by Danelle Karth

Created on: June 15, 2009

Clean glass and mirrors are important for a clean feeling home and bathroom. However, glass cleaner that is purchased in the store isn't safe for our health or environment. Additionally, it is much more expensive then it needs to be. You can have clean windows and mirrors without the expense or danger.

Basic Recipe.

The most basic of glass cleaners is 1/2 water and 1/2 distilled vinegar. Put it in a new, clean spray bottle. Shake and use as you normally would with paper towel or a lint free cloth.

Adding Fragrance.

Adding fragrance to your glass cleaner isn't always easy. The easiest way to add great smells to home made cleaners is with essential oils. You can use a few drops of this in your basic glass cleaner as well, but it should be noted that if you get too much the oil will streak the glass or mirror.

Stronger, Different Smell.

If the straight vinegar isn't strong enough for your needs, or you can't stand the smell then there is an alternative. For a 16 ounce spray bottle mix 6 ounces of water (3/4 cup) with 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of distilled white vinegar, 4 ounces of rubbing alcohol (or vodka if you want something all natural), and 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of lemon juice. Shake well and use as you would use any other glass cleaner. It should be noted that inhaling large amounts of rubbing alcohol is dangerous for the lungs.

Lemony Fresh Light Cleaner.

Lighter jobs don't require all the power of the smellier cleaners. You can mix 1 part water with 1 part lemon juice and get a lemony fresh scent that can clean light jobs including fairly clean windows and mirrors.

A Note About Ammonia Based Cleaners.

Some recipes online suggest mixing ammonia with a variety of other ingredients (some use lemon juice, vinegar, soap, and or water). Ammonia is a dangerous chemical that isn't healthy for the lungs. Mixing it with soap can also cause additional fumes. Therefore it is best if you avoid recipes with this chemical ingredient in it.

Newspaper.

For the best finish on mirrors and glass take a wadded piece of old newspaper and rub it over the surface. This picks up left over messes, removes any streaks that might possibly show up, and leaves a bright shinning finish. You can even used dry crumpled newspaper instead of paper towels or lint free cloths for an easy and inexpensive finish.

You can clean the glass in your home with inexpensive options. These options are also better for you and better for the environment. No more expensive harsh cleaners for you!

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