How to Clean Glass and Windows, Naturally

You can keep your glass, mirrors and windows sparkling clean, without using toxic chemicals. Use with plastic-free cloths and sponges and a recycled plastic dustpan and brush to clean exteriors before washing.

Choose Unscented products for pregnancy/nursing, allergies and if cleaning around babies or pets – citrus is toxic to pets). Never mix vinegar or lemon juice with any bleach (causes toxic gas).

• Greenscents Glass Cleaner (unscented) is organic and sold with refills.
• Bio-D Mirror Cleaner is in a trigger-spray bottle, sold with 5L refills. Many shops have refill stations.
• Kit + Kin Glass & Mirror Cleaner is sold with a bottle and refill pouches.
• Delphis Eco Glass & Stainless Steel Cleaner (also in refills) can be used to clean windows.

You can recycle empty bottles of chemicals with kerbside recycling. For half-full bottles, ask your council as these must be disposed of as toxic waste at the tip.

Keeping Pets and Wildlife Safe Near Windows

Don’t leave open top windows unattended near children or pets. Cats don’t always ‘right themselves’ when they land. So don’t let them lie near open top windows (cat screens may be an option).

Birds often can’t see clean glass, so avoid facing indoor foliage to outdoor gardens, to help prevent confusion. Read more on how to stop birds flying into windows.

Tips for Easy Cleaning of Windows and Glass

• Pick a cloudy day to clean windows, as sunshine can bake streaks and spots onto glass. Use a recycled plastic squeegee to pull down in straight strokes, to avoid streaks.
• If cleaning high windows, use a stable ladder on even ground (never lean out too far and wear shoes with good grip – or hire a window cleaner.
• A drop of liquid Castile soap in warm water helps remove oily handprints and dirt. This mild, plant-based soap rinses clean with no sticky film. It’s safe, and does not leave behind harmful chemicals.
• Old newspaper polishes glass without fuss and prevents streaks. Ditch paper towels and wipes—they often leave lint behind. Avoid microfibre cloths (they leach microplastics, in washing machines).

Cleaning vinegar (mixed equally with water) can remove fingerprints, dust and water spots. Just spray onto the window and wipe clean. Never mix vinegar with any kind of bleach, it causes toxic gas.

Baking soda can remove stuck-on grime, especially on glass oven doors and shower screens. Sprinkle a little onto a damp cloth (not direct on dry glass), scrub gently, then rinse in a dry. For extra cleaning power, use with cleaning vinegar.