Before you head to the store, check out this easy Homemade Glass Cleaner with Vinegar! Not only does this homemade miracle cleaner work like a charm, it will save you SO much money, too!
Then… make your shower glass looking better than ever when you try these genius tips for How to Remove Soap Scum from Shower Doors!
Homemade Glass Cleaner with Vinegar
Searching for the BEST streak free mirror, window, and glass cleaner? You just found it!
Who needs Windex when you’ve got this easy recipe for Homemade Glass Cleaner with Vinegar and Dish Soap??
Rejeanne writes: “I use this all the time in my shower. Shower comes out sparkling with minimal effort! My shower is 13 years old and looks brand new!”
Homemade Cleaners are seriously so easy to make, and such a simple way to save BIG!
Frugal friends Priscilla (who owns her own cleaning company), Gaye, and Amanda shared this Homemade Glass Cleaner with Vinegar recipe with me on The Frugal Girls Facebook page.
So I was excited to put this streak free homemade window and glass cleaner to the test!
Now let me tell you… I’ve been using this Homemade Glass Cleaner for years. I absolutely adore it!
It’s so fast and easy to make and SO frugal.
This simple glass cleaner solution honestly works better than what I’d been using for so many years.
Pretty amazing, right?
I love how this little miracle cleaner works so well and is streak free, too! Are you ready to make some of your own?
Here’s what you’ll do to make your own budget-friendly homemade glass cleaner alternative right at home.
Prepare to be pleasantly surprised…
Related: How to Score Walmart Deals (20 Secret Tips)
Homemade Glass Cleaner Reviews
Here’s what your frugal friends are saying about this DIY Glass and Mirror Cleaner Recipe…
One reader writes: “Clean my glass tables and doors with this and they look amazing!!”
Janice writes: “Make this all the time! Its great”
Joanna writes: “Works amazing! I have big windows and windex wasn’t doing the trick. Kept leaving streaks all over. Tried this one out today and now I’ll never be going back to store cleaner again!”
Kathleen writes: “Best cleaner ever!”
Rebecca writes: “This is such an amazing solution! It works so well.”
Linda writes: “This is the world’s best shower cleaner spray on leave for an hour at least and your shower will shine!”
Lisa writes: “Love it! Windows look amazing!!”
Pat writes: “I made this and it is great for cleaning, especially bathrooms.”
Ann writes: “Love it, my windows sparkle!”
Kathy writes: “I have a spray bottle with this and a brush I keep in my shower!!”
Sheila writes: “This makes my shower shine!”
Amanda writes: “Yes it works!! I made it last night and cleaned my mirrors and windows.”
Michelle writes: “This works great on showers! Really helps cut soap scum!!! I clean houses and it’s definitely a go-to!”
Rejeanne writes: “I use this all the time in my shower. Shower comes out sparkling with minimal effort! My shower is 13 years old and looks brand new!”
Glenda writes: “Works great. What a savings.”
Becki writes: “Try it in your tub! It’s awesome.”
Anj writes: “Does a great job. It is amazing on cleaning my bathtub and shower and no unhealthy fumes is a plus for me!”
Debra writes: “I’ve been using it for 5 years. I absolutely buy no other cleaners for anything!! It is great!!! Saves lots of money and lungs!!!”
Cherry writes: “Also try drying windows with newspaper! Spotless!!”
Brittany: “This works perfect to clean the glass on an electric smoker!”
Colleen writes: “I use it in my grandchildren’s potty-chair after I empty it – a great deodorizer. Just one squirt really helps.”
Is Vinegar and Dawn Good For Cleaning Windows?
Yes they are.
In fact, these two work delightfully together to clean up dirty windows, streak free.
What I love most about this window cleaning solution is how inexpensive it is to make.
It literally costs just pennies to make up a small batch.
Glass Cleaner Supplies Needed
You’ll just need a few inexpensive ingredients to make your own DIY Glass cleaner solution:
- 1/4 cup Distilled White Vinegar
- 1 cup Water
- 3 drops Dawn Dish Soap
- Optional: 4 drops of your favorite Essential Oil (I like to use Orange or Lemon for cleaners.)
- Spray Bottle (glass is best if you’ll be adding in essential oils.)
That’s it. Easy peasy!!
