one cup distilled water
2-3 tbsp. white vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
Add the rubbing alcohol and vinegar to a spray bottle, then fill with distilled water. Secure the lid tightly and shake thoroughly. For best results, make sure your vinegar says "made from grain" on the label.
The addition of rubbing alcohol to this recipe helps the solution evaporate quickly on glass surfaces, reducing the chance of leaving water spots behind. As a reminder, rubbing alcohol is highly flammable, so be sure to store this homemade window cleaner in a safe spot and away from kids and pets.
How to Use DIY Window Cleaner
Be sure to choose a new, clean spray bottle for your DIY glass cleaner; old bottles might contain residual chemicals that could cause a reaction. You should also label it accordingly. Avoid using any cleaner containing vinegar on marble, granite, slate, tile, or solid surfacing, which it could damage. For other cleaners, always test a small spot first in a hidden location to be sure it won't damage the surface.
When using your homemade cleaner on windows, mirrors, shower doors, and other glass surfaces, always work from top to bottom. This trick helps to prevent drips and streaks from the top down. You should also give your homemade window cleaner time to work. Spray, then wait a few minutes before wiping dry with a microfiber cloth. Note that the cloth should be totally clean before you use it on glass surfaces. If there's any laundry soap or other residues on your cloth, you could leave behind streaks. For this reason, never launder your cleaning cloths with those used for cleaning the car or other greasy jobs. Paper towels and rags are also a bad choice since they leave lint and residue behind. With these tips, your DIY window cleaner will erase streaks and achieve a clear, shiny finish.