Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico
There’s no need to bring potentially toxic products into your home to clean your windows. Here is a simple two ingredient nontoxic alternative to Windex.
If you’re like me, you grew up associating the smell of Windex with fresh, clean windows. As I slowly swap over some of my household cleaners to less toxic options, I’ve held onto our bottle Windex. But I recently researched what ingredients were in the product and was surprised to learn how potentially harmful it can be to our health.
(If you’re looking for other nontoxic cleaning swaps, check out the full list here.)
Why Not To Use Windex
Toxic Ingredients
Ammonium Hydroxide
SC Johnson, the company that owns Windex, says that the product contains a range of chemicals that are potentially harmful to humans and wildlife. One example is ammonium hydroxide, which can severely irritate and burn skin and eyes, and irritate your lungs. When ammonia is combined with bleach, chloramine gas can be created. Inhaling chloramine gas can require hospitalisation due to how irritating it is to the nose, throat, and mouth.
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
SC Johnson lists butylphenyl methylpropional as one ingredient in Windex’s fragrance. The chemical is connected with possible organ system toxicity, endocrine disruption, and can apparently persist in our bodies over time.
It’s Expensive
Where we live, a bottle of Windex costs about $10. Over time, this can really add up, especially when there are far less expensive options available.
Toxic To Aquatic Life
The US Environmental Working Group lists Windex as a product of high concern due to multiple ingredients in the product being toxic to aquatic life.
Misleading Consumers
Windex has a history of misleadingly claiming its products are nontoxic. For example the company was recently sued after they made claims that some of their glass cleaners were nontoxic when the products actually claimed chemicals that can cause health problems for people exposed to them. The company settled the lawsuit prior to going to trial.
A Simple Nontoxic Alternative To Windex
With a few simple household ingredients you can make your own alternative to Windex that works just as well without the risks to your (or the environment’s) health.
Supplies
Microfiber cloths
Amber spray bottle – I like these ones and recommend avoiding plastic bottles because the acid in vinegar can cause chemicals in the plastic to leach into the spray
Funnel (to make the process easier) – We have this one
White vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) – We buy white vinegar in bulk
Essential oil of your choice (optional)
Water
Instructions
White vinegar and water is an inexpensive and nontoxic alternative to Windex. The slightly acidic composition of white vinegar makes it great at breaking down grime and smudges on windows.
To make this option, simply combine a 50:50 ratio of water and white vinegar into an amber spray bottle and give it a shake. You can also add 20-30 drops of an essential oil if you want to scent your window spray.
To use it, spray a generous amount of the mixture on your window. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away the liquid. I usually go back over the window twice to remove dirt and grime.
Using a dry microfiber cloth, as opposed to a cotton kitchen towel for example, helps prevent the vinegar from leaving streaks on your windows.
That’s it!
FAQ
How long to leave white vinegar on glass?
Because white vinegar is liquid, it will run down your glass windows. For this reason I like to use the fan spray setting on my amber bottle to spritz the window and use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the liquid away right away. I repeat the process a few times to remove the dirt and clean the window.
Can you use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar to clean windows?
Yes, you can swap out white vinegar for apple cider vinegar to clean your windows. I like to use white vinegar in cleaning applications because it’s less expensive.
What to read next
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What To Use Instead Of White Vinegar For Cleaning
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2-Ingredient Nontoxic Alternative To Windex
Equipment
- Funnel
- Amber spray bottle – I like these glass ones
Materials
- Microfiber cloths
- White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Essential oil of your choice optional
- Water
Instructions
- Use a funnel to combine a 50:50 ratio of water and white vinegar into an amber spray bottle and give it a shake.
- You can also add 20-30 drops of an essential oil if you want to scent your window spray.
- Spray a generous amount of the mixture on your window. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away the liquid. I usually go back over the window twice to remove dirt and grime.
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