Home & Garden Home Homemade Window Cleaner With White Vinegar: Recipe and Instructions By Diane Hoffmaster Diane Hoffmaster Freelance Writer University of New Hampshire Dianne Hoffmaster is a writer and green living expert. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with a minor in Health Management and Policy. Learn about our editorial process Updated September 21, 2021 Share Twitter Pinterest Email Flavia Morlachetti / Getty Images Home & Garden Pest Control Natural Cleaning DIY Family Green Living Thrift & Minimalism Sustainable Eating Overview Total Time: 10 minutes Yield: 2.5 cups Skill Level: Beginner Estimated Cost: $5 These days, harsh chemical cleaners are so passé. A natural, eco-friendly cleaner exists for almost everything under the sun, and your windows are no exception. You can clean windows with vinegar for a streak-free shine using natural ingredients. All you need is vinegar, warm water, your favorite liquid dish soap, and the essential oil of your choice for scent. What You'll Need Tools/Equipment Spray bottle Measuring cup Measuring spoons Reusable cloth or newspaper Ingredients 1/4 cup of white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon of liquid castile soap A few drops of essential oils 2 cups of warm water Instructions Helin Loik-Tomson / Getty Images Mix Ingredients In the spray bottle, combine white vinegar and liquid castile soap. Swirl gently to combine. Pour the warm water into the solution and shake vigorously to combine. You do not have to heat the water for this window washing solution. As long as it is warm from the tap, the other ingredients will easily dissolve in it. Add Essential Oils While vinegar is an amazing natural cleaner, it doesn't have the most appealing smell. Add a fresh scent using essential oils. Lemon and lavender essential oils are good choices because they will leave your home smelling fresh and clean, but the choice is yours. Add anywhere from 5 to 15 drops of essential oil into the spray bottle. Screw on the spray bottle top and shake gently. Be sure to label the bottle and list the solution's ingredients. Clean Your Windows Commercial window cleaners often leave an invisible film on mirrors and windows. The combination of vinegar and castile soap in this homemade window cleaner recipe will cut through the film and leave no residue behind. The best way to clean windows naturally is to use reusable cloths or old newspapers with your homemade window cleaner. Variations If you don't have vinegar on hand or don't care for the smell, make homemade window cleaner with lemon juice instead. Lemon juice has a mild acidity that allows it to cut through the grime on your mirrors just as well as vinegar. For an even stronger lemon scent, add a few drops of lemon essential oil. What to Use Instead of Paper Towels Disposable, single-use products are an unnecessary source of trash in most households. Here are a few options for eco-friendly cloths to clean windows with:Old cotton t-shirts or flannel shirtsDish towels, napkins, and tea towelsPieces of fabric cut from an old sheet or pillowcaseOld newspaper Originally written by Chanie Kirschner Chanie Kirschner Chanie Kirschner is a writer, advice columnist, and educator who has covered topics ranging from parenting to fashion to sustainability. Learn about our editorial process Originally written by Chanie Kirschner Chanie Kirschner Chanie Kirschner is a writer, advice columnist, and educator who has covered topics ranging from parenting to fashion to sustainability. Learn about our editorial process