Stop using harsh chemicals to clean your windows, and instead, try my simple, all-natural window and glass cleaner that cleans better and faster than traditional store-bought cleaners!
Over the last 15 years or so, cleaning the windows has notoriously been one of my least favorite chores.
Maybe I disliked it so much because it seemed overwhelming to clean ALL the windows in our house at one time.
Or maybe it was because the weather was never in my favor and always seemed to rain the day after I thoroughly washed all the windows.
Or maybe it was because my children’s sticky fingers and slobbery mouths always tended to gravitate towards the cleanest windows and mirrors in the house!
Whatever the reasoning, it took many years of domestic life to finally came to terms with the fact that cleaning windows really isn’t all that difficult or time-consuming!
Plus, the joy I get from seeing the sun streaming through clean, streak-free windows more than makes up for the few minutes it takes me to clean each window.
Fast-forward a decade and I’ve developed a “system” of sorts to simplify the window cleaning process.
My Window Cleaning System:
Along with spot-cleaning the windows throughout the year, I choose one week every few months (usually 4 times per year) and clean a few windows each day.
- Day 1 = Kitchen and bathroom windows (7)
- Day 2 = Living area windows (6)
- Day 3 = Bedroom windows (6)
- Day 4 = Doors with windows (5)
My “system” is certainly not anything elaborate, but when I spread the cleaning out over a few days, it usually only takes me 20 minutes per day, and that’s very doable for this season of life.
This little routine allows me to enjoy fairly clean windows most of the time without a huge time investment, and without constantly putting off a big cleaning job until “later”.
Win-Win!
In attempts to making cleaning our windows EVEN easier, I use 2 really simple, all-natural window-cleaning products.
Clean Your Windows with Just Water!
My preferred window-cleaning method is this window cleaning cloth + water.
I know, it sounds too simple, but it really does work and I’ve been cleaning my windows this way for over a decade.
It’s so simple that even the smallest kiddos can “help”!
In fact, I have 2 kiddos who really enjoy “helping” me wash windows… especially when they get to use the special cloth! 🥰
DIY All-Natural Window Cleaner!
I’ve always known that vinegar and water made a frugal, all-natural window cleaner, but I personally felt like this combo left my windows and glass a little streaky.
Several years ago, I tested different combinations of pantry staples and I came up with an extremely simple, DIY window and glass cleaner that just so happens to use all-natural ingredients you probably have in the house!
I’ve used this glass cleaning recipe for years and can attest to the fact that it works wonderfully.
I still prefer to just use the window cloths I mentioned above, but if you’re more of a spray-clean type of gal (or if your windows are REALLY grimy), give this recipe a try!
All-Natural Window & Glass Cleaner
Stop using harsh chemicals to clean your windows, and instead, try my simple, all-natural window and glass cleaner that will clean better and faster than traditional store-bought cleaners!
Ingredients
- 2 c. Water
- 1/4 c. White Vinegar
- 1/4 c. Rubbing Alcohol
- 1 Tbsp. Corn Starch
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a small spray bottle
- Shake gently to combine
- Spray mixture on windows, mirrors, or any other glass surface
- Wipe with a soft cloth or paper towel
- Enjoy streak-free windows for pennies!
Notes
You'll want to shake the bottle every time you use this mixture so the cornstarch doesn't settle at the bottom.
You might also want to tape the recipe to the spray bottle so you don't need to look it up when it's time to make more.
That’s it!
My tried and true, overly-tested, simple, inexpensive, homemade, all-natural window and glass cleaner!
Related Reading
Click an image below to read more.
You may also browse ALL my cleaning posts here (there are LOTS of them!)
Do you have any other great window or glass cleaning tips?.
JJ says
I’ve been using your method of water and microfiber cloths. When we were in the process of selling our home, this was especially perfect. Some people cannot stand cleaning smells, so I didn’t have to worry. It left no streaks. I was shocked and happy!
Andrea says
oh yeah — that’s probably one reason I really like this method so much… because I’m one of those people who don’t appreciate strong smells!
So it sounds like you sold your house… that’s exciting!
Julie spady says
I love this window cleaner! Unfortunately many of my windows have done that funky thing where something happened in between the two panes and they never look clean. We have about 15 windows that has happened to and I hate it!
Andrea says
oh yeah, we have 2 windows like that in our garage and it drives me nuts even in the garage! That’s a bummer, I personally don’t know of any ways to “fix” the problem of moisture between the glass. Maybe there’s a YouTube video on it somewhere out in cyber space? 🙂
Tara says
Contact a local home window repair company or two and have them give you bids. For 15 + windows it sounds like you might need new windows but for one or two windows with that “haze” between the panes they can repair it for much less than replacing it.
Verna says
Norwex microfiber window cloths are hands down the best! A little on the pricey side, but well worth it!
