How To Clean Windows With Vinegar

Ally ChildressAlly Childress

Grease-cutting, mineral-removing vinegar cleans everything, even windows! Here's how to get your windows shining with vinegar.

Clean WindowAlly Childress for Family Handyman
Next Project
Time

10 - 20 minutes

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$5–10

Introduction

Streak-free windows have been a priority for home and professional cleaners for generations. Low-tech methods like soap and vinegar worked for years. Then commercial products that promised better living through chemistry marketed their way into homes around the world.

Now, consumers increasingly want cleaning options that aren't harmful to the environment. So tried-and-true, natural solutions staged a comeback, surging in popularity in recent years. Analysts predict the natural cleaning products market will rise more than 11% per year through 2025, to a whopping $7.8 billion valuation.

While you can buy natural cleaning products for your windows, simple DIY recipes abound. Leanne Stapf, chief operating officer of The Cleaning Authority, says mixing one part vinegar to 10 parts water works to shine up your windows practically for free. Vinegar's natural acidity cuts through grime and deters streaking, and it's safe around children and pets.

Below, Stapf walks us through the steps to get your windows gleaming.

Tools Required

  • Microfiber cloths
  • Spray Bottle

Materials Required

  • Distilled white vinegar

Vinegar, spray bottle, measuring cup and microfiber clothAlly Childress for Family Handyman

Project step-by-step (5)

Step 1

Make vinegar solution

  • Add one part vinegar to 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle.
    • For a 32-oz. bottle, add about three ounces (or a little more than 1/3-cup of vinegar) and fill with water.
  • Label the spray bottle so you can safely identify the mixture later.

measuring white vinegar in a measuring cupAlly Childress for Family Handyman

filling spray bottle with water from the sinkAlly Childress for Family Handyman

Step 2

Dust windows

Wipe Down Window with microfiber clothAlly Childress for Family Handyman

Step 3

Spray

Spray Windows with spray bottleAlly Childress for Family Handyman

Step 4

Clean

  • Wipe glass with a clean microfiber cloth. Start from the top and work down.
  • Spray extra vinegar solution if you encounter stubborn grime.

Wipe Down Wet WindowsAlly Childress for Family Handyman

Step 5

Dry

  • Wipe with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
  • Repeat steps if any streaks or dirty spots remain.

Clean WindowAlly Childress for Family Handyman