How to clean windows in a green way

If you’re cleaning windows that have been cleaned before with conventional window cleaners, you should start out with this:

1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
1/2 teaspoon liquid soap (Dr. Bronner’s peppermint castile soap is good)
2 cups water
Optionally a few drops essential oil for scent

After you’ve washed your windows with the above a couple of times, you can start using this simpler recipe:

1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
2 cups water
Optionally a few drops essential oil for scent

Both recipes are made by combining the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle well, and spray on and remove with a squeegee or a paper towel. I don’t recommend using newspapers for wiping off, as the inks they use for printing may contain heavy metals.

You’re probably wondering why you have to start out with one recipe and then move on to a second. This is because most windows that have been cleaned regularly with commercial cleaners have a layer of wax buildup on them. Vinegar and water alone won’t be able to remove this properly, and you’ll get streaks. That’s why the liquid soap should be added the first few times you use a green cleaner. Once the wax buildup has been removed, vinegar and water is enough to get a streak free, shiny window.