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Why You
Should Stop
Using Window Cleaner Immediately
By DEMETRA NIKOLAKAKIS
While it may be easier to just buy window cleaner from the store, there is a cheaper alternative that uses common household items you probably already own. This homemade option may even do a better job of keeping your windows streak-free, as it doesn’t contain ammonia, which can actually cause your windows to become dirtier more quickly, as it leaves behind a film.
The homemade window cleaner combines distilled water with a little bit of dish soap and half a cup of white vinegar — or you can mix the water with three tablespoons of vinegar and a quarter cup of rubbing alcohol. The minerals in unfiltered water can build up and create stains, and while windows can be cleaned with vinegar, baking soda, or toothpaste, it’s best to use filtered water from the start to avoid extra work.
It’s also important to use a clean microfiber cloth or high quality paper towels to wipe your windows, as the particles left on dirty microfibers can scratch the surface, while cheap paper towels can leave behind dust and paper specks. Whatever you decide to use, make sure to wipe any excess, as a vinegar-based solution can leave behind ugly lines once it dries.