If your mirrors and glass are still looking cloudy after you clean them, you NEED this simple DIY cleaning recipe.
This is my go-to homemade glass cleaner for getting mirrors, windows, and glass surfaces looking spotless, shiny, and smudge-resistant. And the secret ingredient might surprise you:
Cornstarch.
Yes, cornstarch! It helps give your glass that extra polished finish without the frustrating streaks you can get with traditional glass cleaners.
If you love low-tox cleaning, simple homemade cleaning recipes, and affordable homemaking hacks, this is one to save.
Why You’ll Love This DIY Glass Cleaner
There’s nothing more frustrating than cleaning a mirror only to step back and see streaks, cloudy spots, fingerprints, and smudges everywhere.
This homemade glass cleaner is:
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Budget-friendly
- Great for mirrors and glass
- Excellent for fingerprints and smudges
- Leaves behind a polished, streak-free shine
- A simple alternative to store-bought glass cleaners
And the cornstarch is the game-changer. It helps polish the surface as you wipe, giving your mirrors and glass that extra clean, shiny finish.
Why Does Cornstarch Work in Glass Cleaner?
It sounds a little strange at first, but cornstarch is the secret to the polished finish in this DIY glass cleaner.
When mixed into the solution, the tiny cornstarch particles can help lift away residue and lightly polish the surface as you wipe. This can help reduce the hazy film and streaky appearance that sometimes gets left behind after cleaning.
Think of it as the little finishing touch that helps your mirrors and glass go from “clean” to crystal clear and polished.✨
The key is to use only a small amount — just 1 teaspoon per batch — and shake your bottle well before spraying.
That’s why I don’t skip the cornstarch. It’s the game-changer for that extra shine!
DIY Cornstarch Glass and Mirror Cleaner
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
How to Make It
- Add the warm water, rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, and cornstarch to a spray bottle.
- Close the bottle tightly.
- Shake well to combine.
- Spray the homemade glass cleaner onto your mirror or glass surface.
- Wipe with a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth.
- Buff the surface until it is completely dry and shiny.
That’s it!
Give the bottle another good shake before each use so the cornstarch stays evenly distributed.
How to Clean Mirrors Without Streaks
For the best streak-free results, don’t just spray and wipe randomly. A few simple tricks make a big difference.
Use a microfiber cloth. A clean, lint-free microfiber cloth is ideal for mirrors and glass because it helps pick up residue without leaving behind fuzz and lint.
Don’t oversaturate the surface. A light mist is usually all you need. Too much cleaning solution can make it harder to get a streak-free finish.
Wipe in one consistent direction. For mirrors, I like to wipe from side to side or use an S-shaped motion.
Finish with a dry buff. If you see a few remaining streaks, use a clean, dry section of your microfiber cloth to buff the surface.
Where to Use This Homemade Glass Cleaner
This DIY cleaner works beautifully for many glass surfaces around your home, including:
- Bathroom mirrors
- Bedroom mirrors
- Glass doors
- Glass tables
- Windows
- Picture frames with glass
- Glass shower doors
- Other household glass surfaces
Always test homemade cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area first, especially when you’re unsure how a particular surface will react.
A Simple Low-Tox Cleaning Swap
One of my favorite things about making my own cleaning products is knowing exactly what’s going into the bottle.
You don’t need a cabinet full of specialty cleaners to keep your home sparkling. A few basic household ingredients can go a long way when you’re tackling everyday homemaking tasks.
This DIY glass cleaner recipe is especially nice to keep on hand because mirrors and glass seem to collect fingerprints the second you finish cleaning them!
If you have kids at home, you already know what I mean.
How to Store Your Homemade Glass Cleaner
Because this recipe contains cornstarch, always shake the bottle well before using it.
Label your spray bottle clearly and store it safely out of reach of children and pets. Never mix cleaning ingredients with bleach or other cleaners unless you know the combination is safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cornstarch really help clean glass?
Cornstarch is the secret ingredient in this homemade glass cleaner because it can help lift residue and lightly polish the surface as you wipe. It can be especially helpful when you’re trying to achieve that streak-free glass look.
Can I use this on mirrors?
Yes. This recipe is designed for common household mirrors and glass surfaces. Spray lightly and wipe with a clean microfiber cloth for the best results.
What is the best cloth for cleaning mirrors?
A clean microfiber cloth is my first choice. It is lint-free and works well for wiping away fingerprints and cleaning solution without leaving much behind.
Save This Homemade Glass Cleaner Recipe
The next time your mirrors look cloudy, streaky, or covered in fingerprints, skip the expensive specialty cleaner and try this simple DIY cornstarch glass cleaner instead.
If you love simple homemade cleaning recipes, low-tox cleaning ideas, budget-friendly cleaning hacks, and easy homemaking tips, be sure to save this recipe for your next cleaning day.
