Last Updated on May 12, 2023
Window cleaning is a necessary task that most people regularly undertake to maintain a comfortable and clean living space. However, purchasing a commercial window cleaner can be expensive and may contain harsh chemicals that are not environmentally friendly.
A homemade window cleaner made from rubbing alcohol is a cost-effective and safe alternative that can be made using readily available ingredients.
By using distilled water, white vinegar, and high-quality rubbing alcohol in specific quantities, you can prepare a solution that is effective against dust, dirt, and grime, leaving your windows crystal clear. The best part of making your cleaner is knowing it is free of harmful chemicals.
This article will provide a detailed recipe for making a homemade window cleaner with rubbing alcohol and outline the benefits of using this natural and eco-friendly alternative.
The Homemade Window Cleaner Recipe with Rubbing Alcohol
A homemade window cleaner recipe with rubbing alcohol is a simple solution that uses just three ingredients and can be prepared in minutes. With this recipe, you will have sparkling clean windows without spending a lot of time or money.
Gathering the Ingredients
The initial step in the process involves gathering the necessary components: distilled water, white vinegar, and a specific quantity of rubbing alcohol.
These ingredients can easily be sourced from any local grocery store or supermarket. However, for those who may be finding alternatives or shortcuts, there are budget-friendly options, such as purchasing in bulk or opting for generic brands.
When selecting white vinegar, it is important to ensure that it is distilled vinegar to avoid any potential chemical reactions with the other ingredients.
The rubbing alcohol should also be of high quality to guarantee effectiveness in cleaning the windows. Additionally, distilled water is recommended to avoid any minerals or impurities that may leave streaks or residue on the glass surface.
Preparing Your Spray Bottle
Preparing the spray bottle involves combining distilled water, vinegar, and high-quality alcohol in a specific quantity, which can be done easily.
The first step is to add the rubbing alcohol and vinegar to the spray bottle.
Then, fill the bottle with distilled water to dilute the solution.
It is important to use distilled water to avoid impurities affecting the cleaning process.
Once all the ingredients are added, shake the bottle gently to mix the solution.
Spray bottles are one of the best and most convenient ways to clean windows.
Choosing the right spray nozzle is important to ensure that the solution is evenly distributed on the glass surface.
Some spray nozzles have adjustable settings, allowing you to change the spray pattern depending on the size and shape of the window.
It is also important to choose a nozzle that has a fine mist, as it will help to avoid streaks and smudges on the glass.
Mixing the Ingredients Together
It’s crucial to combine distilled water, vinegar, and alcohol in specific amounts for an effective glass cleaning solution.
To begin with, measure the ingredients accurately and pour them into a spray bottle.
The most common mixing technique is to add one cup of distilled water, then one cup of white vinegar and one cup of rubbing alcohol.
Secure the lid tightly and shake thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well-mixed.
The solution should be used immediately for best results, as it can settle if left unused for too long.
Ingredient ratios play a significant role in determining the cleaning effectiveness of the solution.
Additionally, it is essential to use vinegar made from grain as it has higher acidity and works better when cleaning glass surfaces.
The Right Way to Use Rubbing Alcohol Window Cleaner
Cleaning windows with rubbing alcohol is effective and safe, but it takes a little preparation to get the desired results. Here’s how to use rubbing alcohol window cleaner so you can have crystal clear windows all year.
Preparing Your Windows for Cleaning
Prior to the application of the cleaning solution, the cleaning technique plays a significant role in achieving a streak-free finish.
Choosing the right tools is also essential to ensure that the cleaning process is done effectively.
To start with, a microfiber cloth or squeegee is recommended to remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the glass.
Homeowners need to ensure that the cloth is clean and free from dust particles before wiping the windows.
This will prevent any scratches from forming on the glass surface.
In addition, it is essential to avoid streaks in the cleaning process.
Homeowners should ensure that they wipe the windows in one direction, either horizontally or vertically, to reduce the formation of streaks.
