Summertime is a perfect time to clean your windows. Do you have a favorite window cleaner? We have a lot of glass in our house and I am very particular about what I use to clean the windows. The last thing I want is a cleaner that will streak the windows! And finding dirty windows was not a problem!
One of the first products I began to make myself was a window cleaner. A good friend shared her recipe years ago and I’ve been using it ever since! With just several basic products you probably already have in your home you can make a window cleaner that really does get your windows clean! In researching various homemade window cleaners I found there are two main recipes; one uses vinegar and the other ammonia. I’ve been using the one with ammonia, I decided to make three and compare.
Window Cleaner #1: This can be made right in your spray bottle. Mix ½ tsp dish detergent, 3 Tbsp vinegar and 2 cups of water. Shake it up and use like any commercial variety.
Window Cleaner #2: This can also be made in your spray bottle. Combine 3 Tbsp ammonia, 1 Tbsp vinegar and 2 cups of water.
My Favorite Window Cleaner #3: This can also be made right in your spray bottle. Combine ½ cup ammonia, ½ cup isopropyl rubbing alcohol and ½ cup water.
What an interesting experiment! I made all three versions and I have to say I still love our favorite mixture. I think the rubbing alcohol helps to dry the window quickly without any streaking. However, that said the other two versions also worked well. It was hard to find three dirty windows exactly the same. So this wasn’t the most scientific experiment! However, I was pleased with the end result. In trying out all the various cleaners I ended up with a lot of clean windows!
The one thing I can say it that it’s a lot cheaper to make your own cleaner than to buy it at the store!
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Nancy on the Home Front 
I need to give your recipes a try….I’ve been using just vinegar and water. I’ll have to try to add some dish soap. thanks for the suggestions.
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Those are all great solutions, but years ago I came up with the best ever. Water and a good microfiber. I was a caretaker for a second home estate with a gazillion windows and the New Jersey homeowner HATED streaks! I purchased 2 packs of microfiber clothes, one colored and one white. With nothing more than a bucket of warm water I’d go from window to window, wring out the colored cloth in the water, wipe the window down in a circular motion, then use the white one to dry it off the opposite way. I used to think I was like the Karate Kid… “wax on. was off”… lol. No chemicals, no paper towel waste. She used to rave over how clean the windows were and would ask me what I used on them. I’d just say…. Shhhhh, ancient chinese secret!
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Earl,
That is the best secret every, going to have to try it!
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I love my squeegee. Any cleaner will do,… but my squeegee is a must! I have even used just water, with my squeegee. 🙂
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Beth,
I have never used a squeegee! I’ll have to try it!
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Squeegee’s are the best! I bought mine in the automotive dept. at our local Walmart….very inexpensive! i am going to try your favorite version of cleaner! I made one a while back and it works well, but doesn’t seem to dry as quick as I would prefer.
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Deborah,
I think having the alcohol helps the mixture to dry quickly!
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I actually prefer simple solutions to cleaning windows.. Dawn is my go to, I have tried various types of cleaning products on the market and I always end up coming back to Dawn. Smells good and works great if you’re a seasoned window cleaner.
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