This is an easy, effective homemade glass cleaner with vinegar that delivers streak-free windows and mirrors every time.
Making your own window cleaner is budget-friendly and uses simple, natural ingredients that are safer for your home than many commercial options.
What you need to make non toxic glass cleaner
Ingredients
- White distilled vinegar – A natural, non-toxic cleaner whose acidity breaks down dirt, smears and smudges. It dries without leaving a residue, making it ideal for glass.
- Castile soap – A mild, natural soap that helps cut greasy fingerprints and oily marks on windows and mirrors.
- Vodka – Alcohol evaporates quickly and reduces streaking. Rubbing alcohol can be used as a substitute if needed.
- Distilled water – Use distilled water to avoid introducing minerals or bacteria into your spray bottle.
- Essential oils (optional) – A few drops of lemon, orange, or a blend like thieves add fragrance and some additional cleaning qualities.
I like using homemade thieves blend for its cleaning and germ-fighting properties, but plain citrus oils work well too.
Supplies
- 16 oz spray bottle – Glass bottles are preferable because they don’t leach chemicals the way some plastics can.
How to make non toxic glass cleaner
Combine – In a clean glass spray bottle, add 1/2 cup vodka, 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1 teaspoon castile soap. Add 4–6 drops of essential oil if desired. Top off the bottle with distilled water and shake gently to combine.
Tips for success
To use – Spray the solution onto the glass surface, then wipe away excess and buff with a clean microfiber cloth or lint-free paper towel for a streak-free finish.
To store – Keep the spray in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, it will last for several months.
Variations – Experiment with essential oils for different scents and added properties: lemon, orange, clove, cinnamon or thieves blend are all good options.
Substitutions – Rubbing alcohol works in place of vodka; a mild dish soap can substitute for castile soap in a pinch.
About this homemade glass cleaner recipe
Completely non-toxic
This recipe uses only natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances, making it a safer choice for homes with children and pets.
Easy to make
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle, add water, shake, and it’s ready to use—just a few minutes of prep.
Cost effective
Making this at home costs a fraction of a commercial glass cleaner—often under a dollar for a 16-ounce bottle.
Effective cleaner
This simple solution cleans glass and windows as well as many store-bought products, without the toxic additives.
FAQ about non toxic glass cleaner
What can you clean with this glass cleaner?
This solution works on many surfaces beyond windows:
- Glass cooktops
- Shower doors
- Mirrors
- Glass windows
- Shiny hard surfaces
- Stainless steel
- Tables and countertops with non-porous finishes
Is vinegar good for cleaning?
Yes. White distilled vinegar is an effective, natural cleaner because its acidity helps dissolve grime. It doesn’t leave a film when it dries, which makes it suitable for glass. Note that vinegar is not a strong disinfectant by itself; combining it with disinfecting essential oils like tea tree, clove, cinnamon, lemon or eucalyptus can increase antimicrobial properties.
Can I use this on all types of glass surfaces?
Use this on windows, mirrors and most glass surfaces. Avoid using vinegar-based cleaners on natural stone such as marble or granite, as the acid can damage those materials.
Will it leave streaks?
If ingredients are well mixed and you use a lint-free cloth, the cleaner should not leave streaks. Microfiber cloths provide the best, streak-free results.
Store-bought non-toxic options
If you prefer a premade product, look for reputable natural brands available at retailers; they offer safer alternatives to conventional window cleaners.
More homemade non-toxic cleaner recipes
If you want to replace more store-bought cleaners, try other simple DIY recipes for around-the-house cleaning:
- Thieves multi-purpose cleaner (homemade)
- Homemade hardwood floor cleaner
- DIY laundry stain remover spray
- Homemade toilet bowl cleaner tablets
- DIY leather cleaner
If you try this recipe, come back and share how it worked for you—feedback helps others decide what to try.
Pin these steps to try later. Share your results on social media to show what you made!
Non Toxic Glass Cleaner
16 ounce spray bottle
5 minutes
5 minutes
Non-toxic glass cleaner that delivers a streak-free shine with three simple ingredients—easy to make and effective.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 teaspoon castile soap
- 5 drops essential oil (optional)
- Distilled water to top off the bottle
Instructions
- Combine vodka, vinegar and castile soap in a glass spray bottle. Add essential oil if desired. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water and shake well.
Notes
To Use – Spray the cleaner on the glass, wipe away excess, and buff with a microfiber or lint-free cloth.
To Store – Keep in a cool, dark place for several months.
Variations – Add different essential oils for scent and extra cleaning properties, such as lemon, orange, clove or thieves.
Substitutions – Rubbing alcohol can replace vodka; a mild dish soap can replace castile soap in a pinch.