Martha's 2-Ingredient Window Cleaner Recipe Will Make Your Glass Shine

While commercial glass cleaners promise a streak-free shine, many come with an ingredient list that’s long on chemicals and short on simplicity. That’s where a DIY window cleaner recipe can shine. By opting for a homemade solution, you can get the same (if not better) results while embracing a cleaner, greener approach.

Per doubters out there: If you’re thinking that a natural brew of cabinet staples couldn’t hold a candle to your favorite grocery store find, think again. Our founder would never—never!—be found using an ineffective cleaning solution, and Martha herself uses a window cleaner recipe made of simple household ingredients.

Below, see Martha’s window cleaner recipe, plus why choosing a DIY method is an excellent choice for both your home and the environment.

The Benefits of Making Your Own Window Cleaner Recipe

Commercial glass cleaners, though effective, often come with a laundry list of synthetic chemicals, some of which can be not only tough on streaks and film but also on your health and the environment.  By making your own cleaner, you’ll be significantly reducing your exposure to the harsh chemicals found in many commercial cleaning products. 

Here’s what you can expect when using a window cleaner recipe with zero mystery ingredients and all simple, safe, and effective cleaning agents.

• Increased Sustainability: Most commercial glass cleaners come in plastic bottles, contributing to plastic waste. In contrast, when you make your own cleaner, you can reuse spray bottles and other containers, cutting down on single-use plastic. The ingredients themselves in DIY cleaners are usually also biodegradable and kinder to the environment. 
• You Control What Goes In It: With making your own window cleaner (or any DIY cleaner), you have complete control over the ingredients. There’s no need to worry about hidden chemicals or additives that might be harmful to your family or pets. 
• Budget-Friendly: Commercial glass cleaners can be surprisingly expensive, especially if you use them frequently. Consisting of common household ingredients that boast endless uses, a DIY window cleaner is a cost-effective way to keep things sparkling.
• Great in a Pinch: When you run out of store-bought cleaner and need something to tackle a mess in a pinch, you can quickly throw together an effective solution with ingredients you already have in your pantry.

Martha's DIY Window Cleaner Recipe

Martha’s own go-to window cleaner recipe is perfect for those looking to make their own non-toxic, effective window cleaner. As revealed in a previous blog post, her tried-and-true solution uses just two ingredients.

Materials Needed:

• White vinegar
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Microfiber cloths

"Vinegar safely kills germs and is much more economical than chemical cleaners," Martha explains. "Plus, it’s completely non-toxic and antibacterial."

Instructions:

1. “Choose a time of day when the sun is not shining directly on the windows,” says Martha. “The heat from the sun can cause the cleaning fluid to dry, which will result in streaks or water spots.”
2. Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. For a stronger solution, you can adjust the ratio to suit your needs.
3. Apply the cleaner. “Spray a small amount on each pane, being careful not to spray directly on the frames,” says Martha. 
4. Wipe windows down with a washcloth slightly dampened with the vinegar-water solution.
5. Dry thoroughly and then buff with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks. “Always wipe the windows completely dry to avoid any more film from accumulating,” says Martha. 

As Martha notes, vinegar is naturally antibacterial and non-toxic, providing a safe cleaning option for households with children or pets. Harness its quiet power and you can create a budget-friendly cleaner that performs on par with (if not superior to) many store-bought alternatives.

How Often to Clean Your Windows

"Windows should be dusted and washed regularly to keep them sparkling clean," says Martha. While you should consider factors like a pollen or pollution-heavy environment to determine cleaning frequency, typically, the exteriors of windows should be cleaned at least twice a year—think fall and spring cleaning.

Be sure to give the interiors of your windows some love weekly or biweekly, too.