Homemade Glass Cleaner Instructions
Mixing up a batch of this streak free homemade window and glass cleaner is as easy as mix and shake!
1: Combine Water, Vinegar, Dish Soap and optional Essential Oils in an empty spray bottle.
2: Swirl and shake gently to combine, and you’re ready to clean!
3: Use on indoor and outdoor windows, glass shower doors, and mirrors to get them sparkly clean.
Bonus Tip: Wash with Newspapers or Microfiber Rags for lint-free windows and glass!
You’ve just made Homemade Glass Cleaner! How easy was that?!?
I have to admit, I am now completely hooked on homemade glass cleaner!
It leaves the windows streak-free, and cleans those smudgy fingerprints from my little guys. (Who are magnetically attracted to dirt, sand, etc.)
It works so well ~ I love it!!
(I also really love the price!)
More Homemade Cleaning Recipes
On the hunt for more easy Homemade Cleaners and Tips for your home?
The more you make, the more money you can save!
So get inspired with these awesome DIY cleaner ideas below…
How To Remove Hard Water Spots
If you have hard water, then you need to try this easy tip for How to Remove Hard Water Spots!
How to Remove Soap Scum from Shower Doors
Learn how to Remove Soap Scum from Shower Doors with these easy tips!
How to Prevent Water Spots on Shower Doors
I’ve got two simple little tricks that will help you prevent so many of those water spots from appearing in the first place.
Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner Recipe
This is the exact all natural DIY toilet bowl cleaner I use every week, and it works like a charm!
Homemade 409 Recipe
Just a few simple ingredients, and you’re on your way to an effective and thrifty all-purpose cleaner!
Homemade Granite Cleaner Recipe
Save money on that overpriced store-bought granite cleaner when you use this frugal Homemade Granite Cleaner instead!
DIY Foaming Hand Soap Recipe
I love this easy Foaming Handsoap Recipe! It takes just a few seconds to make… seriously, how easy is that?
DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipe
You won’t believe how easy it is to make your own hand sanitizer using this DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipe!
Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent
When you learn how to make Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent, you’ll be on your way to becoming a fantastic frugalista!
DIY Wrinkle Releaser
This easy wrinkle release recipe works great and really saves money. The best part, I never have to run to the store to buy wrinkle releaser.
Homemade Fabric Softener Recipe
This Homemade Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Hair Conditioner Recipe is about as easy as can be! You won’t believe how much money you’ll save!
DIY Homemade Febreze
This DIY Homemade Febreze Recipe is such a cinch to make, and you’ll save SO much $$ with this simple little trick!
50 DIY Homemade Cleaners Recipes That Work! (Surprisingly Easy)
Get ready for some serious savings with these simple DIY Homemade Cleaners Recipes and Tips!
Save Money Fast (20 Easy Ways to Save $2200 this Month!)
Whether you are on a low income or just want to slay that debt quickly, these tips and tricks will jumpstart your savings and cash flow quickly!
So have you ever tried making Homemade Glass Cleaner before?
Leave a comment and share!!
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Oliver Jane says
Using vinegar to clean your windows is one of the greatest methods. It is quite affordable and does the job very well. Additionally, people use market-available window cleaning products and distilled water.
Christie says
I gotta try this because we are looking to switch over to more natural cleaning products. Thanks for sharing this!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Christie! Once we made the switch we never went back…. I love that it’s natural, and so much cheaper, too! 🙂
D says
I don’t use vinegar ( I can’t stand the smell of it) but I do love using rubbing alcohol for almost all of my cleaning. Depending on what I am cleaning, I may add some dish detergent and/or essential oil. The only thing I don’t use it on is wood furniture. I live in the desert, and clean my wood furnishings with a nourishing polish.
Ruth says
Hooray! Your window cleaner solution works!
Ran out of Windex ~~~ will never have to buy it again.
Hint: for grime that’s stuck on, you know those pesty fly specks or a bug that committed suicide and dried after it was a goner. Keep a bath scrubby, one of those net ball thingys that seemed to be so popular a few years ago with all your bottles of cleaner. They’re just the thing, don’t scratch and rinse clean. I have on by my sink also for giving the dishes a quick once over before the dishwasher.