This is because wiping in a circular motion can create swirl marks on the glass surface, which can be difficult to remove.
Applying the Solution and Wiping Away Grime
Make sure you don’t overspray the solution to avoid streaks and residue. Instead, spray the cleaning solution onto a microfiber cloth or directly onto the window and use a squeegee to wipe away the solution.
When wiping away grime, it is important to use the right cleaning technique to prevent streaks and ensure a clear finish. Start at the top of the window and work your way down, using horizontal strokes to wipe away the solution.
Once you have wiped away the solution, use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the window and remove any remaining streaks. Repeat this process for each window until all windows are clean.
Storing Your Homemade Window Cleaner
Proper storage is essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your homemade window cleaner. To prevent evaporation and contamination, you should store your solution in an airtight container, such as a spray bottle or jar.
Labeling the container with the date of creation and the ingredients used is also advisable, so you can keep track of its shelf life and avoid using expired or rancid solutions.
Container options for storing your homemade window cleaner include plastic or glass bottles, depending on personal preference and availability. Plastic bottles are lightweight, durable, and easy to transport, while glass bottles are more eco-friendly, reusable, and aesthetically pleasing.
However, if glass bottles are a safety risk if dropped, it is important to handle them carefully. Regardless of the container choice, you should avoid exposing your solution to direct sunlight, heat, or moisture, as these conditions can compromise the ingredients’ quality and reduce the solution’s cleaning power.
Advantages of Using Homemade Window Cleaner with Rubbing Alcohol
There are many benefits to this method for cleaning windows, including its no ammonia, improved water spot resistance, and environmental friendliness.
No Ammonia
One of the advantages of using homemade window cleaners with rubbing alcohol is that it is ammonia-free. Ammonia can be potentially harmful, especially in poorly ventilated areas. Opting for a natural alternative like rubbing alcohol can provide an effective and safe cleaning solution.
Reduces Water Spots
In addition to being safer, rubbing alcohol can also reduce water spots on windows. Hard water deposits can be difficult to remove, but rubbing alcohol is a natural solvent that can dissolve mineral buildup. Incorporating rubbing alcohol into a homemade window cleaner can result in a sparkling clean and streak-free finish.
Saves Money
Moreover, using a DIY cleaning solution with rubbing alcohol can save you money. Many store-bought cleaning products can be expensive, and by making your own, you can reduce household expenses.
Rubbing alcohol is a readily available and affordable ingredient found in many homes, making it a great option for cost-effective cleaning.
Environmentally Friendly
Another great thing about homemade window cleaners with rubbing alcohol is that they’re eco-friendly. Many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment and human health.
Making your own cleaning solutions with natural ingredients like rubbing alcohol reduces your carbon footprint and contributes to a healthier planet.
Customizable
Lastly, homemade window cleaner with rubbing alcohol is customizable. You can adjust the strength of your cleaning solution or add scents to make cleaning a more enjoyable experience.
Customizable options also allow you to use ingredients already found in your home, reducing the need for additional products and ultimately saving you money.
While using eco-friendly cleaning solutions can be advantageous, there are some drawbacks to be aware of. Improper mixing of ingredients can result in an ineffective or even harmful cleaning solution.
It is also important to research the potential side effects of natural ingredients before using them for cleaning purposes.
Rubbing Alcohol Window Cleaners: Safety Concerns
Making and using these homemade cleaners requires safety precautions because rubbing alcohol can be highly flammable. Here’s how to make and use homemade window cleaners with rubbing alcohol safely.
Flammability of Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is highly flammable and can easily ignite if exposed to heat, sparks, or flames. This presents a significant fire hazard and requires limitations to be put in place to ensure safe and appropriate usage.
To minimize this risk, it is essential to store rubbing alcohol in a cool, dry area, away from ignition sources such as stoves, heaters, and electrical outlets.
Additionally, it is important to store rubbing alcohol in a well-ventilated area to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapors. Proper handling of rubbing alcohol, avoiding open flames or sparks, and ensuring ventilation are also critical considerations.
