Well, as usual, I’m back to cleaning. Isn’t that always the way? I am intent on doing a complete cleaning cabinet makeover so I guess I’ll just pick up where I left off. And the next casualty is…
…Glass Cleaner. Oh you thought you were safe with that one, huh? Sorry but… no. And not just because it has some wacky stuff in it but because it costs almost $5.00 a bottle. Say what??
I’ve tried lots of variations of homemade glass cleaner over the years with varying results. Vinegar and water (probably what your grandma used) left streaks. Water, vinegar and ammonia smells bad and also left streaks. Straight water doesn’t clean and straight vinegar smells like, well, straight vinegar. Rubbing alcohol helps the spray to dry faster so your not spending forever wiping down your bathroom mirror and that sounded good to me. I had heard that cornstarch was actually a good ingredient in glass cleaner which seems weird but since I wanted to add lemon essential oil, the cornstarch would act as an emulsifier so I jumped on board.
By mixing the cornstarch and essential oil together you create an emulsion which means the oil won’t separate and sit on top of the water. You don’t have to add the lemon essential oil but I love it’s cleaning and disinfecting properties so I highly recommend it. Plus it smells great. I am an essential oil snob and only use the purest so it’s always therapeutic grade oils for me! If you don’t want to use the essential oil just skip this step and the cleaner will still work great.
Next you’re going to mix the rubbing alcohol into the cornstarch mixture because creating a liquid is the only way to get the cornstarch down that little hole at the bottom of the funnel. Genius, huh? Just make sure you mix it up good and smooth.
I am not a distilled water fanatic but I do recommend it here for the same reason I told you to use it for the All-Natural Room & Linen Spray. Tap water has some weird floaters in it sometimes (see note) and you don’t want that stuff on your mirrors or windows. Better safe than sorry and it will only cost about a buck for a gallon. After your done you can use it to make the All-Natural Room and Linen Spray.
Note: With the EPA’s permission, all municipalities have an allowable amount of fecal matter in their tap water. You heard me–fecal matter. If that weren’t enough there’s also chemicals,fertilizers, pesticides and bacterial contaminants. Go ahead, request a report. After you read the report put a few drops of therapeutic grade lemon essential oil into your next glass of water so it can kill all the nastiness in there. You’re welcome.
The best thing about All-Natural Glass Cleaner? It works as well as any store-bought glass cleaner. Second best thing? You can make it in less than 5 minutes. Third best thing? It cost about 75 cents. Take that extra 4 bucks you saved and go buy yourself something pretty. You deserve it:)
All-Natural Glass Cleaner
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
1 tbsp. cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
8-10 drops lemon essential oil (optional)
1 1/2 cups distilled water
Using a funnel to add the vinegar to a 16 oz. glass spray bottle. In a small bowl place cornstarch and essential oil. Mix until well combined. Add rubbing alcohol and mix until smooth. Use funnel to add mixture to spray bottle. Put distilled water in a microwave-safe container and heat for 30-45 seconds until warm. Using funnel add water to spray bottle. Place spray top on bottle and shake vigorously. Always shake well before use.
Maksude says
Thanks, I love it 🙂 try later…
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks for stopping by. Come back soon!
Brigitte says
Thank you kindly for this recipe-it is working wonders for me!
I used 99% isopropyl alcohol. I usually just use water and the ”magic cloths” but when trying to get my kids to help out more, the sprays seem to help get them going, more than just a cloth….whatever works!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You’re so welcome Brigitte! I am thrilled to get credit for helping any kids “get going” when it comes to housework (but obviously most of the credit goes to you:) Good job!
Kelley says
Thank you so much for the fabulous recipes. I’m trying to convert to making my own cleaners, laundry soap, dish soap etc mostly because I’m a stay at home housewife and I’m trying to save money where I can. I’m thrilled that I stumbled across your page. Where do you find the dark glass spray bottles?
Fabulous Farm GIrl says
Thanks Kelly, so glad you stopped by. I have replaced every cleaner in my house and love it. See my post titled Cleaning Cabinet Makeover for all my recipes. Not only will you save a ton of money but you will also protect your family from all kinds of toxic chemicals. I get my bottles at a place local to me but they also do mail order and the bottles and tops are quite inexpensive. It is called AromaTools and below is the link for the size I use although they do have lots of variety. I will be posting more DIY cleaners so come back soon–Leah
https://www.aromatools.com/16_oz_Amber_Glass_Vial_with_Black_Lid_p/9138.htm
Bethany says
I cannot believe the amazing prices on these bottles and all of the other glass containers! I’m stocking up. Thanks so much for the recipe and the link!
Jennifer says
Thank you for a recipe for window cleaner that DOESN’T have ammonia! I can’t stand the smell. And I can’t wait to try this out, but why do you microwave the water before adding it? What does that do?
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Jennifer–thanks for stopping by. I agree with you about the smell of ammonia plus it can reek havoc on your lungs so why risk it? I used to just use hot water out of the tap so when I switched to distilled water I had to microwave it instead. The purpose is to to dissolve the cornstarch/arrowroot powder. If you don’t want to use the microwave, just shake the bottle for longer and I’m sure it will be fine. Have a great week!
–Leah
Tracy@OurSimpleLife says
I make all of my cleaners but I have not tried this one made with corn starch and i can’t wait to give it a try!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Tracy–I tried lots of different recipes and did lots of tweaking to come up with this one and it works great. Good job making all your own cleaners, by the way–it’s such an awesome accomplishment!
–Leah
Susie@TheHomemakersJourneyBlog says
Wonderfully done. Thank you!
Fabulous Farm GIrl says
You’re welcome Susie–that means a lot!
–Leah
Cynthia says
this recipe calls for VINEGAR but i cant find where you add it…? otherwise, i LOOOOOVE your recipes and am making them up as we speak! THANK YOU!!! (ALSO USE THE BESSSSST EOS KNOWN TO MAN!!!)
Leah says
Hi Cynthia–thanks for stopping by and for the wonderful compliment. Just add the vinegar right to the spray bottle as the first step. Then follow the rest of the directions. You’re gonna love this glass cleaner–it’s awesome!
–Leah
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