The last time you re-stocked your cleaning cabinet with all of your various sprays and solutions, did you notice how much they cost? If you are still maintaining a supply of commercial cleaners, the chances are pretty good that they cost you a pretty penny.
In the realm of glass and mirrors alone, you ‘need’ a specific cleaner to remove streaks, another to break through soap scum on shower doors, and others still if you want disinfecting or antimicrobial properties.
Even if you purchase that one glass cleaner to rule them all, you’re still going to contend with the toxic fumes and eco-harming aspects of those harsh chemicals that are ‘necessary’ to get through the grime.
Fortunately, there are all-natural glass cleaning solutions that will cover all of the cleaning bases from removing hard water stains and scummy grime all the way to a streak-free shine without the harmful impact on the environment or on your wallet.
After all, commercial cleaners are simply water plus (whatever toxic chemical is ‘required’ for the task at hand) so why not swap out the plus with your own biodegradable, mild and organic active ingredients that you most likely have ready and waiting in your cupboards at this very moment?
Here are some inexpensive and simple DIY remedies for whatever ails your mirrors and glass that pack a green punch where it counts.
Vinegar
Vinegar-based cleaners remove oil, grease and other sticky substances from glass surfaces with ease. Additionally, when used in your bathroom on your mirrors and glass shower doors and on your windows, they keep the fog at bay!
Add equal parts of distilled white vinegar (or cider vinegar if that’s all you have on hand) and water to a spray bottle. Spritz on the glass surface and wipe clean with a soft cloth.
For seriously scummy jobs, boil undiluted vinegar and as soon as it cools enough to handle (wearing gloves, of course!), apply it to the shower door with a microfiber cloth or even a non-scratch scrubbing brush for gentle abrasion.
Tip: If you are fresh out of vinegar, the acid in lemon juice can work wonders on greasy windows. Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle, spritz and wipe dry.
Rubbing Alcohol
Another tried and true window washer, rubbing alcohol, when combined in ratios of 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol for every 1 quart of water, can leave your windows sparkling, smudge-free and see-through in no time.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix together ½ cup of peroxide to four cups of water to create your own customized glass cleaner and disinfectant in one.
Baking Soda
To clean all manner of surfaces without scratching, reach for a box of baking soda. As it is perfectly suited for more delicate cut and etched glass, sprinkle baking soda onto the surface and rub it in with a damp cloth before wiping it away. Follow up with a clean water rinse and dry cloth polish.
General Good Ideas for Cleaning Glass
Overall, some things to keep in mind where your green cleaning regime is concerned include:
- Avoid cleaning glass in windows and doors when the sun is shining. Plan to clean in the early morning or evening hours to make the most of the natural light outside without falling victim to the sun’s evaporating properties.
- Green cleaners still work like their non-green counterparts in that you need to complete the job before the solution evaporates otherwise you risk leaving the very dirt and grime behind that you set out to eliminate!
- Clearly label the bottles containing your DIY cleaning solutions. Make sure to include what the cleaner is and when you mixed it.
- Keep all cleaners (DIY and otherwise) away from pets and children.
What are some of the other cleaning solutions you have come up with that keep your glass gleaming and the environment happy?
Latest posts by Shahab Shokouhi (see all)
- Glass and Mirrors to Grow your Home Office Space - February 5, 2014
- DIY Green Cleaners for Mirrors and Glass - December 18, 2013
Recent Comments