Old-Fashioned Glass Cleaner (That Actually Works)

You know how some things just work better when they’re a little old-school? This glass cleaner is one of those things. Forget the blue stuff. Forget the fancy bottles with labels that shout things like “streak-free shine!” and “professional strength formula!” You don’t need it. What you do need is something that actually works—like on the bathroom mirror after someone (not naming names, Jay) brushes their teeth like a wild animal.

This is a recipe I first scribbled down from some home-keeping forum like a decade ago. The kind where people still talk about vinegar like it’s a miracle cure—and honestly, I think they might be right.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup white vinegar (the plain old kind in the jug)
• 1 cup distilled water (tap water works, but distilled gives that streak-free finish)
• 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol (for quicker drying and fewer smudges)
• Optional: 1–2 drops dish soap (if you’re cleaning off greasy fingerprints or mystery splatters)
• Optional: a few drops of essential oil (lemon or lavender if you want it to smell like a spa instead of a salad—heh)

Then just pour everything into a spray bottle, give it a little shake, and voilà—you’re now that person who makes their own cleaning supplies. And, I’m weirdly proud of you. 🙌🏻

How to Use It

Spray it on any glass surface—mirrors, windows, even the inside of your oven door if you’re feeling brave. Wipe it off with a microfiber cloth, old t-shirt, or my grandma’s favorite—a piece of newspaper. (Yes, really. The ink polishes the glass. Don’t ask me how. It’s magic.)

And here’s a tip I wish I’d learned sooner—clean your windows on a cloudy day. Sunlight dries the spray too fast and leaves streaks behind, which defeats the whole purpose and makes you question everything you’ve ever done (with regards to cleaning glass, that is).

How to Make Mirrors Fingerprint-Resistant

1. DIY Hack: The Invisible Shield

• After cleaning your mirror thoroughly (using that vinegar/rubbing alcohol mix), take a clean, dry microfiber cloth and add a tiny drop of baby oil, mineral oil, or even Rain-X (for glass).
• Buff it in lightly—you’re not greasing a skillet here.
• The idea is to create a whisper-thin layer that repels oils and smudges.

Why it works:
It doesn’t prevent fingerprints forever, but it creates a smooth surface that resists grime buildup and makes future prints wipe away with just a dry cloth.

2. Store-Bought Options:

• Rain-X Glass Cleaner + Rain Repellent: Yes, the stuff for windshields. It makes water (and finger oils) bead up and roll off. Just spray, buff, and let it dry.
• Invisible Glass with Rain Repellent: Another great combo product that cleans and adds a protective layer.
• Ceramic coating sprays (like the ones made for cars or windows): These are a little extra, but they do leave a slick surface that helps resist oils.

3. Bonus Grandma Tip: Don’t touch the mirror.
Kidding. (Sort of.)

Real talk? Nothing is 100% fingerprint-proof if little hands (or grown-up ones) are around, but with the right combo—clean, buff, repel—you’ll definitely spend less time scrubbing. And if it cuts even one mirror-cleaning session a week? Uh, worth it.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This

It’s cheap. It’s easy. It works. It smells like you’ve got your life together (especially if you add the lemon oil). And honestly? There’s something that makes my soul happy when I do things the simple way. Especially in a world that loves to complicate even the most basic stuff (like cleaning glass).

This cleaner has handled toddler handprints, grand-baby kisses all over the mirror, and those mystery smudges that show up after brushing your teeth. So yeah—it’s most definitely earned a permanent spot in my cabinet.

I’d love to know if you try it. Or if your grandma had a go-to recipe like this. I think we could all use more of those, don’t you?