Kathy says
I agree. And I use a spray bottle of tap water, thoroughly spray the window, wipe the dirt away with the enviro cloth and then wipe it streak free with the polish cloth. When we lived in an older home on Allen Street, my husband would do the outside windows while I washed the inside. Love no special cleaner/ no smells left behind. I bought my first set of these cloths about 9 years ago and they are still going strong.
Andrea says
my sister loves her Norwex too — I’m glad they work well for you too!! the “right tools” make all the difference!
Jacque says
I’m trying to figure out how to get the salt residue off the outside windows by the beach. Balcony windows 4th floor
Katie says
The finest steel wool you can find. It’s the only thing that’s ever worked for me to get salt or the rusty residue from the irrigation system off.
Andrea says
great tip — thanks Katie!
Sue says
I made and used your recipe for the window cleaner. Very happy with it. But I do not have any corn starch so I skipped that part but still happy with the car windows and mirrors no streaks thank you
Andrea says
yay — glad to hear it worked so well for you even without the corn starch!
Jacque says
Any suggestion on how to clean outside windows on a condo by the beach???
Andrea says
I have no experience with this, but I just Googled it and this is what I found: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/clean-sea-salt-off-windows-93227.html
Debbie says
Hi I have a similar recipe for this window cleaner but I use distilled water instead of tap. Distilled water has no minerals or particles of any type to even reduce the risk of streaks even more.
Andrea says
good idea, thanks for sharing!
Gayle Cardwell says
Coffee filters make good window wipes ,too.
southharrowcarpetcleaners.org.uk says
Thanks for these “recipes”! I usually use vinegar alone for a lot of cleaning and deodorizing ! And I have to agree about vinegar being the best window cleaner!!!
Best regards!
South Harrow Carpet Cleaners Ltd.
Viperguy says
Thanks for the glass cleaning tips. I tried white vinegar/alcohol/water mixture (no cornstarch) and it worked perfectly. Had almost a full bottle of Windex and disposed of it aft
erward.
2014 halloween costume ideas says
Hi there, all is going well here and ofcourse every one is sharing information, that’s actually excellent, keep up writing.
Em says
Use distilled water, if possible, because of the minerals in tap water. That way, you’re sure to get a streak-free shine.
Andrea says
Good tip. Thanks Em!
Viv says
What is the deal with the corn starch? Wouldn’t that leave a cloudy film?
Yvonne says
I found if you heat up the vinegar and mix the corn starch it helps to dissolve it..
Krysta says
Tip: Use newspaper to clean windows & mirrors! Not only does it give a streak-free finish, but you recycling & saving money you’d normally spend on paper towels. About the ink, I know some people worry about it leaving a trace. The only time the ink runs is if it gets soaking wet. Otherwise, I have no problems & I don’t like my newspaper to get too wet, so the window buffs to perfection!
Xhenya says
I keep seeing corn starch in window cleaner recipes. Anyone know why?
Wendy says
Just tried this on the car windows. Work just great. No streaks, and got the bugs and birds afterthoughts too. Never thought of corn starch.
Thank you
Delien says
Hi Andrea & ladies
I really need help, I live in South Africa, and have some glass bricks on some of our outside walls that have water marks on them and the same on my shower doors, and I just can’t get rid of, I would really appreciate some cleaning ideas with this, I am willing to try anything at this stage
Andrea must just say I love your site I go on it at least a couple of times a day
Andrea says
Hi Delien, I just posted your question on my Facebook wall. I’m sure someone will have some suggestions!
Judy says
There is a product called “Nuthin’s Better” that works like magic. “All Natural, no chemicals, dye, or perfume”. Either follow directions, or just do what I do: wet a piece of very fine steel wool, dip into the Nuthin’s, rub on the water marks like you would a dirty pan. Let it dry and then rub off with a soft cloth. If the spots aren’t gone, you didn’t rub long or hard enough. You’ll likely want to clean again like you would any glass, to remove streaks, etc.
I happen to live near the place this stuff is made, so don’t know if it available elsewhere – tho I do see it on Ebay. Shipping might be bad to S Africa! Their US number is 800-688-2887.
G’luck!
Deborah says
At the risk of sounding like a crazed domestic diva and having clean, clear windows is one of my household pet peeves, I have to say this stuff was simply amazing! I have tried numerous store bought products, have tried a few “homemade” recipes to clean windows and this recipe cleaned some very dirty windows virtually streak free. I used some cut up old t-shirts and the results were windows that “let the sun shine in” . I have already sent the recipe on to several family members to try. I was skeptical about using this on glass door fronts and other surfaces in my house (mirrors, glass range top etc). and it worked great there also. Anywhere I have used a bottled glass spray product in the past I sprayed, wiped and it worked great! Thank you!!
Andrea says
Thanks for this testimonial Deborah — glad to know it worked so well for you!
Jessica says
I have found the best and easiest to use natural window cleaner , I was very happy with the results after all the stuff I have tried and was always disappointed in the results until I used Dawn dish washing liquid and very warm water together I had a streak and smear free windows .