Melissa says
This is fantastic info. Have you ever heard of using cornstarch or arrowroot powder in your window cleaning solution?? I don’t know about using it in this particular recipe, but I’ve heard it works a treat in some homemade window cleaners. Really appreciate the time you put into providing us all with great, easy solutions and am happy to have found your site. Thanks again for the great information!
Lisa says
Help!!! I need a glass cleaning recipe a little stronger than this one. I need one that will clean years of soap scum from glass shower doors.
Heidi says
Hi Lisa ~ here are some simple tips for removing soap scum from shower doors:
https://thefrugalgirls.com/2014/05/how-to-remove-soap-scum-from-shower-doors.html
Hope that helps! 🙂
Lisa says
I’ve tried the “dryer sheet” trick and it did not work for me. I will try the magic eraser to see if that will work. Thanks.
Heidi says
Not a problem… I use the magic erasers regularly on our shower doors and they help a lot. Hope it works for you! 😉
christine sitzman says
yesterday on pinterest I saw a recipe for cleaning windows/mirrors using dawn liquid soap, jet spray and water
and you put it into a spray bottle so you could use everyday
I didn’t get the amounts of each and I know it does not make
a gallon or a half gallon
can anybody tell where I could find it thanks
Rita says
If something calls for Blue Dawn, I highly recommend you use the Blue Dawn. You can get a huge bottle of it for less than $4. I’ve posted it somewhere before, but if you think about it,mechanics have Blue Dawn on hand all the time in their shops because of it’s grease cutting power. I’m going to tweek my recipe for glass cleaner a little after seeing another post on this site. I’ve been using homemade cleaning supplies that I got off this site and love them all so far!!
Phoebe says
Windows plus! I have a white tile kitchen floor 17 x 14 feet. Oh it’s beautiful, but WHITE! I tried every cleaning product and even a steam cleaner and there was always streaks or residue.
I had to be careful of the ingredients in these “store bought” products since we have a cat and I found out the hard way many items may contain ingredients that stick to the cat paws and they lick it off and get very sick or die.
Your water, vinegar, Dawn & water solution is wonderful! No residue, kitty safe, very little scrubbing and it leaves a nice shine.
Thanks!!!
Brittnyh says
This works very well! I also found that using old pillow cases that I cut up work amazingly as a rag. Almost like the mirror is brand new!
Ada Martin says
Have used this for almost 60 years,and use my old newspapers to wipe it off. No lint and no streaks.
Marie says
I have been a housekeeper for 25 years now and I clean windowindows inside and out for clients upon request. Sometimes using 90% rubbing alcohol works, but definitely using 100% cotton old bed sheets or pillow cases from percale type of cotton. It won’t smear as much. Sometimes using an eraser sponge removes resIdue from tree sap or other residues on the windows. Even soap scum may come off easier on glass shower doors with eraser sponges and alcohol make cleaning a lot easier.
GOOD LUCK. Marie Z
Charlene Alvarez says
2 questions:
On the. Vinegar/Dawn detergent recipe. What would the portions to use to make a larger amount–gallon, for example?
Also, on the granite cleaner recipe, is the detergent “dish detergent” or “dishwasher detergent”?
vi says
I’ve been searching for the window cleaner I made years back. Equal parts vinegar, water, and alcohol sounds right except a small squirt of dish soap was added iirc.
Donna says
Do you or don’t you recommend the shaving cream for mirrors and car windows??
Jamye Falk says
I just tried this recipe & it’s amazing. I cleaned my sliding door that was FULL of fingerprints from the kids and scratchy dirt smudges from the dogs. The door is now crystal clear. I tried using a paper towel at first and it seemed to be all soapy, but switched to a wash rag and it was not soapy or streaky at all.
Heidi says
So glad you like it, Jamye! 😉
~ Heidi
Anna Popescu says
I finally got the chance to make the glass cleaner and I have to tell you it ROCKS! No more streaks and it dries so fast! Thank you for all your great tips and cleaning recipes. I can’t wait to try the others.
Blessings,
~Anna
Heidi says
Aww ~ you’re very welcome, Anna! I’m so glad you like it!! 😉
~ Heidi
barbara list says
it works great
Jessie says
Can I use any washing up liquid as I don’t think we get blue dawn in scotland
Roberta says
You can use coffee filters to clean your windows. Got this tip from a donut shop in Texas. She said this is how they clean the windows & glass counters at the restaurant she works at too. Works just like the newspaper.
