Truly the best dang homemade glass cleaner recipe you will try... This homemade window cleaner will make windows and mirrors shiny and streak free using just 4 ingredients!
Homemade Glass Cleaner
Best is such a subjective term, don't you think? And I feel like it's used far too freely these days. Everyone has the "best" recipe for this and the "best" recipe for that... They can't all be the BEST, right?
Prior to sharing this DIY glass cleaner recipe, I've posted exactly two recipes in my 8+ years of blogging that I called the best — this whipped buttercream frosting recipe and this strawberry daiquiri recipe. And judging from the response both of those recipes have received over the years, I was completely justified...
The Best Homemade Window Cleaner Recipe
So when I call this the BEST dang homemade window cleaner, just know that a lot of trial and error has gone into developing this recipe, and I truly feel it's earned that title!
I had a few important criteria in mind when I was developing this homemade glass cleaner recipe:
- Inexpensive — if I'm going to spend the time to make my own homemade household cleaners, I feel like the tradeoff should be some extra cash in my pocket. Which is why I developed this recipe using the cheapest 80-proof vodka I could fin!.
- Simple — the remaining 3 ingredients are distilled water, white vinegar and a few drops of essential oil, meaning this recipe is easy enough that even my kids can mix up a batch. With a rambunctious Weimaraner puppy and five kids, our windows need cleaned frequently, so I wanted everyone in our household to be able to refill the bottle as needed.
- Streak-free — maybe this goes without saying, but a glass cleaner that leaves windows hazy and streaky just isn't worth the time and effort to use. Am I right?!
Above all, it had to pass muster with my husband! He's more than a little attached to that blue stuff we both used growing up. No other glass cleaner recipe I've tried prior to this one was worthy in his eyes.
Is The Essential Oil Required?
In short, yes. Not only does the essential oil help mask the scent of the vinegar, it's the key ingredient that makes this window cleaner recipe truly streak free.
Cornstarch is another way to eliminate streaks. But I've not been totally satisfied with ant of the DIY glass cleaner recipes I've tried. While they did live up to the streak-free promise, they also left a bit of residue behind. And the cornstarch always settled in the bottom of the bottle, requiring a lot of vigorous shaking each time I needed to use it.
The essential oil in this recipe serves the same purpose — breaking the hydrogen bond that causes water molecules to get trapped in the pitted surface of glass, i.e. what causes streaking. You'll still have to shake the bottle frequently, but it provides a more pleasant user experience (less odor and no residue)!
How to Make Homemade Window Cleaner
This homemade glass cleaner is seriously simple to make... Just combine all four ingredients in the quantities listed below in a pretty spray bottle, give it a good shake, and you're ready to go!
BEST Homemade Glass Cleaner
Helpful Equipment
Supplies
- 1 ¼ cups distilled water
- ½ cup 80-proof vodka
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 10 drops essential oil
Instructions
- Using a silicone funnel, pour the distilled water, vodka, and white vinegar into a glass spray bottle.
- Add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil and replace the spray nozzle. Shake well.
- Spray on windows, mirrors, etc. Wipe with a soft microfiber cloth until dry.
Tips & Suggestions
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More Homemade Cleaning Products
If you like this DIY glass cleaner, you might also enjoy these other homemade cleaning products:
- DIY Garbage Disposal Cleaner Tabs
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- No Mess Cooking Spray Hack
Did you make this DIY?
I'd love to see how your glass cleaner turns out... Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!
VINEVIDA says
Kudos to you, Tara, for sharing such a practical and eco-friendly solution. I'm recommending your article to all my friends and family.
Emily Hill says
I've never made homemade glass cleaner but I think I need to give it a try!
Meagen Brosius says
I LOVE this recipe. The smell of store bought glass cleaner gives me a headache! I love my essential oils so finding great recipes like this to put them to use in my house is always a major plus! Doesn't hurt that I have a goofy dog that licks our sliding glass back door. I'm always happy to find ways for him to not encounter so many chemicals as well!
Tara Kuczykowski says
LOL, my Weimaraner does that, too. Crazy pups! Luckily this also does a fantastic job at removing dog slobber and snot... :D
Jessica says
This is so great! Thanks so much for the tips!
Aimee Shugarman says
So easy to make, who knew? Works great too!!
Marjory says
I'm looking forward to trying this! Can you use it on any other surfaces?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Marjory! Yes, you could use it as an all-purpose cleaner, as well. Just don't use it on marble surfaces, because the vinegar can cause etching.
Anna says
I love making my own cleaners! Can't wait to try this!
Bree says
I love these ideas for natural cleaners!
wendy says
Can't wait to try this recipe.....cute spray bottle. May I ask where you might have found it?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Wendy! I picked up the spray bottle (along with the cute white enamel caddy and orange essential oil) from Grove Collaborative.
Poophead says
You don't even need to make it so complicated. Vinegar and water, that's all I use and I never get streaks.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I'm glad that's working well for you! My husband wasn't happy with vinegar and water alone, though. The essential oil helps dilute the scent of the vinegar, and the vodka makes it dry more quickly, so he prefers this recipe. But anyone that wants a bare bones recipe should definitely try your version.