A dirty window is easily noticeable, so regular cleaning is essential. The main concern for homeowners is finding the right cleaner, as cleaning windows becomes easier with the right supplies and tools. There are many cleaners available in the market, but they can be made at home using household supplies. Homemade cleaners are easy to make and help save money. This blog covers the detailed process for making a DIY window cleaner using ingredients like vinegar, water, and more.
How to Make a Window Cleaner At Home?
The following is a step-by-step guide to making a window cleaner solution at home.
Step1: Collect All the Necessary Ingredients
Begin by collecting all the following ingredients:
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Distilled white vinegar or lemon juice
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Dish soap
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A fragrant essential oil (optional)
White vinegar is acidic, which helps remove grease and dirt, and makes the solution strong enough to remove sticky debris and streaks.
| Some Tips | If you have been washing your windows with commercial cleaners, the glass is most likely covered in a waxy film. To remove the residue, use regular dish detergent, as it also helps in cleaning the window. |
Step 2: Mix All the Ingredients With the Water
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Fill a spray bottle with ¼ cup white vinegar and ½ teaspoon liquid dish soap.
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Add this mixture to 2 cups of water, then shake the bottle to thoroughly mix all the ingredients. If you don't have white vinegar at home, use lemon juice instead. Lemon juice also has a mild acidity similar to that of distilled white vinegar, which will remove grease and grime.
Step 3: Pour Essential Oil (Optional)
If it's your first time making window cleaner at home, remember that adding essential oil to the solution is not necessary. However, people may dislike the strong vinegar odor.
Hence, add 10 to 15 drops of your favorite oil in the solution of the spray bottle.
How to Make Other Window Cleaners?
The following has two additional cleaners that can also be made easily and quickly at home. Both are safe to use.
1. Vinegar, Water, and Alcohol
To make a quick homemade window cleaner, follow the instructions.
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Combine 1 cup of rubbing alcohol, 1 cup of distilled water, and 1 tablespoon of vinegar into a spray bottle. Shake the bottle gently to mix it well. Remember, when vinegar is mixed with alcohol, the acid in the vinegar and the alcohol solvent work together to remove stubborn grease from windows.
2. Vinegar, Water, Alcohol, and Cornstarch
A water-and-vinegar mixture can remove grease. However, you will need cornstarch to effectively remove dirt from windows. Cornstarch adds a gentle abrasion effect that improves cleaning power. To prepare the mixture, follow these steps:
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Fill a spray bottle with ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol, ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 2 cups of distilled water. Shake the solution thoroughly to mix it well.
| Notes | Label the spray bottle to avoid confusion among different solutions. |
Tips When Using Homemade Window Cleaner
Here are some essential tips for using homemade window cleaner.
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Always use a lint-free cloth. You may use microfiber cloths, but a good old cotton cloth works best.
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Repurpose old hand towels and washcloths into cleaning cloths.
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Clean from top to bottom when cleaning windows.
Safety Precautions When Making Homemade Window Cleaner
Here is a safety precaution tip to keep in mind when making a homemade window cleaner.
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Never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach. When sodium hypochlorite in bleach reacts with acetic acid in vinegar, it releases toxic chlorine gas. This gas can burn skin, lead to shortness of breath, and be dangerous with long-term exposure.
How to Clean a Window With a Homemade Window Cleaner?
Here are step-by-step instructions for cleaning windows with a homemade cleaner:
Step1: Carefully spray a small amount of the solution on each pane of the window. Do not spray directly onto the frames.
Step2: Then, dampen the washcloth with a vinegar-water solution and wipe the windows from top to bottom.
Step3: Let the window dry completely to prevent film buildup. Afterwards, use a microfiber cloth to wipe it to prevent streaks.
How Often Should Windows Be Cleaned?
Windows play a huge role in a home’s exterior curb appeal. Hence, it's important to regularly clean them. You must clean them at least twice a year, once in the fall and again in the spring. However, it’s important to consider factors such as pollution and environmental conditions when determining cleaning frequency.
