For some time now, I’ve been hearing about the virtues of going non-toxic and homemade when it comes to cleaners for one’s home. I already use baking soda and many other non-toxic options in cleaning my home, but until recently, I’d never attempted to make my own glass cleaner. Now that I have, however, I can assure you: I won’t be going back to the store-bought stuff ever! The alarming, unnatural colors and chemical cleaner scents are off-putting enough, but having lately read as much as I have in trusted sources like scientific journals about the hazards of using the chemicals—many of them carcinogenic, suspected carcinogens, neuro-distuptors, toxic and just plain sensory irritants—commonly found in commercial home cleaners, it seemed like an obvious choice to me to mix up a batch of this easy to make, inexpensive glass cleaner and give it a try. The ingredients are all simple and straightforward; you probably have them all around the house already! I even use a biodegradable dish soap to make this cleaner even more eco-friendly. My main concern was that it wouldn’t work as well as the kind I’ve always bought but luckily my fears were unfounded! Turns out this old fashioned solution–pardon my pun!–is the clear winner: it’s cheaper, non-toxic, simple, effective, and better for not just the environment but for you and your home. To make your own, follow the directions below!
What You’ll Need:
- A new, clean spray bottle
- Eyedropper
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
- ½ teaspoon clear dish soap
- 3 drops teaspoon essential oil, such as Tea tree
- Large mixing bowl or pitcher
Method:
In a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing fumes from the isopropyl alcohol, combine the water, white vinegar, isopropyl alcohol, dish soap and the essential oil. Stir to thoroughly mix. Decant into the clean spray bottle. While it may be tempting to rinse out and reuse an old spray bottle that held commercial cleaner, it’s important that this solution is stored in a new, clean spray bottle as the rubbing alcohol could react with the residue from the commercial cleaner. Clearly mark your new designated homemade cleaner spray bottle with permanent marker, and—as with all cleaners—store out of reach of children or pets.
To use, spray the desired surface with the solution and wipe off with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Tips For Changing It Up:
The essential oil serves mainly to mask the mild fragrance of vinegar, which some people dislike! But if you’re not a fan of tea tree, as I’ve used here, here are some other combinations I like!
Sharp Mint:
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops Tea tree essential oil
Citrus Mint:
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops grapefruit essential oil
Lavender Mint:
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