Keep the Cleaner Away from Children and Pets
Another safety concern when using rubbing alcohol-based cleaners is the potential harm they can cause if ingested or inhaled. Therefore, keeping these cleaners away from children and pets is important.
If households have young children or pets, alternative ingredients or non-toxic cleaners can be purchased. It is equally important to ensure proper storage of the cleaner in a cool, dry location and away from sources of heat or flames.
Wear Gloves When Using the Cleaner
It’s recommended to wear gloves when using homemade window cleaners with rubbing alcohol to prevent skin irritation. Gloves should also be removed and disposed of appropriately to avoid any cross-contamination or spreading of harmful chemicals.
What happens if you mix bleach with rubbing alcohol?
The combination of bleach and rubbing alcohol produces a toxic chemical reaction that can cause severe harm to one’s eyes, lungs, and liver, making it a dangerous combination that should be avoided at all costs.
When bleach and rubbing alcohol are mixed together, chloroform is produced, which can cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches. In addition, the chemical reaction can create peracetic/peroxyacetic acid, which can be highly corrosive and irritate one’s eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.
Table: Mixing bleach and rubbing alcohol dangers
| Dangers | Symptoms |
| Chloroform production | Dizziness, nausea, headaches |
| Peracetic / Peroxyacetic acid creation | Corrosive, skin and eye irritation, respiratory issues |
It is important to take precautions when using rubbing alcohol to avoid any harmful chemical reactions. Avoid inhaling fumes from rubbing alcohol by using it in a well-ventilated area. It is also important to avoid mixing rubbing alcohol with any other chemicals, especially bleach.
If you need to clean a surface that has been in contact with bleach, it is recommended to rinse the surface with water thoroughly before using rubbing alcohol to clean it.
What is 91% rubbing alcohol used for?
Isopropyl Alcohol, 91% USP grade, is commonly utilized as a disinfectant and cleaning agent for various surfaces, equipment, and medical instruments, as well as a solvent in the production of cosmetics, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals.
Here are some discussion topics about the uses, precautions, and alternatives of 91% rubbing alcohol:
• Uses: Isopropanol is a versatile substance that can be used to clean and disinfect a variety of surfaces, including glass, metal, plastic, and rubber. It is commonly used to disinfect medical equipment, including thermometers, stethoscopes, and blood pressure cuffs. In addition, isopropanol is a common ingredient in hand sanitizers and surface disinfectants.
• Precautions: Despite its many uses, isopropanol can be dangerous if not used properly. It is highly flammable and should be kept away from heat sources and open flames. In addition, it can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems if inhaled. To avoid these risks, using isopropanol in a well-ventilated area and wearing protective gloves and eyewear when handling it is important.
• Alternatives: Several options are available if you are looking for an alternative to isopropanol. One popular alternative is hydrogen peroxide, which is also effective at disinfecting surfaces and killing germs. Another option is vinegar, which can be used to clean and disinfect surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals. However, it is important to note that these alternatives, such as disinfecting medical equipment, may be less effective than isopropanol in certain situations.
Rubbing Alcohol Window Cleaner: An Easy and Effective Homemade Solution
The recipe for homemade window cleaner with rubbing alcohol is a simple and effective solution for cleaning windows without harsh chemicals.
This recipe can be easily made with common household items and provides a streak-free finish to windows and other glass surfaces.
Additionally, using rubbing alcohol as a cleaning agent has several benefits, including its ability to dissolve grease and grime, making it an effective cleaner for the kitchen and bathroom.
While making and using homemade window cleaners with rubbing alcohol, it is important to consider safety concerns, such as proper ventilation and avoiding the mixture of rubbing alcohol with bleach.
However, with proper precautions, this homemade solution can provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to store-bought window cleaners.
So, if you want to achieve a crystal-clear finish on your windows and other glass surfaces, try making your window cleaner with rubbing alcohol for a streak-free shine.