The Simple DIY Solution That Will Get Your Windows And Mirrors Sparkling Clean

Cleaning windows and mirrors can be an absolute pain. They can start to look dirty quickly, and many products leave streaks or spots that make the glass look just as bad as it did before you started trying to polish. Plus, these cleaning products can be expensive and might have fragrances, dyes, or other ingredients that can cause allergic reactions. Luckily, if you want to avoid the price and potential harm of store-bought glass cleaners, you can make a DIY version that effectively cleans glass and can be adjusted to clean other surfaces as well.

To make this solution, all you need is citric acid, hot water, and a clean spray bottle or bucket made of plastic or glass. To make the simplest version of this solution, add 2 tablespoons of citric acid to 1 cup of hot water and mix until it dissolves, adjusting the recipe to make more or less by keeping the ratio the same. You can mix by shaking the two ingredients in a spray bottle, or you can transfer the solution to a bottle after mixing; leaving the solution in a bucket and using a rag is also acceptable. Hot water makes citric acid crystals dissolve faster, but you can use lukewarm water if necessary. You may also want to use softened water rather than hard water for this solution.

At this point, you are probably wondering how cleaning with citric acid works. Citric acid acts as a mild acid and breaks down mineral deposits, hard water stains, and more. There are many ways to use citric acid depending on the solution you make and surfaces you plan to clean with it. For this solution, the steps are very simple: All you need to do is spray a small amount of your solution at the top of the mirror or window you wish to clean, then wipe away any impurities using a microfiber cloth. You might also implement some of the best ways to clean your windows for a streak-free finish, such as using a squeegee or cleaning your windows on a cloudy day to reduce product evaporation.

Though the process is simple, you need to take some safety precautions when using citric acid, including wearing chemically resistant gloves and eye protection. This is especially important when you are mixing your solution, as a splash in the eye or on the skin can cause serious irritation; thoroughly rinse your eyes or skin if citric acid contacts it directly. Also, avoid mixing your citric acid or solution with bleach since mixing bleach with acid-based ingredients, including citric acid, can create extremely dangerous gases.

Citric acid can be used throughout your home as a cleaning agent with many simple tweaks you can make to recipes for various uses. You can buy a 1-pound bag of citric acid, such as Milliard citric acid for $12, and use it as an all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, and more. For example, a DIY all-purpose cleaner can be made by combining 1 teaspoon of citric acid, 1 cup of water, and a couple drops of an essential oil if you so choose. Plus, you can store a citric acid solution for months without it losing its cleaning power. Just make sure it is stored in a cool, dry location. Alternatively, you can make smaller batches and store the dry citric acid for next time under the same conditions.

Overall, a DIY glass cleaner made with citric acid is a more affordable alternative to traditional glass cleaners. If you are reusing a spray bottle, you are also reducing waste compared to purchasing new bottles every time you run out. As a natural cleaner, it may even be more eco-friendly than vinegar. If you are ready to ditch store-bought cleaners around your home, then this DIY glass cleaner, or just a container of citric acid in general, is a great place to start.