How to Clean Glass With Natural Ingredients

Commercial glass cleaners often contain some pretty harsh substances. While they may do a good job of cleaning, these chemicals have the potential to be harmful to humans, pets and the environment. You can avoid using these harsh products and clean glass with natural ingredients that you probably already have in your home. If not, they can be purchased inexpensively at the grocery or discount store. These homemade natural cleaners are much safer and just as effective.

Things You'll Need

• Any or all of the following, depending on which cleaner(s) you use
• Vinegar
• Water
• Lemon juice
• Castile soap
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cornstarch
• Old newspapers

Instructions

1. Use vinegar, either full strength or mixed with water. If you mix it with water, a solution of half vinegar and half water should work very well. Vinegar is both safe and effective, although you need to take care not to get the vinegar in your eyes or it will make them burn.

2. Try a solution of lemon juice and water. One cup of lemon juice added to 4 cups of water will make a wonderful smelling natural cleaner for glass. This solution can be made more effective by adding a small amount of castile soap, but it isn't necessary. You might want to consider adding the soap if your glass is especially dirty.

3. Use plain old rubbing alcohol to clean mirrors and windows. Mix 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol to one quart of water for a very effective glass cleaner. You'll want to be sure the area is well ventilated when using this solution, and keep this mixture out of the reach of children.

4. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with a quart of warm water and 1/4 cup of white vinegar. The cornstarch tends to help reduce streaking. If you use this solution, you'll want to clean when it's shady as the sun can cause the glass to dry too quickly.

5. Use old newspapers to scrub the glass instead of paper towels or cloth rags. Using newspapers will reduce streaking and won't leave lint on the glass.

Tips & Warnings

• All of the solutions given can be applied using a spray bottle, with the possible exception of the mixture containing cornstarch. If this solution is too thick for your spray bottle, apply lightly with a sponge and then buff to a shine with the newspaper.

• Even though most of these cleaners are non-toxic and harmless, it's always a good idea to keep any cleaners where children can't get to them.