How to Clean Windows Like a Pro with a Natural DIY Glass Cleaner

Cleaning windows might not be anyone’s favorite household chore, but there’s something so satisfying about seeing the sunshine stream through crystal-clear glass. And the best part is that you don’t need harsh chemicals or pricey professional window cleaning services to get those streak-free results. This easy homemade window cleaner is the perfect natural solution — affordable, effective, and super simple to mix up right in your kitchen.

I’ve been using this recipe for a while now on everything from glass doors to the windows in my kitchen, and it works beautifully. I’ve tested versions with essential oils, but found they sometimes leave streaks, so I’ve kept things minimal and fuss-free. It’s all about letting the vinegar and alcohol do the heavy lifting while keeping things as natural as possible — crunchy living at its finest.

What You’ll Need to Make Your DIY Window Spray

Here’s what I use every time I make a new batch of this cleaner. I prefer to go with glass measuring cups and glass spray bottles for easy cleanup and to avoid any plastic smells or leaching. You can find the exact spray bottle I use here on Amazon.

• ½ cup distilled vinegar (white vinegar is ideal for this)
• ½ cup rubbing alcohol (I usually grab mine from Dollar Tree!)
• Distilled water to fill the rest of the bottle (you can make this at home if you don’t want to buy it)
• A spray bottle (glass preferred)
• Measuring cup

Essential oils are optional, but be aware they may lead to streaks. I tested a version with oils and found my windows didn’t come out quite as clear — so if you don’t mind the vinegar smell when washing windows, skipping them gives the best results.

How to Make and Use Your Natural Window Cleaner

This method couldn’t be easier and takes just a couple of minutes to mix up. Here’s how to do it:

Get a streak-free finish every time with this simple DIY glass cleaner made from vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and distilled water — the perfect natural solution for sparkling clean window glass, glass doors, and other shiny surfaces without harsh chemicals. No more dirty windows! 

That’s it! You’ve got yourself a powerful, natural glass cleaner. Now window washing doesn’t have to be such a daunting task. 

Keeping your glass windows clean doesn’t have to be a big production — in fact, the secret is simply consistency and regular cleaning. Giving your indoor windows a quick clean every couple of weeks can make a huge difference, especially in areas like the kitchen where splashes and fingerprints build up fast. 

For outdoor windows, a deeper clean every season (spring and autumn are great times!) helps stay on top of dust, rain spots, and general grime. When you stick to a regular routine, the job becomes quicker and easier each time, and you’ll be amazed how much brighter your home feels with sparkling glass letting in all that natural light.

A Few Extra Tips for Streak-Free Windows

​To get that spotless, streak-free finish, try to clean your windows on an overcast day if possible. Direct sunlight can cause the spray to dry too quickly, which might leave marks so generally a cloudy day is better than a sunny day for this particular task. Use a clean microfiber cloth, soft cloth, clean rag or even a squeegee if you want to go full professional mode — just be sure whatever you’re using is lint-free.

If you don’t have a squeegee handy, a dry microfiber cloth is your best friend. It’s perfect for drying the glass after spraying and wiping — just make sure it’s completely clean and dry to avoid leaving behind any lint or smudges. Some people like to use paper towels, but I find they can leave streaks and waste more in the long run, so a reusable cloth is the way to go.

For higher windows, safety comes first! A sturdy ladder is essential, don’t try to balance on chairs or anything wobbly (we’ve all been tempted). If you have very tall windows, it’s a good idea to use a spray bottle with an adjustable nozzle and pair it with a long-handled cloth or mop head to reach the top. You can also clean from the inside if your windows tilt in or are removable. Just take your time and don’t rush — a steady hand gives the best shine.

If your windows are particularly dirty (especially the outside ones), give them a quick once-over with a damp cloth to remove dust or grit first. Then go in with your homemade cleaner. For window sills or frames, a slightly soapy water mix might help loosen up grime before you focus on the glass.

There’s something empowering about ditching store-bought cleaners filled with unpronounceable ingredients and making your own simple, effective cleaning products at home. Not only does this glass cleaner work like a charm, but it’s also budget-friendly, safe for little hands to be around, and just feels better to use.

Whether you’re doing some spring cleaning or just want a better view out your kitchen window, this is such a great time to try out this natural cleaning recipe. Let the natural light in — streak-free and chemical-free!

You can also use this homemade solution for other types of glass surfaces, it doesn’t have to be only for your windows. It’s an effective cleaning solution for any kind of glass. 

More Homemade Natural Cleaning Products

If you loved this DIY glass cleaner, you’re going to want to explore even more of our homemade natural cleaning recipes. At Crunchy Family, we’ve got tonnes of tried-and-tested mixes for every room of the house — from scrubbing the kitchen sink to freshening up the bathroom.

We even put together an easy-to-follow eBook packed with our favorite natural cleaning solutions for all your household chores to help you ditch the chemicals and keep your home sparkling the crunchy way!

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• Homemade Non Toxic Bleach Recipe 
• Get Your Free Kids’ Spring Declutter & Tidy Up Challenge Printable

Non Toxic Household Swaps You Need to Start Today

Would you try this spray at home? Let me know how it goes — and if you found this helpful, please share the post so more families can clean naturally and confidently!