These DIY window cleaners use only 2 ingredients and will leave a steak-free shine

Publish date: 2024-07-30

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Homemade window cleaners can be made with rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or dish soap.
The solutions can be used on both interior or exterior windows.
Squeegees give a streak-free finish, but lint-free cloths can also be used to wipe windows.

Having sunshine streaming through crystal-clear windows can leave your home feeling warm, bright, and clean.

While commercial window cleaners promise streak-free shine, making a homemade window cleaner is cost-effective, convenient, and safe. Plus, it will give you the same sparkling results, says Ken Fisk, director of technical services of Window Genie.

In addition, regular cleaning is about more than just looks. "Cleaning your windows regularly will help prolong the life of your windows," Fisk says. A regular scrub removes debris and minerals that could damage your windows and build up around the edges, making them difficult to open and close.

No matter how dirty your windows get, there are simple homemade window cleaner recipes that can transform them.

Quick Tip: Clean the exterior of your windows quarterly and do an interior clean in the spring and fall — although you might need to clean inside more often if you have kids or pets that like to leave smudges, says Fisk.

Homemade window cleaner using rubbing alcohol

If you're looking for a quick result without streaks, Fisk recommends a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. As you wash the windows, the rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, preventing water spots. It can also kill germs, including bacteria and some viruses, making this homemade window cleaner a good option for clearing sticky fingerprints left by kids.

To make this cleaner, use a spray bottle. First, label the bottle. Then, combine 1 cup of water with ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol and shake well. When you need it, spray a generous amount on the window and wipe away with a microfiber cloth. Store it as long as you need to, out of reach of children.

Homemade window cleaner using vinegar

All three homemade mixtures can be easily combined in a spray bottle and stored for use. Anna Blazhuk/Getty Images

Vinegar isn't just good for cooking and science experiments. It's also an effective and affordable all-purpose cleaning solution that can be used on windows. Because vinegar is acidic, it can cut through dirt and grime that accumulates on windows, and can even kill some germs. Plus, it's convenient, since a vinegar window cleaner can be made ahead of time and stored indefinitely.

To make this cleaner, combine 1 cup of water with ¼ cup of vinegar in a spray bottle. Mix it well. To clean your windows, spray the solution on and wipe away with a microfiber or cotton cloth.

Homemade window cleaner using dish soap

For dirty windows, especially on the exterior, Fisk recommends using soapy water. Dish soap is a degreaser, so this homemade window cleaner "breaks down all the dirt and grime on the windows faster than the other solutions," Fisk says.

To make this recipe, add about four drops of dish soap into 2 cups of warm water. You can make this in a spray bottle, but since it's usually used for bigger projects like washing exterior windows, you may want to mix it up in a washing pail. In that case, make the solution right before you plan to use it and discard it afterward by pouring it down the drain.

When you're ready to clean, dip a microfiber or cotton cloth into the mixture. Wipe the mixture onto the glass, letting it sit for about 30 seconds. Then, rinse your cloth and wipe off the window. Repeat if needed to to remove all the dirt and debris.

What should you use to wipe the window?

Use a microfiber cloth or a squeegee to clean windows. vitranc/Getty Images

Although most people focus on finding the right window cleaning solution, that's only half the challenge. You also want to pay attention to what you use to wipe the windows, says Fisk.

A squeegee can be used with any of these solutions and will give you the most streak-free results. If you're wiping with a squeegee, be sure to clean the blade after each pass by wiping it with a damp microfiber or cotton cloth.

If you don't have a squeegee on hand, use a soft lint-free cloth that is cotton or microfiber. Wash and dry the cloths before you use them to clean your windows, since that will get rid of any lint that might cloud your view. When you're cleaning, keep two cloths on hand — one for wiping and one for buffing out any very dirty spots.

Quick tip: Skip the fabric softener when washing cleaning cloths. "Fabric softener actually repels the water when using the towels to clean the windows," Fisk says.

Insider's takeaway

Cleaning your windows regularly is key to their long-term maintenance. Homemade window cleaners can be whipped up using rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or dish soap. A lint-free microfiber cloth can be used for cleaning, but a squeegee will give you the best results and is a simple way to boost your cleaning power.

Kelly Burch Kelly Burch is a New Hampshire-based freelance journalist writing about finances, health, family, and more. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and Forbes, among others. Follow her on Facebook or Twitter, and or learn more here. Read more Read less

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