The Right Way to Clean Windows with Vinegar

Q: I can’t seem to clean windows with vinegar without leaving streaks. Any suggestions? –Pat B., NY

A: Oddly enough, it was the task of cleaning windows that
turned a huge number of well-intentioned, environmentally
friendly consumers away from non-toxic cleaning using the
simple ingredients that can be found in most kitchen cupboards.
Around Earth Day 1990, every newspaper in the country
(or so it seemed), offered tips for cleaning in ways that didn’t
harm the planet, and the recommendation for windows was
almost always to clean them with nothing but vinegar and water.
People by the thousands tried this, and many swore off cleaning
with homemade products for good because the formula left
streaks on their windows. (I wish I had $1 for every time
someone has said to me, “Well, I tried non-toxic cleaning and it
didn’t work. I used vinegar to clean the windows …”)

The problem was that the commercial window cleaner used before the switch to vinegar left a very fine wax residue. The vinegar alone wasn’t enough to remove it, and the result was streaky windows. If instead, everyone had added a dab of liquid dish soap to the vinegar and water, the wax would easily have been removed and the windows would have been cleaned perfectly!

My favorite recipe is to combine 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar, and up to 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent in a spray bottle. That’s all there is to it. (Make sure to label the bottle and keep it out of the reach of children.)

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Paula S.

7:03PM PST on Nov 11, 2011

Thank you for this article! I used vinegar to clean my car windows and it was a nightmare of streakiness. Now I know how to fix that!

send a green star

Cathy N.

3:39PM PST on Nov 11, 2011

~Thanks for the suggestions!~I used used newspapers on my outside windows with the vinegar solution and I have no problems at all!~

Chris R.

6:18AM PDT on Oct 31, 2011

Thanks!~

6:17AM PDT on Oct 31, 2011

pinky S.

1:46PM PDT on Jul 22, 2011

this is great info. I use lint-free cloths along with my Powglass. works wonders.

Anita C.

3:52PM PDT on Jul 15, 2011

Vinegar is really great for cleaning, you can find more tips here:
Small green cleaning recipes (http://onehealthycleaners.com/shownews.asp?id=238)

Use vinegar for Glass Cleaner

Liz H.

2:49PM PDT on Jul 2, 2011

VINEGAR & NEWSPAPER....used together is the best for windows,i learned is when i worked in a fish and chip shop.,it made the glass on the front of the counter sparkle,,,,,

Elisabeth T.

6:48AM PDT on Jun 30, 2011

Thanks for the info...

Samuel T.

4:08PM PDT on Jun 14, 2011

Thanks for the advice on using a detergent to get the initial residue from previous cleansers off the glass.

Matt P.

11:00PM PDT on Jun 10, 2011

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