MAKE YOUR OWN WINDEX

[Olduvai]

As I'm sure you've all noticed that prices for everything are going through the roof I hope this will help.I have been trying to make money stretch on things where I can. I have found out how to make almost 12 dollars worth of windex for only 60 cents worth of ingredients. The ammonia was only 98 cents for a half gallon, alchohol was about a dollar for 32 oz and a squirt of dishwashing soap.

WINDEX

1/2 cup(4 oz) ammonia
1 pint(16 oz) rubbing alcohol
1 teaspoon Joy (or dawn)dishwashing soap
enough water, to make a gallon

It smells like windex ,cleans like windex, and looks like windex since I also gave it a squirt of blue food coloring.

[onelook]

I have used a similar mixture, leaving out the ammonia and using vinegar. I have also found that a squeegie works much better that paper towels or newspaper. But you have to have a GOOD rubber squeegie...don't waste your money on those cheap plastic ones.

[AlchemyAcres]

I've used that same recipe for years, makes a great general purpose cleaner for more than just windows.

And yeah, onelook, I've gotta agree...a squeegee works great...it's the only way to go...
and if company is coming i even buff the windows with a chalkboard eraser (used only for that purpose)...makes 'em REALLY sparkle!!!! ;D

~Martin 8)

[tufhelp]

Is that amonia you're using like Parsons Sudsing Amonia, or the real deal from a pharmacy?

[AlchemyAcres]

Is that amonia you're using like Parsons Sudsing Amonia, or the real deal from a pharmacy?

It's best to use the non-sudsing, it's much easier to work with.
Around here it's available at most grocery stores or Wal*Mart.


~Martin :)_

[Shamrock1121]

Even cheaper.... (Professional Window Washer Tip) Put a couple T. cornstarch in a 1/2-gallon of warm water and apply and remove with a sponge/squeegee. Use a microfiber towel for drips, rather than wasting paper towels - clean all your windows at once.

Note: you'll find some instructions say to use as much as 1/2 c. cornstarch per 2-quarts of water or 1/2 c. cornstarch per 1-quart, but I've found less is best...

You can also mix up some in a spray bottle, just be sure to shake it frequently and don't make up too much more than you can quickly use.

-Karen

[onelook]

What does the cornstarch do??

[sher]

I use windshield washer fluid, it works great and is about 99 cents a gallon, i use it straight out of the bottle-

[lplott]

Peroxide is what I use. I suggest gloves, it will kinda sting your hands, but peroxide cleans windows so well you would not believe AND NO STINK.

[ryanmercer]

I'd stay clear of ammonia if you can, it's really nasty stuff and if it gets in your body it doesn't like to leave... thats why most window cleaners are ammonia free now.

[dreams_in_color]

I have also used a vinegar and water mix is a spray bottle for years. You can also use newspaper instead of paper towels to clean the windows after you spray.


Susan

[pergammano]

Cornstarch gets rid of the residue from the rains/air pollutants. You don't have that hazy/bluey film. 1 tsp.cornstarch, 1/2 tsp. Sunlight, 1/2 cup Vinegar and 2 Litres hot water....squeegee...and polish with old newspaper. Then newspaper is used as much.

[theresehirko]

I just use straight white vinegar in a spray bottle. I need the straight vinegar to get off the Katie noseprints. I swear our dog spends the whole day with her nose pressed up against the door.

I also use 1 cup vinegar to one gallon of water to mop the floors. It cleans great.

[Saoirse]

A couple drops of dishsoap (don't overdo it. only a few drops. no more) in a gallon of warm water. Wash windows with old tshirt and squeegee. If there are any spots, rub with finger until they are gone. Works great.
For general cleaning, add about 1 small squirt to a gallon of water. Wipe with a clean cloth. For greasy stuff, you can add a 1/4 cup of ammonia, vinegar or a degreaser. Don't use degreaser on glass.

[KarenBC]

Watch the cornstarch method if you use it on a really hot sunny day and don't get it all buffed off quickly. My FIL etched the big window above my kitchen sink. I've tried several things and nothing is taking off the cloudy look. It's been through a couple of winters now, multiple cleanings and is still there. :(