How to Clean Windows with Vinegar

If you have tried to clean your windows with plain vinegar and gotten streaks, there is a simple reason and an easy remedy.

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 my 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.)

Read more: Home, Non-Toxic Cleaning, vinegar, windows

By Annie B. Bond

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

Jared W.

7:18AM PDT on Jun 14, 2013

Vinegar can work ok, but I would only recommend it for spot cleaning. If you use it on windows where a lot of sun shines through you will normally notice smears and streaks. The hands down best and fastest way of cleaning windows is with a google old fashion squeegee.

See full article: http://www.howtocleanawindow.net

June 14
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marie S.

5:36PM PDT on Apr 17, 2013

:) thanks for sharing

April 17
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Edvanir L.

10:15AM PDT on Apr 17, 2013

I'm gonna try it!

Aletta K.

5:20PM PDT on Apr 1, 2013

Thanks , going to mix some tomorrow !

April 1
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Slawek B.

9:49AM PST on Feb 21, 2013

Thank you. Great tips for healthier life and clean house :). We have the same approach to strong chemicals used in our households. This is why we are offering green and healthy solutions. Please check our website for cleaning tips and services we are offering. Right now My Cleaning Lady is serving northern NJ. - www.mycleaninglady.us

February 21
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Starlin M.

10:07PM PST on Feb 7, 2013

Thanks a lot for giving home made tips for cleaning window. I hope this will help me from expending money on taking professional window cleaners for home windows. Great post....

February 7
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Barbara P.

12:12PM PST on Dec 30, 2012

I use vinegar for cleaning everything. It is the best all-purpose household cleaner you can find. For tough cooked on stuff on the stovetop, I just spray generously, let sit a bit and then wipe clean. I keep vinegar in a spray bottle under all of my sinks. Safe for kids and pets too!!