If you’ve ever cleaned your windows only to step back and see streaks, haze, or weird cloudy patches, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common household frustrations—especially in Australian homes where dust, coastal salt, humidity, and hard water all work against you. Add rental inspections or end-of-lease pressure into the mix, and suddenly “just cleaning the windows” feels like a risky job.
Many people turn to store-bought sprays, only to find they’re expensive, smell harsh, and don’t always deliver better results. That’s why so many Aussies search for a homemade window cleaning solution that actually works—one that’s cheap, simple, and streak-free.
The good news? The best window cleaner isn’t complicated. You don’t need fancy products or secret ingredients. You need the right solution, in the right ratio, applied the right way. This guide breaks it all down clearly, so you can clean your windows properly the first time—whether it’s for everyday upkeep or a bond clean.
What Actually Makes a Window Cleaning Solution “The Best”?
Before jumping into recipes, it helps to understand what people really mean when they say they want the “best” window cleaner.
Most people aren’t chasing perfection—they just want:
- No streaks or haze once the glass dries
- No sticky residue that attracts dust
- No overpowering chemical smell
- A solution that works on modern glass, including tinted windows
- Something affordable and easy to mix at home
Where many DIY attempts go wrong is not the ingredient choice, but the balance. Too strong, and the solution smears or damages surfaces. Too weak, and it barely cuts through grime. Climate also matters. In Australia, heat and humidity can cause cleaning solutions to dry too fast, leaving marks even if the recipe itself is fine.
That’s why the “best” solution is one that’s proven, balanced, and suited to real-world conditions—not just something that sounds good on paper.
The Best Homemade Window Cleaning Solution (Tried and Tested)
Vinegar-Based Window Cleaning Solution
This is the most reliable homemade window cleaning solution for Australian homes, rentals, and bond cleans.
Ingredients
- 1 part white vinegar
- 10 parts warm water
For example:
- 1 cup vinegar
- 10 cups warm water
Mix this in a clean bucket or spray bottle.
Why This Works
White vinegar is mildly acidic, which means it:
- Breaks down grease from fingerprints and cooking residue
- Dissolves mineral deposits from hard water
- Evaporates cleanly without leaving residue
When diluted properly, vinegar cleans effectively without damaging glass, frames, or seals.
When This Solution Is Best
- General dirt and dust
- Fingerprints and hand marks
- Light water spots
- Rental and end-of-lease window cleaning
If you’ve tried vinegar before and it didn’t work, the issue was likely one of three things: the ratio was too strong, the cloth was dirty, or the window dried too fast in direct sun.
When Vinegar Alone Isn’t Enough
Sometimes windows have more than just light dirt. Kitchens, bathrooms, and neglected external windows often need a bit more power.
Dish Soap and Water Solution
Ingredients
- 1–2 drops of mild dishwashing liquid
- 1 litre warm water
That’s it. More soap does not mean better cleaning.
This solution works by lifting greasy residue, which plain vinegar may struggle with.
Best used for
- Kitchen windows
- Windows near BBQ areas
- Windows with oily or sticky film
The most common mistake here is adding too much dish soap. That’s what causes streaks and cloudy residue once the glass dries.
Vinegar and Dish Soap Combo (Grease Specialist)
For windows that are both greasy and mineral-stained, a combination solution works well.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 litre warm water
- 1–2 drops dishwashing liquid
This cuts grease first, then removes residue as it dries.
This is especially useful for rental properties where windows haven’t been cleaned regularly.
Ammonia-Based Homemade Solution (Use Carefully)
This is an optional, stronger solution and not necessary for most homes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon clear ammonia
- 1 litre warm water
Ammonia is excellent at cutting heavy grime, but it comes with warnings:
- Strong smell
- Needs good ventilation
- Not safe for tinted or coated glass
Use gloves, open windows, and never mix ammonia with bleach.
This solution is best for very dirty external windows or neglected properties—not routine cleaning.
What You Should Never Put in a Window Cleaning Solution
Avoid using the following:
- Baking soda, while great for kitchens, is abrasive. It can scratch glass and permanently dull the surface.
- Essential oils might smell nice, but they leave oily residue that causes smearing and attracts dust.
- Too much dish soap is the number one reason people complain about streaks after DIY cleaning.
- Newspaper used to work decades ago, but modern inks and glass coatings can cause smudging or ink transfer.
- If the goal is clear, streak-free glass, simple always beats fancy.
How to Apply Homemade Window Cleaner Properly
Even the best solution will fail if applied the wrong way.
- Use clean microfiber cloths or a proper squeegee. Dirty cloths spread grease rather than removing it.
- Always work from the top of the window down. This prevents dirty water from running over clean glass.
- Wring your cloth or scrubber well. Over-wetting the glass is a fast track to streaks.
- After cleaning, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the edges and corners where water collects.
- If you’re chasing a professional finish, a final buff with a dry cloth makes a noticeable difference.
Inside vs Outside Windows: Same Solution, Different Approach
The solution doesn’t need to change, but the method does.
- Inside windows usually have fingerprints, dust, and light grime. These respond well to vinegar-based solutions and gentle wiping.
- Outside windows deal with dust, pollen, bird droppings, and rain residue. Always rinse loose dirt first with water before applying any cleaning solution. This prevents scratching and smearing.
- For upper windows, extension poles and squeegees help, but safety comes first. If access is risky, professionals are worth the cost—especially for rentals.
Don’t Forget Tracks, Frames, and Screens
Clean glass still looks dirty if the tracks and frames are full of grime.
For tracks:
- Vacuum loose dirt first
- Spray vinegar solution
- Scrub with an old toothbrush
- Wipe dry
For screens:
- Remove if possible
- Hose down gently
- Scrub with soft brush and mild soap
- Air dry fully before reinstalling
Neglecting these areas is a common reason property managers say windows “aren’t clean,” even when the glass itself looks fine.
Timing Matters More Than You Think
- The best time to clean windows is on a cloudy day. Direct sun causes water to evaporate too quickly, leaving streaks behind.
- Early morning or late afternoon works well in most parts of Australia.
- High humidity can also cause haze, so make sure windows are fully dry before inspecting your work.
Homemade vs Store-Bought Window Cleaners
Store-bought cleaners often contain alcohols and fragrances that give an instant shine—but also leave residue.
Homemade solutions:
- Cost a fraction of the price
- Are customisable to your needs
- Don’t leave sticky build-up
- Are safer for pets and indoor air
For routine cleaning and rental prep, homemade solutions perform just as well when used correctly.
Are Homemade Window Cleaners Good Enough for Bond Cleaning?
In many cases, yes.
If windows are in reasonable condition and cleaned properly—including tracks and screens—DIY solutions can meet inspection standards.
However, if:
- Windows have heavy hard water stains
- Upper windows are hard to access
- The property manager is very strict
Professional window cleaning may still be the safer option to protect your bond.
Common DIY Window Cleaning Mistakes
- Using dirty cloths that spread grease
- Cleaning in direct sunlight
- Overusing soap
- Skipping the final dry wipe
- Ignoring tracks and frames
Fixing these mistakes often improves results more than changing the solution itself.
Final Thoughts
The best homemade window cleaning solution isn’t complicated or expensive. It’s about balance, technique, and timing. With the right vinegar-based mix, clean tools, and a bit of patience, you can achieve clear, streak-free windows that look professional—without relying on harsh chemicals or costly sprays.
Whether you’re cleaning for yourself or preparing for a rental inspection, getting this right can save money, time, and frustration.