Dawn says
Thank you, thank you !!!!!! My daughter turns 5 next week and I am trying to get the house in tip top shape for her party this weekend. After following your blog for the past week I found this recipe!!! I just made this window cleaner. And I LOVE it. I was cleaning the windows and the little one says mommy the windows are whistling. I had to laugh…I don’t thing I have ever had cleaner, streak free, ” whistling” windows 🙂 thank you again!!!
Shari says
I made this today, love,love.LOVE it!!!! My mirrors have never been this streak free before!! THANK YOU!!
AnnaLee says
Scratch that… I just realized that I read it wrong. 🙂
AnnaLee says
So, I have a question… on the recipe, it says 1 1/2 t. corn starch, but on your bottle, it has 1 1/2 T. corn starch. Which is it, a teaspoon (t) or a tablespoon (T)?
Thanks! 🙂
CC MCCART says
I use 1 part white vinegar, 1 part water and 1 part rubbing alcohol. I finish up by using coffee filters to dry the window off, works like a champ.
CHEERS, CC
Laurie says
This worked wonderfully! Thank you!
Jae M says
JUST found this on Pinterest and tried in on some ‘window crayons’ that my 4 yr old did… Worked like a charm!! I will NEVER EVER buy window cleaner again, Thanks!!!!!
Heidi says
I can’t wait to try this recipe! Of I don’t have any newspaper handy I use coffee filters for glass cleaning!
Megan says
Just used this. Was very skeptical because of corn starch HOWEVER, worked like a charm! No streaks or residue left behind. I even used cheap paper towels!
Courtney says
Wow! I just finished cleaning my inside windows and balcony slider and I must say, I AM IMPRESSED!!! 🙂 The slider is soooo clean you could walk through it. I can also say this works better than the Win— that I have been using for years. SO happy to make the switch! Thank you for sharing your amazing “recipe”!!
Linda Spooner says
i plan to try your recipe, but I just wanted to tell you what I have been doing for about a year. I have large pane French doors in both master bedroom and dining room as well as a clear full view storm on the front of the house, so I am always interested in streak free. Someone told me a pro window cleaner used a few drops of dawn in water and put it on with a terry cloth and wiped with a squeegie. i adapted it for use without the squeegie and use another terry cloth. I am amazed what a job it does on the windows….never streaks.
Janet says
I tried this but it left a powdery white residue. I think it might have been the cornstarch. Any thoughts?
Kristen says
How long do the homemade cleaners made with vinegar typically last…is there a shelf-life? I know you mentioned having to shake it, but does it start to lose potency after a while? Thanks!
Andrea says
I honestly don’t think they have a shelf life… Or if they do, it’s really long!
Julie says
Thank you! One question. I know that capital “T” usually refers to tablespoon, but one 1/2 Tablespoon seems like an odd measurement. Is this correct, or should it be teaspoon? Thanks.
Andrea says
yes Julie, it is 1/2 Tablespoon.
I know that’s a weird measurement but I was actually cutting the recipe in half so it would fit in my smaller bottle. You could easily make it in a larger bottle and use a full Tablespoon.
Hope it works well for you too!
Ruthie says
1/2 a tablespoon is just 1 1/2 teaspoons, if that helps.
Andrea says
yup, I know… but it’s pretty hard to find a 1/2 T. measuring spoon… and if people really want to be exact, I thought 1 1/2 t. would be easier!
Allison Hale says
I reused my windex bottle when I started making my own cleaner-one less thing to buy or throw away!
Andrea says
Great idea Allison! I reuse containers too — but I didn’t even have any extra spray-bottles in the house this time 🙂
Wendy says
Thank you for sharing your version of window cleaner… I had tried vinegar mixture before, too, and wasn’t thrilled with it. Then I found Shaklee. I truly love Shaklee’s Basic H2… it’s a concentrate that you mix a drop of with 16 oz of water… literally costs a penny to make a bottle of window cleaner plus it’s completely safe for my littles to use to help me clean. One bottle will make 5200 bottles of window cleaner. Thank you again for sharing your find ~ will file it in my recipe file.
Ashes says
Scrubbing glass windows with wadded up newspaper works wonders too 😉 Gleaming and streak free!
Andrea says
Oh, I forgot to mention the newspaper trick…thanks for the reminder Ashes!
Heather @ Mrs. Southern Bride says
I made the switch back to homemade cleaners, but not for windows…yet. I will be trying this one out as soon as my bottle of Windex is used up! Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer says
Thanks! I tried the vinegar and water and didn’t like it either. Happy to try this b/c I was about to give in and buy more windex. I have all this on hand anyway! yay!
I just found your website a day or two ago and I have learned so much valueable info. Thank YOU!
Andrea says
Thanks Jennifer!
I hope you have good luck with this glass cleaner too — I’m loving it!