Spending your hard-earned cash on cleaning products isn’t the most exciting of prospects. Unfortunately, if you want a clean home — they’re a necessity. If you’ve noticed that your mirrors are looking a little dusty, streaky or faded — why not try making your own DIY cleaner? DIY cleaning solutions will not only save you money, they’ll also reduce your environmental footprint as you’re not bringing any nasty cleaning chemicals into your home. It’s a win-win situation!
When most people consider DIY cleaners they automatically think of DIY drain unblockers, wood polish or cabinet cleaners, many are unaware of how easy it is to make an affordable mirror cleaner using just rubbing alcohol and water!
It’s understandable to find the thought of making DIY mirror cleaner intimidating. Worry not! We’re here to help! In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps for making your own affordable mirror cleaner using just rubbing alcohol and water. So let’s get started …
Benefits of DIY cleaning agents
There are many benefits to using DIY cleaning agents in general. Instead of commercial store-bought products, DIY cleaners are designed with natural ingredients, so you can trust that their use won’t harm the environment (or your health!). Moreover, DIY cleaners are often cheaper and more effective than store-bought versions.
Plus, you can make a large batch of your own cleaner in one go, meaning you won’t have to buy multiple bottles of store-bought products which often come in single-use plastic packaging. Finally, DIY cleaners are often easier to use than the store-bought varieties – making them great for busy households!
Materials Needed
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is an effective cleaning agent which is safe to use on glass surfaces. It works by breaking down dirt and grime while disinfecting the area at the same time. Generally, you can purchase rubbing alcohol from your local drug store or supermarket. Bonus tip — be sure to check that the content is at least 70 percent alcohol for best results.
Water
Water is the other key ingredient in this recipe; it helps to dilute the rubbing alcohol so it’s not overly harsh on your mirror surface. You can use tap or bottled water – whichever you have available. We recommend using filtered water if possible. FIltered water helps minimize the chance of mineral deposits (common in areas with hard water) or streaks forming on your mirror.
Spray bottle or container for mixing ingredients
You’ll need an empty spray bottle to mix the rubbing alcohol and water together. Be sure to use a clean, dry vessel – preferably one made from glass, stainless steel, or food-grade plastic – to avoid any contamination and to keep the mix fresh.
Cleaning cloth or towel
You’ll need a soft cleaning cloth or towel to apply the cleaner to your mirror. Make sure it’s made from non-abrasive material so you don’t risk scratching the glass.
Steps for Making the Cleaner
- Measure one part rubbing alcohol and two parts water into a spray bottle.
- Safely shake or mix the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined.
- Apply a liberal amount of the mixture to a soft, clean cloth.
- Gently rub the cleaning cloth or towel in circular motion, gently buffing the mirror.
- Wipe away excess cleaner with a clean, dry cloth.
- Allow to air dry.
Conclusion
Making your own DIY mirror cleaner with rubbing alcohol and water is a great way to save money, reduce your environmental footprint, and create a satisfying, effective cleaning agent.
With the right materials and a few simple steps, you can create an affordable and efficient mirror cleaner that won’t harm the environment. Making your own cleaners can be easy, fun, and rewarding – so why not give it a try?
FAQ
Q: How often should I use DIY mirror cleaner?
A: We recommend using the DIY mirror cleaner whenever you notice dirt or grime accumulating on your glass surface. Usually every two weeks to once a month should suffice. This will help keep your mirrors clean and streak-free.
Q: Can I use any type of alcohol in this recipe?
A: For best results, we recommend using rubbing alcohol with a concentration of at least 70 percent. Other types of alcohol – such as vodka or whiskey – may not be strong enough to effectively clean the surface and could lead to sticky streaks or residue buildup.
Q: Does this recipe work on windows?
A: Absolutely! This recipe can also be used to effectively clean windows, although you may want to reduce the amount of rubbing alcohol in the recipe (start with 1/2 part rubbing alcohol and 2 parts water) as this might be too harsh for some window surfaces.
Q: Can I add essential oils to my DIY mirror cleaner?
A: Yes. Adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil (like lavender or tea tree oil) can give your cleaner a pleasant scent, as well as adding beneficial antimicrobial properties. Just make sure not to exceed 5-10 drops, as the oil could damage some surfaces by forming an oily build-up if it’s used in large quantities. It may also clog up the spray mechanism if you’re using a spray bottle.
Q: Can I use this cleaner on framed mirrors?
A: You can …. just make sure to avoid getting the solution onto the frame (as it could damage it) and wipe away any excess that might seep between the mirror and the frame. It’s also a good idea to test a small area of your framed mirror before spritzing the whole area.
