Are you looking for a safe, natural way to clean your dirty windows? I’ve got you covered! In this article, I will show you How to Clean Windows Without Windex—so you can have sparklingly clean windows without using harsh chemicals.
We will walk through the basics of cleaning glass surfaces and provide tips on making your DIY glass cleaner. Let’s get started!
Photo: Christen Mar Photography, 2023
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Microfiber Cloth – You can also use Paper Towels, or other Lint-Free Cloth
Window cleaning isn’t always as easy as it seems. And when you’re faced with smudges, smears, or stubborn dirt, reaching for the Windex may seem like the most logical solution. But did you know that you can get sparkling windows without relying on store-bought chemical sprays?
Photo: Christen Mar Photography, 2023
Steps For Cleaning Your Windows With Natural Glass Cleaner:
Gather Your Supplies
One of the quickest and most effective ways to clean your windows without using commercial cleaners is to gather a few natural ingredients like vinegar, distilled water, and dish detergent.
Vinegar is an excellent choice because it quickly breaks down dirt and grime, resists streaks, cuts through grease and oil residues, and can eliminate odors. The smell of vinegar dissipates quickly.
Be sure to use distilled water when cleaning windows to prevent mineral deposits or spots from forming on the glass.
The distilled water will also help your homemade cleanser do its job more effectively by ensuring the cleaning solution slides evenly over the window surfaces instead of clinging or sticking in one spot.
Prepare Your Homemade Glass Cleaner (Part 1 is for deep cleaning, Part 2 is for maintenance)
Part 1: Combine one part dish soap with four parts hot distilled water in a bucket and stir until the soap has dissolved into the mixture completely; then add two parts white vinegar or lemon juice to the mixture.
All ingredients should be fully dissolved before mopping up your window panes with a sponge or squeegee. If you need more suds while scrubbing, add a bit more dish soap until you get the desired effect.
Part 2: Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to 1 1/2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well to combine. This vinegar solution is enough solution to clean 8 medium-sized windows. For larger areas, such as sliding glass doors or large windows, multiply the amounts accordingly.
Photo: Christen Mar Photography, 2023
Add the Solution to the Glass Surface
Part 1: Dip your sponge or lint-free microfiber cloth into the bucket of warm water mixture and wring out excess moisture. Wipe down the window glass or bathroom mirrors, starting from the top and working down, overlapping each pass as you go. Use just enough of your homemade window cleaner on the entire surface so that you don’t spill the DIY solution onto your sills.
Part 2: Lightly mist the window with your cleaning solution, covering the entire surface and then let it sit for 5 minutes to loosen any dirt and grime before wiping it off with a damp microfiber cloth.
Dry the Window With A Microfiber Cloth
Once you’ve wiped away the dirt and grime from your window with the damp cloth and homemade solutions, for best results, use a clean microfiber cloth to buff away any streaks and stains so you will have streak-free windows once done!
You can also use newspaper or coffee filters for this part! Starting at the top of each pane, move downward toward the edge in smooth strokes until all moisture has been removed from the surface.
Do not forget to dry both sides! For a streak-free finish, make sure that you always switch from damp towels (for window wiping) to dry ones (for drying).
Remove Persistent Stains With Baking Soda
If you have any persistent stains on your window that just won’t seem to come off, sprinkle some baking soda onto a wet cloth or sponge and gently rub in circular motions until they disappear.
Once done rinsing off all residue from your washcloth or sponge—and letting it air dry on its own—your window should look as good as new again!
Photo: Christen Mar Photography, 2023
Clean Windows Without Windex
Cleaning windows can be daunting, but if you want to use something other than Windex or other conventional cleaning solutions, you might think it’s impossible.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep your windows sparkling without relying on store-bought products.
I know there are so many options out there when it comes to cleaning supplies—so many brands and types of cleaning solutions it’s enough to make your head spin.
I also know that there are so many things that demand your time and attention as a homemaker that making one more item from scratch can feel unreasonable. As homemakers, we have so many tasks to accomplish in such little time.
Over the years, I have noticed that homemade cleaners are not only economical but actually quicker too. When you have all the ingredients in your home on a regular basis, it is so much faster to throw a few things together than it is to run to the store. Especially if you have children to bring along.
Simplicity and Frugality
Most of my household cleaners require some variation of four ingredients: baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, and castile soap. Knowing that I use these items for many things, I tend to buy them in bulk.
Having the ability to quickly mix up a solution and clean my home without heading to the store saves so much time and money. Two things that can be in short supply sometimes.
Saving time and money, plus having a process for cleaning your windows will bring so much joy to your homemaking. For me, a mindset shift in tasks like cleaning windows is so essential, not only to my mood, but to the mood of the whole house.
Cozy starts with us, the homemakers. If you didn’t grow up in a cozy home, or you just don’t know where to start, stick around. My heart is in supporting other wives, mamas, and homemakers like me who seek a kind and understanding community that wants to help each other bring joy and coziness to their home.
This natural cleaner is easy to make and will leave your windows looking spotless. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and won’t harm the environment or your health. So why not give it a try and see the difference for yourself.
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