"Fake" Windex

Updated on January 20, 2012
S.L. asks from Jefferson City, MO
14 answers

Does water mixed with vinegar work as windex? If not, does anyone know how I can make my own windex? Thanks :)

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So What Happened?

Ladies!!!

This is amazing!! WHo would have thought!? I am pretty excited! I used about 1/2 cup in a regular windex bottle and then filled the rest with water....It is pretty awesome! The vinegar doesn't smell too bad...I kinda like it!

Whoever wrote about associating the smell of vinegar with clean...Sorry, I forgot to look at the name:).....You are so RIGHT!! I was using bleach to clean everything...basically becasue I KNOW it kills germs and the smell...well it just smells SUPER CLEAN...but is harsh. And since I have a nine month old I really don't want to be filling the house with fumes!

Thank you everyone!! :)

Featured Answers

K.S.

answers from New York on

Yes yes yes! And, another tip I learned (while working one summer as a "chambermaid") - use the regular old newspaper pages to clean glass. Leaves it REALLY clean & clear, and no lint (unlike paper towel).

2 moms found this helpful

More Answers

M.J.

answers from Milwaukee on

I use a drop of natural dishsoap mixed with vinegar and water. Once you start using vinegar to clean you will start to associate the smell of vinegar with the smell of clean. Kind of like people associate the smell of poison/toxic chemicals with the smell of clean. :)

4 moms found this helpful
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J.K.

answers from Omaha on

I've never tried it with windex! I do know that vinegar is a natural disenfectant, and while it smells gross, it's AMAZING. I used to clean primarily with it, as well as condition my hair with it. I'd suggest putting some in a spray bottle, 1 part vinegar to about 2 parts water. After you've washed with the vinegar wash it down with water (for counters) to get rid of the smell. You can use white vinegar but some people prefer apple cider vinegar because it doesn't smell as strong (I guess?).

3 moms found this helpful
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S.F.

answers from Utica on

Vinegar is phenominal on windows, mirrors, and chrome. I started cleaning pretty much everything with it when I became pregnant and I love it. Yes it smells when you are using it but as soon as it dries the smell is gone

2 moms found this helpful

V.C.

answers from Dallas on

I use one drop of Basic H from Shaklee in a 16 oz bottle of water.

2 moms found this helpful

M.L.

answers from Houston on

Yes, I use a water/vinegar solution and it works great, even on windows and mirrors. Healthier and cheaper too.

2 moms found this helpful

C.J.

answers from Milwaukee on

My husband works for SC Johnson Wax. He doesn't make Windex (that's a different part of the plant) but I remember him saying it's LITERALLY 90% water.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.T.

answers from Chicago on

Hooray for water/vinegar solution!! Also, use the pleated coffee filters for wiping. No lint and no newspaper print!!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Another recipe that I have used is 4 c water 2 drops of dish detergent (I've heard that both Joy and Dawn work well). You can add a drop or two of blue food coloring if you want that Windex color. ;)

1 mom found this helpful
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A.P.

answers from Orlando on

I don't know how to make windex, but we use the Greenworks brand and their spray is just as good (hubby thinks better) than windex. Maybe a decent alternative, but not as good as homemade.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.M.

answers from Denver on

yes, much better for you too! I have read (dont know if it is true necessarily) that windex is one of the worst chemical cleaners you can have in your house so I would def use that instead!

1 mom found this helpful
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K.C.

answers from Kansas City on

I use vinegar and water for almost EVERYTHING! It kills almost as many germs as bleach (99% vs. 99.9% or something like that), but is healthy for our lungs and such. For scrubbing I use baking soda (also for whitening). It's amazing the change in how I feel since I switched!

K.

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G.T.

answers from Rochester on

Yes, vinegar and water is the best thing you can use to clean so many surfaces in the home. And instead of using paper towels, use newspaper! It works great and leaves everything shiny and sparkling. I learned this when I worked in a restaurant. We always cleaned with it.

Also if you need something to clean a stubborn spot try using baking soda. Sprinkle it on the spot like you would a cleanser (Comet, Ajax) and use a damp sponge to scrub it. This works great in the bathroom (tub and sink). It makes everything shine and no gritty feel afterwards. And it's safe for everyone in the house!

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A.H.

answers from Washington DC on

Water, carp full of ammonia and a few drops of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle works for me like a charm. I also make my own " Fantastic" with water borax castille soap and a splash of ammonia. Cleans the stove and counter top like a champ for a fraction of the cost.

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