Making your own glass cleaner is even easier than buying one of the traditional, often chemical-laden products at the store because chances are you have the ingredients at home already. Why make your own? Aren’t we all trying to save money, avoid products with harsh chemicals and reduce waste? You can accomplish all three of these objectives at once if you make your own cleaning products. One must when you do this is to use a new spray bottle (you can find them at your local Dollar type store) because if you reuse a bottle that had a purchased cleaner in it, the chemical residue remains and can cause smearing.
Here are some ”recipes” for glass cleaner - post any other versions you have tried in the Comments section. Happy cleaning!
Recipe #1:
Combine 1 cup white vinegar (hello old friend) and 1 cup water in clean spray bottle. Shake and use as you would traditional glass cleaner.
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Recipe #2:
Combine 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 liter water and a cap of lemon juice (strain first if there is pulp). Shake and use as you would traditional glass cleaner.
Recipe #3:
Club soda. That’s it! Club soda is really water and baking soda - try it and let us know what you think!
10.07.09 @ 9:21 am
I have used the vinegar and water solution for years. It really cleans great. I am surprised that so many people use harsh chemicals when they have these items in the pantry.
10.08.09 @ 9:48 am
i have used this too i was always making my own things i even use to make my own baby wipes it saved me alote of money have a blessed day..
10.08.09 @ 6:41 pm
I have used white vinegar and water myself. I’m gonna try the one with vinegar, lemon, and alcohol and see how that works. I am really curious how did you make your own baby wipes.
10.08.09 @ 7:57 pm
You may want to try this some time. Vinegar will also help in another way or it did for me. If you have to paint anything that is metal just clean the metal first with warm water and then put Vinegar on the metal and let it dry, which doesn’t take long at all for it to dry then you are ready to paint. I painted my metal roof on my house after using vinegar and the paint stayed on for many years. I have a new roof on my home now but I used the vinegar on my big out building that I painted at the same time that I did my home and the paint is still doing great and that was 15 years ago, try it out..May work on other kinds of metal’s or aluminum..
10.08.09 @ 8:25 pm
I have used vinegar and water for my windows. An all purpose cleaner is: 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 tsp. liquid dish soap, 2 cups water in a spray bottle.
But the absolute best is: E-cloth. Only water required. 1 general purpose cloth, and 1 glass/polishing cloth. Dry, they pick up dust like a magnate.
For windows, wet the general purpose cloth with water, wring out, wipe over the windows going across, dry with the dry glass cloth-going up and down.That’s it.
Excellent on mirrors, stainless steel and anything else you need to clean. When they get dirty, throw them in the washer.
For more info go on-line for E-cloth.
I don’t sell these, but I am sold on them.
10.08.09 @ 8:43 pm
Have been using ‘club soda’ for my bathroom mirrors. Works fairly well. If you have any stubborn marks may have to use something stronger.
10.08.09 @ 10:10 pm
How did you make your own baby wipes?
10.08.09 @ 10:26 pm
My family has also used vinegar and water for years with great results. I feel like you get a better clean with less streaks with the vinegar solution. What does the rubbing alcohol do that the vinegar does not do alone? Is this to cut grease and grime on windows? I had not tried the club soda. I will have to investigate a little further.
10.08.09 @ 10:29 pm
My grandma has being using the vinegar and water ever since I can remember, and it works!! you’d never find windex in her house:) To go along with washing your mirrors and windows (and way to dispose of) is to use newspaper instead of paper towels! Much better!!
10.09.09 @ 12:16 am
I use Hydrogen Peroxide and water. About 1/4 cup H P to 2 cups of water. Works great and doesn’t fog up on mirrors.
10.09.09 @ 5:35 am
I’ve also used this for years, I also use crumpled up newspaper instead of paper towel actually helps with streaking
10.09.09 @ 8:39 am
Vinegar and water really works. Your right newspaper really makes the window shine.
10.09.09 @ 10:42 am
Try using coffee filters to dry windows/glass — no streaks nor lint! I’m curious about the baby wipes, too.
10.09.09 @ 11:10 am
I clean houses for extra income. I have used the vinegar solution works great! Also have tried #2 it is great too! The only thing is the smell some people dont like the vinegar smell!!
10.09.09 @ 11:28 am
I just returned to using the vinegar and water myself, since neither my husband or I are working, it is a great money saver. And you can’t beat the newspaper instead of the paper towels. You don’t have the streaking, it sparkles beautifully.I also am interested in the homemade baby wipes, how do you do that?
10.09.09 @ 11:42 am
i want to know how you did the baby wipes quetcy?
10.09.09 @ 11:46 am
how did you make your own baby wipes?
10.09.09 @ 2:01 pm
Love this! I’m going to give it a try. Any recipes for cleaning granite?
10.09.09 @ 2:59 pm
I have used Vinegar and Water for years it’s the
best cleaning solution around I use it on my window’s
mirrors and hardwood floors. I like the way it shine’s on the floor’s.
10.09.09 @ 3:06 pm
can anyone tell me a chemical-free way (but easy way ) to remove wall-paper ?
10.09.09 @ 3:21 pm
I have used vinegar & water for years but I add a little fabric softener. Boy do your windows shine. I live where I get diesel fumes on my windows , this formula cuts it & makes my windows sparkle.
