How to Clean Glass
Without Glass Cleaner

November 5, 2021

natural household cleaners. And some of us may have just run out of window cleaner! No matter what brought you here, we can teach you how to clean glass without glass cleaner using inexpensive and safe household ingredients. Not only will you save money and create a less toxic environment in your home, but you'll also be doing everyone some good by choosing eco-friendly Windex alternatives. If your home is like most of ours, you probably already have the supplies close at hand. To make a safe and effective glass cleaner alternative, all you need is water, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and some microfiber towels. Read on to find out how you can get sparkling clean windows and mirrors without expensive, harsh glass cleaners. If it's been a while since you've cleaned your windows, you may want to invest in a window cleaning service to give you a fresh start.

Safety First

Unless you want to mix up your DIY cleaners each time you need them, you're going to need a safe way to store your homemade solutions. Pro Tips for cleaning product organization and storage:

Use a new spray bottle for your homemade cleaners because both vinegar and alcohol can pick up traces of chemicals left in used bottles.
Label your cleaners with a marker or tape to indicate what's in the bottle for safety and convenience.
Keep your glass cleaner alternatives and other concoctions away from pets and children just like you do with commercial cleaners.
Use dark-colored, glass spray bottles to prevent your DIY cleaning solutions from breaking down prematurely (from sunlight).

Now let's learn how to clean glass without glass cleaner!

Glass Cleaner Alternatives That Really Shine

First, as most of us know, Windex does an excellent job of cleaning windows and mirrors. That's because the main ingredient in the product is ammonia. Ammonia is a strong chemical with just enough abrasive properties to remove dirt and grime without scratching the glass. But ammonia can also irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs. So why not skip the irritation and learn how to clean a mirror without Windex? These safe and effective alternatives work just as well as commercial glass cleaners and even contain some of the same safe ingredients like water and isopropyl alcohol. We'll start with the least expensive and most eco-friendly DIY glass cleaner, good ol’ water, and work our way up to more potent alternatives.

Water and Dish Soap DIY Glass Cleaner

Many commercial glass cleaners use water as a base, and you can too. Instead of using regular tap water, choose distilled water for your homemade cleaners. Tap water can contain minerals and other particles that can stain and scratch windows and mirrors, so distilled water is a cleaner alternative. Here's your first DIY glass cleaning method:

Mix 2 quarts of hot distilled water with a quick squeeze of dish soap in a bucket.
Use a microfiber cloth dipped in your cleaner to wash your window or mirror. (Note: If you're working with outside windows, first rinse them with a hose.)
Wipe down the window frame and sill or your mirror's frame.
Use a fresh microfiber cloth dampened with only distilled water to rinse the glass.
Dry the glass with another microfiber cloth and polish it to a sparkling finish.

Vinegar Glass Cleaner Alternative

Distilled white vinegar is a natural cleaner, disinfectant, and fungicide you can safely use for all kinds of cleaning chores around your home—including glass cleaning. Here's how to mix up your own vinegar glass cleaner at home:

Mix two cups of distilled water with a half cup of distilled white vinegar in a new spray bottle and label it.
Shake up the ingredients and spray your glass cleaner on the window or mirror, wiping it from top to bottom with a dry microfiber cloth.
Wipe down the mirror or window frame once your cloth becomes dampened.
Buff the glass to a sparkling shine using a dry microfiber towel.
Store your homemade cleaner safely once your glass is clean.

If you find the odor of vinegar to be too potent, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a fresher scent. Lemon oil, lavender, and other oils will leave a fresh, clean aroma without diluting the cleaning power of your glass cleaner.

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Rubbing Alcohol Windex Alternative

When you add rubbing alcohol to your Windex alternative, your cleaner will evaporate more quickly to help prevent streaking and spotting. Plus, you'll get a cleaning and disinfecting boost from the extra ingredient—just remember rubbing alcohol is flammable and should be stored safely. (Rubbing alcohol is also a safe cleaning solution for stains and sticky messes.)

Mix one cup distilled water, three tablespoons vinegar, and ¼ cup rubbing alcohol in a new spray bottle and label it.
Shake up your glass cleaning solution and spray it on your glass.
Work from top to bottom and wipe down your window or mirror with a microfiber cloth.
Use your dampened cloth to wipe dust and dirt from the window or mirror frame.
Dry your glass with a dry microfiber cloth to get a brilliant shine.
Store your homemade glass cleaner in a safe place.

For even more glass cleaning tips, check out our other popular blog post, and when you need a helping hand, check out our flexible and affordable house cleaning services. From windows to carpets, we can help get your home back in shape and keep it that way. Get your free quote today and find out what The Maids can do to give you a clean home more often.