How to Make Window Cleaner
If you don't care for the often scented, and even more often
expensive window cleaners on the market, there's no reason at
all that you can't make your own cleaner at home!
It's as simple as mixing 1/2 cup each of ammonia, water and
rubbing alcohol. That's it! Mix and put in a spray bottle, and
you're ready to go. Spritz your window and wipe it down with a
lint free cloth. The solution is also good for car windshields,
mirrors, counter tops and other surfaces.
However, you should be aware that ammonia has been known to
damage painted and tinted surfaces. It is not considered safe
for eyeglasses that have a tinted coating, windshields with the
same, or even specially treated windows. For those, plain soap
and water is your best bet, or else a soap/water/vinegar
solution.
In the old days, people cleaned their windows with water and
vinegar, then polished them with old newspapers. You can still
do this today, but vinegar will not cut oil or grease that may
have gotten on the window, particularly in the kitchen. So if
you want to get nostalgic and try this method, mix 1/4 cup of
white vinegar with two cups water, and add 1/2 teaspoon of
liquid dish soap, and put it in a spray bottle.
Be careful with the newspaper polishing, though. Given that many
are now made with recycled papers, and eco-friendly inks, the
results may not be quite what you anticipate.