10.09.09 @ 4:22 pm
I have used vinager and water for a long time windows, mirror and just plain old cleaning. If you really think about it the window cleaning solution is mostly that anyway. I use the newspaper as well and I have to agree nice and shiney. You save a ton of money buy doing this. The only time I may try something different is when you buy and item and mail in for a full refund.
10.09.09 @ 6:06 pm
To remove wallpaper-spray wall with fabric softner. Should peel right off.
10.09.09 @ 8:43 pm
to remove wallpaper use a spray bottle filled with liquid fabric softener and water.
10.09.09 @ 9:47 pm
I used 1 part water and white vinegar and clean spray bottle for CLEAN WINDOWS and some old newspaper!! And you will have best clean windows around.
10.10.09 @ 9:04 am
Make Your Own Baby Wipes - To prepare a roll of paper towels to become baby wipes, cut it in half so you have two short rolls and remove the cardboard center. Place a short roll in an airtight, water-proof container (like an old baby wipe box or tupperware container), and pour the solution over the towels. Put the lid back on the box and turn it upside down so the solution is absorbed.
Basic Baby Wipes Recipe
2 1/4 cups water
2 Tbsp baby shampoo
1 Tbsp baby oil
1 roll paper towels, cut in half
10.10.09 @ 8:48 pm
I use cornstarch water to clean my windows. It sounds bizarre, but it really works! Try 1 part cornstarch to 2 parts water. Apply to windows-they will be “milky” at first-keep wiping, and your windows will not only be clean- they will sparkle! And No streaks to boot~!
10.11.09 @ 11:15 am
I just purchased the Rachel Ray Enamel Cast Iron pan. The instructions say to “lightly clean”, using no detergents or scouring pad. Would someone tell me, is dishwater soap considered “detergent”. I know this is a stupid question but I am so proud of my new pan and want to care for it so it will last a lifetime.
10.11.09 @ 11:20 am
The vinegar and water is great for glass. Any hints on a good homemade cleaning solution for the bathroom?? I use bleach for mildew in the shower but I am not really sure how much I can dilute it to make sure it works. Also, I heard Baking soda is great to sprinkle on the carpets if you have pets. Love the hints ladies. Please keep them coming.
10.12.09 @ 10:00 am
I see you don’t rinse the pasta after you cook it.
are you suppose to rinse under warm water?
I always do. Have I been doing it wrong?
10.12.09 @ 10:09 am
The vinegar on metal for painting is called “pickling”. This term might be helpful in doing a google search for finding what other metals the vinegar will work on for painting.
10.12.09 @ 11:55 am
You only rinse paste if you are going to use it cold as in cold salads.
10.12.09 @ 1:03 pm
Okay, this sounds so weird, but stick with me: Diet Coke is the best thing around for cleaning your windshield with! My dad used to detail cars, and he used this method all the time. Starting at the top of the windshield, just pour a can of soda straight on the glass and let it run down. The carbonation is a great soak for dried bugs, and since it is “diet”, there is no sugar in it to leave the glass all sticky. Shiniest windshields EVER!
10.12.09 @ 9:25 pm
Coke does work. I had a smeary windshield on a dark, stormy night and stopped at a gas station. I asked a clerk if they had anything to clean my windshield. She said truckers used Coke. It’s the acid that does the cleaning. For the rest of the trip my windshield was as clear as if it weren’t there. I keep a bottle in my car at all times. But I don’t drink it anymore!
10.13.09 @ 10:03 am
Coke, Diet Coke work great at cleaning the windshield, also the battery terminals on your vehicle. I was stuck in a rain storm in a construction area at night and the glare off the windows was hindering my driving abilities. My husband said to pull off to the nearest convient store. I did, and he came out with a can of coke and poured it on the windshield. I would never have believed how clean the window came if I hadn’t seen it for myself. Its awesome. Try it!
10.13.09 @ 1:47 pm
Who it is great what coke can do, but who wants to drink it now? As for my cleaning I used vinegar and water for windows for a long time, but my husband grew sick of the smell. My mom told me to use Basic H, something she has used forever. It is terrific and earth friendly. I use it to clean everything in my home. Mom was right on this one!
10.15.09 @ 7:34 am
Hi Rachael ray.
How are you?
I love watching your shows.
My wife always teeses me, saying your girifriend is on the air.
Last year is brought me your big rsd cookbook for christmas. I love it.
I recently joned weight watchers.
Iwas wondering if you have any weight watchers recipe”s that I could try.
My dad had a seafood resturant in lower manhattan years ago.
I miss it it was a sea food reaturant.
I hear that you like hot sauce.
I have a great hot sauce that i make.
If you like I can send you a jar.
Anthony Dangelico.
10.15.09 @ 7:35 am
by the way the resturant was called the
Bridge Seafood House.
10.15.09 @ 9:22 am
A solution of equal parts white vinegar and water also works great to clean a dog’s ears!
10.15.09 @ 1:59 pm
Hi,
I have tried all of those tips. They are all great. The only thing I would like to add is use black and white newspapers to wipe off the window. If you use paper towels or rags that have been dried with fabric softener your windows will streak.
Use newspapers on your mirrors also.