Homemade Outdoor Window Cleaner

4 Materials
$1
20 Minutes
Easy

Chemistry Cachet is back with another science based DIY.


This cleaner is for outdoor windows, but it also works for indoor windows too! Be sure to read the blog post for instructions on that :) (chemistrycachet.com/homemade-outdoor-window-cleaner/)


This recipe is very easy to make, but it is also super cheap!


Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar (5% acidity)
  • 1/4 tsp blue Dawn ( Why blue dawn? Read more here)
  • Basic spray bottle
  • Sponge or scrub brush (You can also use a microfiber scrub brush)
  • Rubber hose with spray nozzle



Directions for mixing the DIY outdoor window cleaner:

  1. In your spray bottle, combine the water, vinegar, and dish soap.
  2. Set the nozzle to stream if possible which will make it easier to reach all the window area.


Curious about why these ingredients are used?? Or different methods for using this? Read the blog post here.

The Easiest Way To Clean Outdoor Windows With Our Homemade Outdoor Window Cleaner:

  1. Spray your window with the homemade cleaning solution. As we mentioned above, setting it to stream can help reach taller areas.
  2. With a sponge or scrub brush (use anything soft and safe for windows), scrub the window area as best you can.
  3. With a spray nozzle attached to the rubber hose, spray every part of the window making sure all the cleaner is removed.
  4. You can air dry or wipe with a microfiber cloth to dry!


You can also just SPRAY AND WIPE this solution! Be sure to read these tips in the blog post.

Before And After
Resources for this project:
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Alexis @ Chemistry Cachet
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  3 questions
  • Ticia Ticia on Aug 09, 2020

    IDK if anyone's asked this previously but here goes - do you pre-wet the windows with the hose before spraying on your solution? I only ask because 1/2 cup each of vinegar and water isn't very much so if you are cleaning multiple windows, do you prepare the solution in a large batch or keep refilling your spray bottle with the same amounts all the time. Since I'm getting ready to do my windows, I'd like to know and what about streaking? (on the glass not the people kind). TIA

  • DMc DMc on Aug 10, 2020

    Wondering if this would work on plastic windows in a screen porch?

  • Ginger the farm gal Ginger the farm gal on Aug 19, 2020

    I use this also, but the cleanest windows and mirrors, I ever had were cleaned with kerosene and very hot water. What is your opinion of it?

Comments
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5 of 17 comments
  • Lilith Lilith on Aug 08, 2023

    Be sure not to get solution on living plants you want because it will kill them.

  • Lokie Lokie on Aug 10, 2023

    I made and tried this out yesterday. I used it on my kitchen window that flips inward so I can wash it from inside the house. Sorry but this left a streaky haze on the window. I even had used bottled water to make sure my well water wouldn't cause a problem. After washing down the window with wet paper towels after I had to reclean them with a store bought glass cleaner at twice to try and the streaks and haze off. To be fair I might try this outside with hose but on a window that doesn't have anything under it that I care about growing there. As other have said, I do use a 50/50 mix of vinegar, add dish soap and it helps it adhere to weeds to get rid of them.

    • See 2 previous
    • If you would like, send me an email to alexis@chemistrycachet.com and I can help you figure out the issues! This formula should be streak free, but there can be several factors like climate that can cause a change in the solution. I am happy to help if you want to break it down further :)

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