Crafting a window cleaner with natural and healthy ingredients is not only a cost-effective way, but also a method that ensures the safety of your family’s health and the environment. The main ingredients required in making a homemade window cleaner such as vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils have their distinct advantages and potential disadvantages. Vinegar, for instance, is a powerful cleaning agent but its strong scent may be unfavorable for some whereas rubbing alcohol promotes quick drying to avoid streaks but has its toxicity to be wary of.
Understanding Ingredients
Understanding Vinegar
Vinegar, specifically distilled white vinegar, is a key ingredient in homemade window cleaners. This common household item is known for its commendable cleaning properties, which can be attributed to its acidity. Vinegar, being a mild acid, is effective in cutting through grime, dirt, and other substances that are alkaline in nature. In addition, vinegar is non-toxic and safe for both people and the environment, making it ideal for use in homemade cleaning products. However, one drawback is its strong smell. This can be off-putting to some people, but the odor does dissipate as the vinegar dries.
Knowing Rubbing Alcohol
Another ingredient often used in homemade window cleaners is rubbing alcohol. This ingredient assists in providing a streak-free shine, a defensive property against bacteria and viruses, and quickly evaporates, expatiating the drying process and reducing the chance of streaks. However, rubbing alcohol can be slightly toxic if ingested, and its smell is also rather strong and can cause discomfort if used in unventilated areas. While it is generally safe for use around the house, it should be kept out of reach from children and pets.
Potential of Essential Oils
Essential oils are often included in homemade window cleaners. They serve several purposes, one of which is to mask the powerful smell of vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Moreover, many essential oils have natural antibacterial properties, enhancing the cleaning effect of the solution. Popular choices are lemon, lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oil. However, some essential oils can cause allergic reactions or skin irritations in sensitive individuals. They should be used in moderation and tested on a small area before applying to a large surface. It is also worth noting that essential oils are not a necessary ingredient for cleaning effectiveness. Their main role is to enhance the scent of the homemade cleaner.
The Role of Water
Water is also included in the list of ingredients. It is used to dilute the other ingredients, especially vinegar and rubbing alcohol, to ensure the resulting solution is not too abrasive for the window surface. With the varying hardness levels in tap water, it could potentially leave mineral deposits on the windows leading to streaking. Therefore, for a streak-free finish, distilled or demineralized water is the best choice to use.
By understanding the importance of each of these components, you can create an effective, safe, and natural homemade window cleaner. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the cleaning properties of vinegar and rubbing alcohol to the scent enhancing abilities of essential oils.
Mixing and Preparation Techniques
Gather Necessary Ingredients
Before you begin making your own homemade window cleaner, you need to gather your necessary ingredients. The main components of this DIY cleaner are distilled white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, cornstarch, and essential oil. The essential oil will give your cleaner a pleasant scent, but it’s optional and can be omitted if you prefer.
Correct Proportions
To make the window cleaner, you need to follow these proportions: 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, 1 cup of rubbing alcohol, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and around 10-15 drops of an essential oil of your choice.
Mixing the Ingredients
First, take a large bowl and pour in the rubbing alcohol and vinegar. Ensure they are properly mixed by stirring them together with a spoon or a spatula. After that, add the tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture. This ingredient requires more vigorous mixing as it can clump, so be persistent until the cornstarch is well integrated into the solution. Finally, add the drops of essential oil to give your window cleaner a pleasant fragrance. Stir the mixture well once again to ensure all ingredients are combined adequately.
Preparation and Storage
Once the solution is ready, use a funnel to carefully pour it into a spray bottle. This could be an old window cleaner bottle you’ve rinsed out or any spray bottle will work, as long as it is clean. Do not fill to the brim, leave some space to shake the bottle before using it as cornstarch might settle to the bottom.
Now your homemade window cleaner is ready for use! The best way to store this solution is in a cool, dark place. Make sure that it’s kept out of the reach of children and pets for safety.
Safety Precautions
Remember that while these ingredients are generally safe, they should not be ingested or come into contact with the eyes, so always exercise caution during the mixing and spraying process. Never spray the cleaner directly onto a hot surface or near open flames as it contains alcohol, which is flammable.
Application and Cleaning Tips
Crafting Your Homemade Window Cleaner
Begin by creating your homemade window cleaner. A simple and effective recipe involves only two ingredients: distilled water and white vinegar. For general cleaning, combine one part white vinegar with one part distilled water. If your windows are extremely dirty, you might want to add a bit more vinegar. Once mixed, funnel your solution into a spray bottle.
Choosing Your Tools
Choice of tools can make a difference. While paper towels are a common go-to, they can leave behind lint. Microfiber cloths, on the other hand, are lint-free and won’t scratch your surfaces. They’re also reusable and more eco-friendly. Consider using a squeegee for larger windows. This tool can help eliminate streaks and speed up the drying process.
Applying the Cleaner
Apply the homemade glass cleaner to your windows. Spray a generous amount of the solution onto the glass, making sure to cover the entire surface. You can spray directly onto the window or onto your cleaning cloth, depending on your preference.
Cleaning Technique
Begin cleaning from the top of the window and work your way downwards. This way, any drips that occur will end up on parts of the window you haven’t cleaned yet, preventing streaks. For smaller windows, wipe in a circular motion first, then with a swift vertical motion to remove the remaining cleaner. For larger windows, use the squeegee. Pull it from top to bottom in a steady, straight stroke. Repeat this across the entire surface of the window, overlapping strokes by about two inches.
Optimizing for Dryness
Your windows won’t get truly clean if they remain wet. So, ensure to dry as you go. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth or a separate, dry squeegee blade to remove any remaining water or cleaner from the window as soon as possible.
Timing Matters
Choose an overcast day to clean your windows. The heat from the sun can cause your cleaning solution to dry on the windows before you have a chance to wipe it off, which can cause streaks.
With these techniques in mind, your windows should not only be clean, but also, streak-free and sparkling with newfound clarity using homemade window cleaner. Over time, you’ll get the hang of these methods and cleaning windows would become a breeze!
Achieving the desired cleaning outcome is greatly influenced by how the homemade cleaner is used. The timing of its application, the tools used, and specific techniques all contribute to obtaining that streak-free and shiny window. By following these application and cleaning tips, you can make the most out of your homemade window cleaner and achieve satisfyingly clean and clear windows, a simple yet significant facet that boosts your home’s overall appeal and ambiance.
