Making your own homemade car window cleaner is easy and, odds are, you have the ingredients already! Get ready for the shiniest windows ever!
This Homemade Car Window Cleaner is….
- Easy
- Natural
- Chemical-free
- Streak-free
- Extremely effective!
Store-bought car window cleaner works well because the chemicals it is composed of were created to do so. But if you are interested in limiting your exposure to manufactured compounds, knowing what’s in your cleaning products, and saving money, then this homemade car window cleaner is for you! It’s as simple as mixing water with vinegar – that’s it!
Vinegars have been used for thousands of years. Traces of vinegar have even been found in ancient Egyptian vases. Preserving food, treating wounds, and enhancing one’s beauty routine are only some tasks for which vinegar was (and still is!) used. This multi-faceted liquid has a reputation for achieving excellent results. And both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar have corresponding abilities!
To make this homemade car window cleaner, only two ingredients are fundamental: water and vinegar. If you would like the cleaner to have a scent or an antimicrobial essence, add an essential oil like lemon, tea tree, or peppermint.
Another optional ingredient is rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol helps cut through any unseen grease or dirt. Usually, water + vinegar alone work well enough to clean car windows. However if you need an extra cleaning strength, substitute ½ cup rubbing alcohol for water.
Once you have sprayed the homemade car window cleaner on your car’s windows, let sit for several seconds then wipe with a microfiber towel. Wiping the spray quickly will help avoid any quick-drying water spots. Then step back and appreciate that clear, clean shine!
Ingredients
Distilled water – Any type of water will work in this recipe, but to achieve the clearest results, look for distilled water. Distilled water is free of minerals and impurities which lead to potential streaks or water spots.
White or Apple Cider Vinegar – Either type of vinegar is an effective cleaner. Use what you have on hand! The main difference between the two is that apple cider vinegar is made with – any guesses? – apples! It has a darker color and sweeter smell than white vinegar, but the cleaning ability is extremely similar.
Essential Oils – Adding your favorite essential oils to your homemade car window cleaner will give it a lovely scent. Choose lemon, tea tree, or peppermint oils to boost your cleaner with an antimicrobial power!
Rubbing Alcohol – Rubbing alcohol is a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. Though considered a natural cleaning ingredient, it is still toxic. Handle it carefully when in use. Combined with vinegar, it is an excellent solution for removing bugs off a windshield!
How to Make Homemade Car Window Cleaner
Step One: Measure 2 1/2 cups water into a 16oz spray bottle.
Step Two: Add 1 1/2 cups vinegar into the spray bottle. Shake to combine.
Step Three: If using any optional ingredients, (essential oils or rubbing alcohol), add them in and shake again to combine.
Step Four: Spray cleaner onto a car window, wait 30 seconds, then wipe with a microfiber towel. Continue as such until all windows are clean.
Homemade car window cleaner storage
This homemade car window cleaner is quite shelf-stable and should keep for up to a year. To give it the best chance, you’ll want to store it in a cool, dark place (think a downstairs cabinet or drawer) in a closed container. My recommendation is to use a capped glass bottle for storage and just replace with a nozzle whenever you’re using it.
*Note – Store homemade car window cleaner in a cool, dark cabinet for up to a year. If mold or other buildup occurs inside the bottle, discard immediately.
FAQ
The best homemade window cleaner is 2.5 cups water, 1.5 cup vinegar, and 5-10 drops essential oil. Replace ½ cup water with rubbing alcohol to help cut through unseen grease or sticky bugs.
Use a mixture of the following household products to clean car windows: distilled water, white or apple cider vinegar, and essential oils (optional). Rubbing alcohol is another ingredient to use.
Combine water, vinegar, and essential oils in a 16oz spray bottle. Part of the water can be replaced with rubbing alcohol. Within 30 seconds of the cleaner being sprayed on the window, wipe with a microfiber towel to avoid water spots.
Related Articles
To find more homemade cleaning products, check out the following articles!
PrintHomemade Car Window Cleaner
Making your own homemade car window cleaner is easy and, odds are, you have the ingredients already! Get ready for the shiniest windows ever!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups distilled water
1 1/2 cups vinegar, white or apple cider
Optional: 10 drops essential oil
Optional: Replace 1/2 cup water with rubbing alcohol
Instructions
Measure 2 ½ cups water into a 16oz spray bottle.
Add 1 ½ cups vinegar into the spray bottle. Shake to combine.
If using any optional ingredients, (essential oils or rubbing alcohol), add them in and shake again to combine.
Notes
Store homemade car window cleaner in a cool, dark cabinet for up to a year. If mold or other buildup occurs inside the bottle, discard immediately.
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