By now, those of you who follow me will be well aware that cleaning companies are not required to openly disclose the ingredients they use. Those that do are doing so off their own bat (and even then it can be tricky to find complete lists rather than broad terms like ‘preservative’ and ‘plant-based surfactants’).
Of course, you can contact a company and ask for the Material Safety Data assessment, but even then, the information can be difficult to interpret, and I know many people, understandably, wouldn’t have the time (or concern) to follow this through.
Products, intended to be used on the body are required to disclose a complete list of ingredients used at a concentration of over 1%. That’s good, we can make educated decisions, yay. But, I’d like to know what the difference between a body mist and window spray is? Yes, I know one is intended to clean windows, but you couldn’t tell me that those who use it wear protective equipment and masks to ensure they’re not inhaling/absorbing the product. Do you do this? I know I never did.
So, aren’t we entitled to know what we’re spraying in our homes considering that it will make contact with our bodies and land on surfaces we touch? I think so! If you agree with me, join thousands of other concerned humans and please sign my petition.
Rather than leave it to chance, why not make your own safe and non-toxic sprays?
This Citrus Cleaning Spray recipe is great for general surface cleaning, and although I know some people use it on windows, I find it sometimes leaves streaks. So, here is a ridiculously simple DIY spray alternative for windows. Getting a streak-free finish on glass is traditionally hard work, however, if you’re using a good quality cleaning cloth and this window spray, you should have success.
Window Spray
Makes: 250 ml Prep time: < 5 min.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup | 125 ml water
- 1/2 cup | 125 ml white vinegar
- 20 drops of essential oils
My Choice of Essential Oils
My favourite essential oils in this recipe are lemon and orange, but don’t be limited by my suggestions. Use oils that fit your budget, or those that you already have in your collection. Read here for more information on essential oils.
Method
Add all ingredients into a bottle (with trigger spray atomiser) and shake until combined.
To Use
Spray directly onto windows as required. Wipe over with a damp cleaning cloth, and if necessary, polish with a clean, dry one. Newspaper also makes a fantastic polishing tool. Shake well prior to each use.
Recipe Notes
If your windows are particularly grubby, you might need to give them a light wash with water, before using this window spray.
19 Comments
This one is one of my favourites DIY! Easy and affordable!
I love this recipe! When I’m using it I never have to worry about breathing in or having contact with any nasties, as it’s all natural ingredients!!
I love love love this window cleaner recipe. My windows and mirrors have never been cleaner and I’m not breathing in toxic fumes. I recycled my old Koh spray bottle and use this cleaner instead. So much better and longer lasting results
So easy to make and it works
I absolutely love the window cleaning recipe you use as my per hate is cleaning windows as I have fybromyalgia and it kills me to do them but this recipe had made life so much easier to do windows….?
The is great for cleaning granite bench tops too- it’s great to know that food prep areas won’t come into contact with harmful chemicals
Love the window cleaner
Love this window cleaner. I also use it on my car I windows and caravan windows. It’s better than anything I have ever used before this.
It’s amazing.
Krissy,
Do the essential oils serve a purpose other than fragrance?
I purchased your book and now share recipes with my daughters .
We are very keen followers.
In this recipe, you can leave the essential oils out. Thank you – that’s awesome to hear! xx
This recipe isn’t just good for cleaning windows, I use it to clean the mirrors and the glass wall and door of my shower. Until I tried this, they seemed to be clean, especially with a messy 3 year old in the house.
We recently had to get my mother’s house ready for sale and bit was a big job. I went armed with all of your cleaning receipes made up. Citrus cleaner, window spray , cleaning spray, cleaning paste cleaning fizzers everything. Made our job so much easier and being able to breathe easy was a bonus
Hi – can this mix be used safely on tinted windows? Thanks
It is my understanding that it is fine to use on tinted windows but I always encourage spot testing if you’re in doubt.
Hey there!
Silly question but does the essential oils cause oily streaks on glass??
Thanks ☺️
Hi! Nope 🙂
I used to use natural cleaners from your site when my 1st born was a baby but then life got busy and we fell into the trap of buying commercial chemicals again.
Now my 2nd baby is 1 and loves to lick EVERYTHING! I have been reminded how important these natural cleaners are.
Today my 5year old made this window cleaner by herself to clean her wardobe mirrors.
Her review is “It is very good and you could even clean your plates. Cleaning makes your dreams come true.”
It is streak free and leaves no residue! Thanks Krissy.
I am so pleased to get this recipe. I use water, vinegar and a touch of liquid soap in my window cleaner. Generally this works well but when I use it on our glass display cabinet in our shop (which is getting sanitised / disinfected several times a day) I cannot remove the smear finish that is left. I have tried straight vinegar and that doesn’t work. I am almost tempted to buy a commercial cleaner but that would really be a last resort as I hate those things.
Do you have any suggestions or ideas? (by the way, I am in Melbourne lock down and all my cleaning ingredients are at our home in the country and I am reluctant to duplicate large quantities of things).
Many thanks
Hi, are you using a very clean, microfibre-type cloth? I feel for you – my family are in Melbourne 🙁