DIY Window & Cleaner solutions
🌱 DIY Green Cleaning Guide
By Analisa from Under Your Sink
I know you’re here for an easy-peasy glass cleaner recipe and this one won’t disappoint. I did say there is a time and place for a vinegar spray, and that time has come. But first, lets talk...
Glass comes in all shapes and smudges - from windows and shower screens to splash-backs and tabletops - and not all of them need the same kind of clean. Shower screens often have soap scum and calcium build-up, while windows usually collect dirt and dust.
Before you reach for the vinegar, start with a proper clean using hot, soapy water. A squirt of Castile Soap does wonders here. If you’re up against greasy glass or kitchen windows, you can bump up the cleaning power with a dash of Washing Soda, Borax, or Percarbonate.
Don’t forget to squeegee off the excess water for a streak-free base.
And now for the part that really makes it shine - the rinse. This is where that vinegar spray earns its keep, but it would not be me if I did not deep dive a bit into vinegar and share another option I have (and love)
Option 1: White Vinegar
A simple acidic solution that will neutralise any soap scum, remove streaks and leave the shine you desire. For this you need just one famous ingredient - Vinegar!!
Just fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar and spray it onto your mirrors, windows, or any other glass surface you want to clean, and wipe away with a cloth. No need for dilution - vinegar is already water-based, and the goal here is to eliminate water deposits.
Go for the white vinegar found in the food aisle, typically nestled alongside balsamic. This vinegar, derived from fermented grains, is your best bet for effective and natural cleaning. Avoid the cleaning vinegar labeled with 'do not consume,' as it's often a mixture of 95% water with acetic acid, potentially derived from petroleum.
Option 2: Citric Acid
Citric acid, an equally effective and cheaper alternative to vinegar! Just mix 1 teaspoon of citric acid powder with 500ml of warm water to achieve the same acidic pH as vinegar. You can even prepare this directly in a spray bottle for added convenience!
Resist the urge to combine citric acid with vinegar - it won't alter the pH and will only result in unnecessary waste.