. This reduces the amount of scrubbing needed and helps avoid streaks.
Wipe In A “Box + S” Pattern
Two wiping motions work well: first trace a box around the window edges to get corners and frame areas, then wipe the center in a continuous “S” motion from top to bottom. This technique thoroughly removes cleaner and prevents drips.
Use The Right Cloth
Avoid paper towels or rough fabrics that leave lint. Microfiber cloths and lint-free rags work best. A small squeegee can also give a professional, streak-free finish. Newspaper can work too, but quality and ink type vary these days, so microfiber is the reliable choice.
More House Cleaning Advice
If you enjoy DIY cleaning solutions, consider expanding your cleaning routine with other targeted projects around the house. Simple, effective techniques and a few multipurpose ingredients can cover many tasks and save money over time.
*This article references common household methods and ingredients. Use caution and common sense when mixing solutions, keep cleaners out of reach of children, and avoid combining incompatible products.