Friday, January 29, 2010

Homemade Window Cleaner

Nicki at Domestic Cents was asking about a homemade general purpose cleaner, so I thought I'd post this.

I use this for just about everything...windows, counters, laminate wood floors, daily cleaning in the bathroom, mirrors, appliances, etc. I keep spray bottles of it in the kitchen, in the bathroom and in our camping gear in the summer.


Homemade Window Cleaner

(1 gallon costs less than $1)

2 tablespoons ammonia
1 teaspoon Dawn dish liquid
1 pint (2 cups) rubbing alcohol
4 drops any color food coloring (optional)
a few drops of any scented or essential oil (optional)

Put all ingredients in a clean, empty gallon jug. Fill the rest of the way with hot water (fill very slowly, as it will suds up if you add the water too quickly). Pour as needed into smaller sprayer bottles. Use as you would any window or all-purpose spray cleaner.

1 batch makes 1 gallon of cleaner.

7 comments:

Nicki at Domestic Cents said...

Thanks so much!

Miranda said...

That's the recipe I use!! Isn't it great? I love using it to tackle the muck in the bathroom. You would think that the smell would be harsh, but I think it is refreshing and pleasant.

A.Marie said...

I can't believe this...I just used the last of my Windex yesterday and I was trying to find a good, inexpensive, homemade cleaner. YAY! Now I have one! And, the best part is, I have ALL THE INGREDIENTS! WA-HOO!! :)

I just Wub You (like SonyaAnn says!) :)

Netta said...

Sounds like it smells good...
I just use rubbing alcohol w/a little water.
Thanks for sharing.

Sam said...

You could use the scented rubbing alcohol for a nice mint scent :)

Frances said...

We may have to try this, when we run out of all the free cleaner in my stockpile.

Annie Jones said...

Nicki: I hope you like it.

Miranda: I agree. I like the scent even without essential oil in it.

A.Marie: If you try it, let me know how you like it.

Netta: Thanks for stopping by!

Sarah: Great idea. I've never bought the mint-scented rubbing alcohol. Although I do admit to using half rubbing alcohol and half vodka the last time I made this stuff. I was low on rubbing alcohol and I hate vodka (we had a little left after making homemade amaretto liqueur), so I added it to the mix. Worked just fine. LOL!