The last time you stocked your cleaning cupboard with various sprays and solutions, did you notice how much they cost? If you still keep a supply of commercial cleaners on hand, they are likely quite expensive.
In the area of glass and mirrors alone, you ‘need’ a specific cleaner to remove scratches, another to penetrate the soap scum on shower doors, and still another if you want disinfectant or antimicrobial properties.
Even if you buy one glass cleaner to rule things out, you’ll still be dealing with toxic fumes and the environmentally damaging aspects of harsh chemicals that are ‘required’ to get through the dirt.
Luckily, there are natural glass cleaning solutions that will cover all the basics of cleaning from removing hard water stains and foamy grime to a streak-free shine without harmful impact on the environment or your wallet.
After all, commercial cleaners are just water plus (whatever toxic chemicals are ‘necessary’ for the task at hand) so why not swap the pluses for your own biodegradable, mild and organic active ingredients that you most likely have ready and waiting in your room? . current cupboard?
Here are some cheap and simple DIY solutions for whatever your mirror and glass irritants are that pack a green punch where it counts.
Vinegar
Vinegar-based cleaners easily remove oil, grease and other sticky substances from glass surfaces. Plus, when used in your bathroom on mirrors and glass shower doors and on your windows, they prevent fogging!
Add equal parts of distilled white vinegar (or cider vinegar if that’s all you have) and water into a spray bottle. Spray it on the glass surface and clean it with a soft cloth.
For really lathering work, boil some plain vinegar and as soon as it’s cool enough to handle (wear gloves, of course!), dab it on the shower door with a microfiber cloth or even a non-scratch scrubbing brush for gentle abrasion.
Tip: If you’re fresh out of vinegar, the acid in the lemon juice can work wonders on greasy windows. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 liter of water in a spray bottle, spray and wipe dry.
spiritual
Another tried and true window washer, rubbing alcohol, when combined in a ratio of 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol for every 1 quart of water, can make your windows shiny, stain free and translucent in no time.
Hydrogen peroxide
Mix ½ cup of peroxide with four cups of water to make your own glass cleaner and disinfectant all together.
Baking soda
To clean any type of surface without scratching, grab a box of baking soda. Since it’s especially suitable for finer glass cuts and etchings, sprinkle baking soda onto the surface and rub it with a damp cloth before wiping it down. Follow up with a clean water rinse and a dry cloth polish.
General Good Ideas for Cleaning Glass
Overall, some things to keep in mind regarding your green cleaning regime include:
- Avoid cleaning the glass on windows and doors when the sun is shining. Plan to clean in the morning or evening to make the most of the natural light outside without falling victim to the sun’s evaporating properties.
- Green cleaners still work just like their non-green counterparts in that you have to finish the job before the solution evaporates otherwise you risk leaving behind the dirt and grime you want to remove!
- Clearly label the bottle containing your DIY cleaning solution. Be sure to include what the cleanser is and when you mix it.
- Keep all cleaners (DIY and others) away from pets and children.
What other cleaning solutions have you made that keep your glass sparkling and the environment happy?
