Lemon & Alcohol Glass Cleaner
For glass, mirrors, and stainless that takes fingerprints personally. Streak-free with kitchen-safe ingredients.
Why this recipe
Rubbing alcohol evaporates fast, which is the secret to streak-free glass. Lemon juice cuts the residue that water alone leaves behind and adds a fresh kitchen scent. Distilled water is worth using here because tap water mineral spots are the whole reason streaks happen in the first place.
Note this is a cleaner, not a disinfectant. Calling something "antibacterial" is regulated by the EPA and a homemade spray cannot make that claim. For wiping fingerprints off the microwave, this works. For sterilizing a sickroom, it does not.
What you will need
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1/2 cup isopropyl rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (bottled works in a pinch but fresh is brighter)
- A clean spray bottle, ideally amber glass to protect the lemon
- A microfiber cloth (paper towels leave lint)
How to make it
- Pour the distilled water into the spray bottle first.
- Add the rubbing alcohol.
- Add the lemon juice. Strain it through a fine mesh first if you do not want pulp clogging the sprayer.
- Cap the bottle and shake gently to combine. Do not shake vigorously, the alcohol does not need much to mix.
- Label with the date.
How to use it
Spray a light mist onto the glass or stainless surface. Wipe with a clean microfiber cloth in one direction (top to bottom or side to side). Flip the cloth and buff dry with the other side. Streaks come from too much spray, dirty cloths, or wiping in circles. Avoid all three.
Safety first
- Never combine rubbing alcohol with bleach. The reaction creates chloroform vapor, which is toxic.
- Keep away from open flame. Rubbing alcohol is flammable. Do not spray near gas stoves, candles, or anything with a pilot light.
- Ventilate the space. Open a window if you are doing all the windows in the house at once.
- Store out of reach of children and pets. Rubbing alcohol is dangerous if swallowed.
- Do not use on tinted glass or LCD screens. Alcohol can damage anti-reflective coatings.
Where it works
Window glass, mirrors, glass shower doors, stainless steel appliances, chrome fixtures, and the glass on framed pictures.
Where it does not work
TV screens, computer monitors, smartphone screens, tinted car windows, and any electronics. Use a screen-specific cleaner or just a barely-damp microfiber for those.
How long it lasts
Use within two months. The lemon juice loses potency. After two months, mix a fresh batch.
Mirrors, windows, stainless, all at once?
That is what a deep clean is for. Book one and put down the spray bottle for a day.
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