This all natural, non-toxic homemade glass cleaner contains two unexpected ingredients that clean amazingly well. The surprising ingredients: vodka and cornstarch!
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Plain white vinegar is my go-to cleaner for windows, mirrors and other household glass surfaces . However vinegar was no match for sticky-fingered kids and a German Shepherd who loves to slobber on glass doors.
I decided to try making my own non-toxic homemade glass cleaner and stumbled on this glass cleaner experiment by Crunchy Betty that looked promising.
Strange Ingredients = Great Homemade Glass Cleaner
Corn starch in glass cleaner… sounds strange, doesn’t it? I decided to give the recipe a try, but to make the cleaner even more natural by substituting vodka for rubbing alcohol.
- Vodka can be used as a substitute for rubbing alcohol because it contains ethanol and water
- Rubbing alcohol is mostly isopropyl alcohol with water and additives (aka unknown chemicals). I prefer using vodka due to concerns about using unknown chemicals in my home.
Vodka vs. Rubbing Alcohol
I made two batches of window cleaner, one using rubbing alcohol and one using vodka. Both cleaned glass well; however the rubbing alcohol mix left the smell of yucky rubbing alcohol in the house. The vodka cleaner was virtually odorless.
The verdict: vodka is my new favorite glass and window cleaning ingredient! I have spotless windows and mirrors with no funky odors floating about the house.
I dubbed the cleaner “It's 5 O'clock Somewhere Homemade Glass Cleaner” because of the vodka in the recipe.
Homemade Glass Cleaner Directions
Combine in a spray bottle:
- ¼ c. vodka (use a cheap, bottom shelf brand)
- ¼ c. white vinegar
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 c. of hot water
Shake well.
*Learn to make my upcycled glass spray bottle for cleaning here.
Glass Cleaning Tips
Spray windows generously and wipe clean with a cotton rag or paper towel.
For lint free windows finish with one last wipe using a paper coffee filter or sheet of newspaper (sounds odd, but it works).
Store leftover cleaner in a cool dark place (like under the sink), shake to combine before each use.
Cost Comparison
It’s cheap!
- $0.26 an ounce for the vodka (buy cheap vodka, about $9 a liter )
- $0.18 an ounce for the vinegar
- $0.05 for the cornstarch.
Total cost = $0.93 for 21 ounces or $0.08 an ounce.
The cheapest commercial natural glass cleaner available is $4.00 for 32 ounces or $0.12 an ounce.
Free Label
Download a free label for your glass cleaner in the free printable library. Printed on full sheet label paper then peel and stick.
More Vodka Cleaners
I love using vodka to naturally clean and deodorize my home. It also a great natural disinfectant. These easy all-natural DIYs all use vodka to clean your home without dangerous chemicals!
- Non-Toxic Spray Starch (3 easy recipes)
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I love this! I started using Vodka years ago to disinfect my kitchen counters, clean glass and many more things! It does a wonderful job and is non toxic!
Great tips. Michelle. I have been meaning to try vodka as a counter cleaner since it is a disinfectant. What types of counters have you used it on?
I have granite countertops and it does a great job leaving no streaks at all. I know that any germs are safely removed so my family stays safe from any bacteria from raw meat etc.
Hi Bren,
I noticed you have used vodka as your antiseptic. I have used witch hazel in my all purpose cleaner for some time now and it does an amazing job on my windows as well. It also cuts some of the vinegar smell. ( super cheap) Also, I just love all your products! My friends and I are thinking about having a spring clean party and make lots of your products!! Thanks again, great blog! Jamie
Thanks for the tip, Jamie! I will have to give it a try. Your spring cleaning party sounds like a great idea. Let me know how it goes!
Your posts have been a great resource as I prep to teach a non-toxic cleaning class! Have you tested the pros & cons of witch hazel vs. vinegar vs. vodka in the glass & surface cleaner recipes? I’d like to offer options, but would like to do so with a “why” for each one. Thanks again!
And – like you – I had that same convo with the liquor store guy. “Hi, I need the biggest bottle of cheap vodka you have.” He goes “ah, you’re one of those {making quotes with this fingers} DIY’ers, huh. Yeahhhh…..mmmmmm hmmmmm….” 🙂
Hee hee! Too funny!
Thanks Kristen. I stick to vodka or vinegar for green cleaning. Rubbing alcohol has additives that make rate worse than vodka. Witch hazel is a natural hydrosol made from the witch hazel plant, water and alcohol. It has anti-inflammatory properties that make it great for use on skin, however I am not convinced that it is any better than just alcohol (vodka) and water when cleaning. When using vodka vs vinegar as a surface cleaner you need to be aware of the surface. Vinegar can damage some natural/stone surfaces. Vodka tends to be more gentle on granite, etc. Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
What proof vodka do you recommend?
I use 80-100 proof, whatever is cheap!
Hi Bren,
Does the corn starch clog up the spray nozzle. I am about to try the window cleaner. I’ve just started using your Cleaners, & I’m really liking your combinations.
Thanks so much.
Sheila
I’m glad you’re enjoying the cleaners, Sheila. I’ve never had a problem with it clogging the nozzle. Good luck!
Wow, I just found your website through Pinterest. I love all your homemade cleaner recipes and the room refreshner.
Thank you!
I’m so glad I found your site because I was so tired of finding people posting recipes with vinegar and baking soda in everything ….. but I’m just curious….why cornstarch? I’ve never seen it in a DIY cleaning recipe before and i’m wondering what purpose it serves?!?
Melissa, I’m so glad you found my site! Yes, the vinegar/baking soda combo is one of my pet peeves. I got the cornstarch idea from this battle of the glass cleaners post from Crunchy Betty (love her!). I have no scientific proof as to why it works so well but I think the corn starch gives the glass cleaner a little extra umph or grit for tough residue such as hair spray or sticky finger prints. Hope this helps!