Paulette says
Like what i read
Daphne says
I just tried your glass cleaner and it worked great! We have dogs (and kids) that get their nose and fingerprints all over our windows. This made them look great and the prints came off easier with this then Windex!
Heidi says
Oh good Daphne ~ I’m so glad you like it! 😉
I just love how well it cleans!
~ Heidi
RaShell Keller says
Love this and can’t wait to try it! I’ve made my own laundry soap, fabric softener and my own dishwasher detergent and had great results with all! Now I’m ready to move on to other homemade cleaning ingredients! Great posting!
Dagmar says
My Dog playes with tennis balls and when they get messy i wash them in a mesh bag and dry them and we have new tennis balls and the dog has fun . Thanks
claudette says
Recently I accidentally discovered a way to keep bathroom mirrors clean. Use old fashioned white foan shaving cream. Spread a thin coating of shaving cream over the mirror and wipe off with clean rag. My mirror doesn’t get steamed up or smeared for weeks.
Shanon Banks says
You can also use shaving cream to keep your car windows from fogging over. You take shaving cream and apply it to the inside of your car windows and then wipe them clean. Shaving cream has many of the same components as defogging products you can buy at the store, only it’s a lot cheaper. I don’t remember where I heard about doing this, but it’s suppose to be great!
Linda says
the shaving cream….is that like the one that comes in the red and white striped can? barbosol and should it be without moisturrizers?
Ruth says
I tried this yesterday and when I showered this morning, it didn’t work…..my 2 mirrors were just as steamed up as if I didn’t do anything. I used Dollar Store moisturizing shave cream…..is that why? and I had to rinse out my cloth several times to continue wiping off the shave cream, which made the cloth damp. any ideas?
Lisa says
Need to ask a car expert if this will affect the windows of a car. I was warned to not use regular window cleaner on vehicles because it disintegrates the chemicals in the glass.
Debbie U says
This is an old recipe, but thanks for the reminder I had forgotten about!
Maureen says
I’m wondering if you can use this recipe on granite surfaces, too?
Holly says
you should NEVER use Vinegar or anything acidic cleaner on a granite surface! because acids will cause etching in the surface, which are tiny lines and fissures. Etching mars the surface of granite. Since vinegar is a strong acid, you want to leave it on the shelf when choosing a cleaner for your granite. It will clean and disinfect the surface, but it can also mar the finish permanently.
use rubbing alcohol, which isn’t acidic and will clean and disinfect granite surfaces, leaving them grime-free and shiny. You can also use a few drops of dish detergent and water. You could even pre-make a custom granite cleaning solution, suggests the website HouseCleaningTips.com: combine 1/4 cup of isopropyl rubbing alcohol, 1 tsp. or so of dish washing detergent, and enough water to fill a quart-sized spray bottle.
Christina Lowe says
I use this cleaner to clean everything but windows. The recipe make 1 gallon.
In a gallon container mix:
16 oz. rubbing alcohol
1/4 cup ammonia
1 tablespoon dish soap(add after the water)
water to fill
It works great, and disinfects.
Deb says
This sounds great if it’s SAFE to mix ammonia and alcohol…you know how we’re cautioned not to mix chemical because of the potential for toxic fumes that can be produced. Any input on this? Thanks!
Margaret Swank says
I forgot to add, make sure the cup or bowl is sitting upright in the bottom rack of your dishwasher. The vinegar mixes with the water, and will neutralize anything that will make dishes look dull. Hope this helps.
Margaret Swank says
We have well water and have to filter out the rust. However, the water still leaves a white film on my glasses after the dishwasher cycle.
My husband googled and got this wonderful tip for making glasses and everything else come out sparkling clean. Take a cup or small bowl, pour 1/4 c white vinegar and let it go through the wash/rinse cycle. Magic happens!!
Lynn EC says
Thanks for that warning.
Janice says
I save a lot of money each year by recycling Christmas cards. At the end of the season I take the cards I received and I cut the cover off to make postcards, assuming that there is no writing on the inside left (back of the picture). Cut them down to 4×6 if they are larger. Simply address them as postcards next year. You save on postage and you save on the cost of the cards! Sometimes I even buy cards at the Dollar Tree and do the same thing. Even though the cards may be new, I’m saving on postage.
