Easy DIY Glass Cleaner Recipe
Want sparkling, streak-free windows without a cabinet full of harsh commercial products? This easy DIY glass cleaner recipe uses just three simple ingredients, and you probably already have them at home!
I made a few small tweaks to my original recipe, and honestly, it works even better now. It mixes up in about a minute, it’s budget-friendly, and it leaves my windows and mirrors SO clear. I even use it for a window cleaner too!
If you’re just starting to swap out a few store-bought cleaners, this is a great one to begin with. It’s not 100% “all natural” since rubbing alcohol is in there, but remember, kinda natural is enough!
Today I’m sharing why I love making my own glass cleaner, why each ingredient works, and my updated recipe. If you love this DIY glass cleaner, my Orange Peel and Vinegar Cleaner is another easy favorite.
Benefits of Ingredients
Here’s what each simple ingredient brings to this DIY glass cleaner:
- Distilled white vinegar: It’s slightly acidic, so it helps break down hard water spots, mineral deposits, and soap scum on glass. It also cuts through light grime and film. If you love cleaning with vinegar, try my DIY Rose Vinegar too!
- Rubbing alcohol: It evaporates quickly, and that’s the secret to streak-free windows. It also helps lift oily fingerprints and smudges from mirrors and glass. For heavier grease in the kitchen, grab my DIY Degreaser Spray instead.
- Distilled water: This is the base of the cleaner and dilutes the vinegar and alcohol. Unlike tap water, it doesn’t have minerals that leave spots and streaks behind.
If you’re curious about store-bought natural options too, check out my Branch Basics vs. Thieves comparison.
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DIY Glass Cleaner Recipe
This recipe makes about 2 cups, or 16 ounces:
Ingredients
- 16-ounce spray bottle
- ½ cup distilled white vinegar
- ½ cup rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol)
- Distilled water to fill the bottle (about 1 cup)
- Lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth
Instructions
Pour the distilled white vinegar into a clean 16-ounce spray bottle.
Add the rubbing alcohol.
Fill the remainder of the bottle with distilled water.
Secure the spray top and gently shake to combine.
How to Use Your DIY Glass Cleaner
- Spray directly onto glass, mirrors, or windows.
- Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth.
- For best results, buff with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining streaks.
I much prefer microfiber cloths over paper towels. They don’t leave lint behind, and you can toss them in the wash and use them again and again.
For quick wipe-downs around the house, my DIY Cleaning Wipes are handy too!
Tips for Streak-Free Windows
- Use distilled water. It helps prevent mineral spots and streaking.
- Avoid direct sunlight. The heat makes the cleaner dry too fast, which can leave streaks.
- Work from the top down. This keeps drips from running onto areas you’ve already cleaned.
- Need extra cleaning power? Use 91% rubbing alcohol instead of 70%.
- Keep up with it. A quick wipe-down every few weeks keeps glass sparkling and makes the next clean so much easier.
Safety Notes
- Avoid using this on natural stone surfaces like marble or granite, since vinegar can damage them. Use my DIY Granite Cleaner for those instead!
- Do not mix with bleach or commercial cleaners.
- Rubbing alcohol is flammable, so store your bottle away from heat and open flames, and out of reach of little ones.
Can I Add Essential Oils?
You can, but they’re totally optional. Essential oils may leave slight streaking, so many people prefer to leave them out for the clearest finish. I left them out of this batch!
If you love a fresh scent while you clean, save your essential oils for other cleaners like my DIY Dusting Spray!
DIY Glass Cleaner
Materials
- ½ cup distilled white vinegar
- ½ cup rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol)
- Distilled water to fill the bottle (about 1 cup)
Tools
- 16-ounce spray bottle
- Lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth
Instructions
- Pour the distilled white vinegar into a clean 16-ounce spray bottle.
- Add the rubbing alcohol.
- Fill the remainder of the bottle with distilled water.
- Secure the spray top and gently shake to combine.
Notes
How to Use
- Spray directly onto glass, mirrors, or windows.
- Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth.
- For best results, buff with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining streaks.
Notes
- Distilled water helps prevent mineral spots and streaking.
- Avoid using on natural stone surfaces, such as marble or granite, as vinegar can damage them.
- Do not mix with bleach or commercial cleaners.
- For extra cleaning power, use 91% rubbing alcohol instead of 70%.
- Essential oils are optional but may leave slight streaking, so many people prefer to omit them for the clearest finish.
Want more DIY cleaners recipes? Check out this recipe book!
Final Thoughts
Making your own DIY glass cleaner is such a simple, budget-friendly way to keep your windows and mirrors sparkling!
With just distilled white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and distilled water, you’ll have streak-free glass in minutes.
While you’ve got your spray bottles out, try my DIY Stainless Steel Spray for your appliances or my Easy DIY Shower Cleaner for the bathroom. Let me know if you try it and like it!
