Homemade Glass Cleaner

I recently came across some disturbing information regarding the toxins in everyday products that most of us use.  I was shocked and upset by some of the findings.  When I became pregnant with Mason, I became more aware of the harmful effects of cleaning products, gardening products, etc. and I did not go near them unless I had to...and with many open windows.  Now that Mason is into everything I really need to be careful that he does not accidentally ingest any harmful products that we may use for cleaning.  And, now, when I think of ingest, it is to drink or inhale.  So, I have decided I would make some of my own natural, green, and surprisingly cost effective cleaning products.  I have already posted about a natural granite counter-top cleaner.  Today, it is home-made window cleaner. 

  

Fact: Window cleaners contain harmful ingredients such as Ammonia, Diethylene Glycol and Glycol Ethers.

I have posted 3 different "recipes", depending on your individual needs.  The recipe using ammonia would be good for tough, outdoor cleaning.  Otherwise, I suggest using the non-toxic formulas for indoor and light to medium cleaning.  Here is what you will need:

Recipe #1

• Spray Bottles
• Cleaning Cloths
• 1/2 cup ammonia
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol

Recipe #2:

• Spray Bottle
• 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/2 liter water
• Capful of lemon juice
• (optional) few drops food coloring

Recipe #3: Non-Toxic Recipe

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• A spray bottle

What You Do:

Fill the spray bottle with above listed ingredients.  Simply use as you would any other glass cleaner.

I am NEVER buying commercial glass cleaner again!  Not only is this dirt cheap to make, but I can use it on my windows AND it makes my mirrors streak free.  I can never get my mirrors streak free, and that drives me crazy! 

I feel most comfortable using a non-toxic glass cleaner.  The benefits outweigh the potential harmful effects.  It is also less expensive, as there are no harsh chemicals or fumes, it effectively removes fingerprints and other window grime, and doesn't leave streaks. I also came across this article on topic discussing little known uses for vinegar.

Warnings:

1) Do not reuse empty cleaner bottles. Buy a new bottle for your glass cleaner.
2) Always label the contents of your cleaner bottles.
3) Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

A Special Warning:

Many glass cleaner recipes found on the web contain ammonia and/or isopropyl alcohol. According to an article, Window Cleaner, in the New York Times, these ingredients are poisonous when swallowed or inhaled in large quantities.