Daphne says
I LOVE this idea! I always feel bad for tossing/recycling old cards but half the time they never have anything written inside but the name! What a great idea!
Debbie U says
I also take my favorite old Christmas cards, punch a hole in it and use it over and over each year for gift tags. Slip the ribbon through the punched hole.. If the person lives in your home, its much easier to save them and use year after year. If they don’t live at home, its an idea passed on to them.
DIANE BUESCHER says
We cleaned outside windows this week-end and used the same recipe. We put the concoction in a big flat rubbermaid container, soaked a window washer applicator thing and started washing. This stuff worked great!
Amanda says
White Vinegar is great for cleaning your car’s wiper blades. Just dampen a rag with the vinegar and rub it down the blades.
Shelly says
home made dishwashing soap..
2 cups of Borax
2 cups of Arm &Hammer super Washing soda
MIX together, and put it in a container (i reuse the cardboard box with the spout )
use about 1 1/2 tablespoons per load..
Also use Vinegar as the rinsing aide :o)
June says
You use this in your dishwasher? And where do you put the vinegar…in the spot for jet dry or whatever?
Abby says
I have a SUPER homemadetile grout cleaner recipe! This will make your tile grout look like new!! Combine 1 Tbl Borax, 2 Tbl baking soda and 1 Tbl water to make a paste. Scrub the paste into the tile grout using a toothbrush to remove the dirt. Wipe clean with water. I have a few other cleaning tips my blog http://anaeffort.blogspot.com
Thanks!
Carrie Neuhaus says
Thank you so much for this recipe! I was about to the point of ripping the tile in my bathroom up! I wiil be trying this tomorrw! Thanks!!
jodi says
THANK YOU!!! I’ve been needing glass cleaner & been to cheap to go buy it 🙂
This made my day!!
Kristi says
Can it be any dish soap, or is dawn the only one that it works with? I know Dawn has some unique cleaning features since that’s what they asked for to help clean up the oil spill….
Debbie U says
I worked for a condominium cleaning, and they used Palmolive soap for almost everything. They used it on a green scrubby and scrubbed away, wiped down with wet cloth, and dried with dry cloth. They also squirted some Palmolive, little without the vinegar, in a squirt bottle filled with water. I imagine if it cuts grease, it will work.
Jamaica says
I have a tip on dish soap. When you empty a bottle of Dawn dish soap save the bottle. With a new bottle take and pour about 8 tbsp of soap into the empty bottle and fill it up it water. It will look watered down but it is still effective as the regular strength. This will also work with any other kind of dish soap as long as the bottle says that it is concentrated.
Kasee says
Even cheaper tip for ya…skip the glass cleaner! At the Dollar Tree they have a 2-pack of a microfiber type cloth. I get one wet and use the other dry. Wipe down your windows, mirrors, or any glass surface with the wet, then wipe with the dry. Leaves it streak free!! These rags are washable too!! So you spend $1 and then use them over and over =) If you don’t have Dollar Tree in your area then check out other dollar stores…even if you end up spending just a little more its worth it for the savings of glass cleaner.
Kelly says
I use the same thing. Thought I was the only one. Works great!
Becca says
I have done this for some time. I use a dry microfiber dish towel and a wet dishrag. Wipe the window with the wet dishrag and the wipe dry with the dish towel. I was totally amazed when I first tried it.
sissy says
You can also use these on your swifter. I do this on my hardwood and laminate floors. I keep these seperate from my others for my floors…but yes I wash them and just reuse!
judy says
I just tried this an am amazed how well this works. Thanks so much for this tip.
peg kelly jackson says
My brother gave me a tip for cleaning windows. Take some pepsi or coke, pour over a clean rag,wring out the rag,wipe down the window. spray glass cleaner on the windows and wipe with a paper towel. Window will be streak free. Honestly it does work.He even usus this on his car windows.
Tom Lilleskau says
if you add two teaspoons of finish they will dry streak free. amazing!!
Missy says
Thanks for this tip! I really needed it just a couple of days ago when I was washing my dining room windows. I will be sure to use this recipe next time.
Ruth says
I use just the vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Have it in the car all the time. My granddaughter and friend cleaned my car for me today and came in and got some more, it had to work!!