5 Best DIY Window Cleaner Recipes That Actually Work

Why buy window cleaner when you can make a better one at home with stuff you probably already have in your kitchen? Homemade window cleaners are just as effective as the store-bought kind — and a lot cheaper. Plus, no harsh smells or mystery chemicals that call for a hazmat suit.

Even if you’re thinking about home upgrades and checking out window replacement prices, why not enjoy the view while you still have the old windows?

In this how-to guide, we’ll cover the most effective DIY window cleaner recipes that wipe out fingerprints, kitchen grease, and other smudges, making your windows crystal clear and smudge-free. 

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1. Basic Vinegar Window Cleaner

This one’s a total classic — and probably the most popular solution in the window-cleaning world. If you’re browsing for a homemade window cleaner with vinegar that actually works, here’s the right ratio. You’ll need:

• 1 cup white vinegar;
• 1 cup distilled water;
• 1 teaspoon dish soap (optional but helpful for extra grime removal);
• 5-10 drops of essential oil (lemon, lavender, peppermint) if you don’t want your home made window cleaner to smell like a salad.

How to use: Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and gently shake until fully combined. Apply the homemade window cleaner made with vinegar as needed and wipe with a microfiber cloth or even some crumpled newspaper.

2. Streak-Free Alcohol-Based Window Cleaner

Have you ever cleaned windows just to end up with more streaks and smudges? Then try this window cleaner recipe. Not only does it leave your windows smudge-free, but it also dries faster.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol, 70% or higher); 
• 1 cup distilled water; 
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar.

How to use: Mix well in a spray bottle, spray onto glass, and wipe with a microfiber cloth. Alcohol dries quickly, which makes this recipe a go-to choice for everything from bathroom mirrors to triple pane windows. 

3. Ammonia-Free Heavy-Duty Window Cleaner

Got greasy kitchen windows? This heavy-duty blend easily cuts through even the worst of grime.

You’ll need:

• 2 cups warm water; 
• 1/4 cup white vinegar; 
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol; 
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch.

How to use: Shake it well before each use (cornstarch settles), apply generously, and wipe with a lint-free cloth. Although cornstarch may sound like a weird component, it works like a charm and is the best homemade window cleaner when it comes to the prevention of streaking.

4. Lemon Juice Window Cleaner

Fresh smell and no streaks? Sign us up. Not only is the lemon juice a natural grease-cutter, but it also makes the house smell like a citrusy paradise.

You’ll need:

• 1/4 cup lemon juice; 
• 2 cups water; 
• 1 tablespoon dish soap.

How to use: Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle, apply on window glass, and wipe with a microfiber cloth.

5. Soap & Water Simple Window Wash

Sometimes, simple is the best, especially when your windows look like a casualty of a dust storm. This old-school window cleaning solution recipe should be your go-to choice when dealing with outdoor or dirty windows. 

You’ll need:

• 2 cups warm water; 
• 1 teaspoon dish soap (any mild liquid soap).

How to use: Ditch the spray bottle — it’s time for some heavy artillery. Grab a bucket, mix the components, and use a sponge or squeegee to clean the window. Rinse with the hose. This approach is especially great if you’ve noticed water dripping from the top of the window frame and want to clean up the surrounding area.

So, what is the best homemade window cleaning solution? Depends on your situation. If you’re dealing with layers of grime, go for soap and water. Want to minimise streaking? A starch solution might be a good call. But if you want an all-in-one solution, the vinegar-based recipe is hard to beat — there is a reason why it’s the most popular DIY recipe among homeowners. 

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How to Properly Use DIY Window Cleaners

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you along the way so that you don’t hate the process:

• Skip paper towels — they leave lint. Instead, use microfiber cloths or crumpled newspaper.
• Wipe in circles, then finish with long horizontal or vertical strokes.
• Clean on cloudy days — sunlight dries the store-bought or diy window cleaner way too fast and causes streaks.
• Rinse outdoor windows with a hose to get rid of dust before spraying anything.

Substitutes for Commercial Glass Cleaner

If you are fresh out of store-bought glass cleaner and your windows are beckoning you to scrub off the grime, try one of these: 

• Vinegar + Water (1:1) — quick and effective for most glass surfaces.
• Rubbing alcohol + Water (1:1) — dries fast, streak-free shine.
• Lemon juice + Baking soda paste — for stuck-on gunk.
• Cornstarch solution — may sound odd, but it prevents streaking and removes fingerprints.

Perfect when you have no time for fancy mixes and need a quick homemade window cleaner on the fly.

Common Window Cleaning Don’ts 

We’ve all been there, but here’s how to clean your windows better:

• Don’t over-spray  —too much store-bought or homemade window cleaning solution can leave residue and streaks.
• Don’t clean in direct sunlight — causes instant streaks.
• Don’t use paper towels — they leave lint and fibres behind.
• Don’t forget to rinse the outdoor windows — dirt buildup can smear when wiping.

Adjust your cleaning routine with a few tweaks, and you’ll see immediate results.

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When to Use a Store-Bought Cleaner?

Sometimes, even the best homemade window cleaner recipe just can’t cut it. Here’s when to use the heavy-duty stuff:

• Hard water stains and mineral buildup — you’ll need something stronger than a DIY solution.
• Tinted windows — check vinegar-based cleaners for compatibility so they won’t mess up the tint.
• Mold or mildew — better try a commercial mold remover.

Whether you’re midway through a renovation or a seasonal clean-up, crystal-clean windows make any place look better. A DIY cleaner is a solid way to upgrade your cleaning routine and save time and money. Give a try to one of these recipes and enjoy a streak-free view.

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