Let’s be real—there’s nothing more frustrating than cleaning a mirror or window, only to step back and realize… streaks. Everywhere. You tilt your head left, tilt it right, squint a little, and yep—those streaks are still laughing at you. So, what’s the fix? Well, one of the old-school, tried-and-true tricks is using ammonia.
But wait—before you picture yourself in a lab coat mixing up dangerous potions, relax. We’re not making rocket fuel here. We’re just whipping up a simple, powerful glass cleaner you can make at home in minutes. And honestly, once you try it, you may never go back to store-bought sprays again.
Why Ammonia Works Like Magic on Glass
You’ve probably seen ammonia listed on the back of a lot of commercial cleaners, right? That’s because it’s excellent at cutting through grease, fingerprints, and that mysterious haze that shows up on glass for no reason at all. Unlike some homemade cleaners (looking at you, vinegar), ammonia dries super fast and leaves that squeaky-clean, streak-free finish.
Think about it this way: vinegar is like that reliable friend who always shows up but isn’t super flashy, while ammonia is the one who gets the job done and makes it look effortless.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the part where we gather the cast of characters. Spoiler: it’s a short list.
- 1 cup of water (room temperature is fine)
- 1 cup of rubbing alcohol (helps with that fast dry time)
- 1 tablespoon of clear ammonia (the star of the show)
- A spray bottle (because pouring it in a bowl and dipping your rag in would just be… weird)
Optional: a few drops of dish soap if you’re dealing with seriously grimy glass.
See? No fancy ingredients, no secret code. Just everyday stuff you probably already have at home.
How to Mix It Up
Alright, this part is easy-peasy.
- Grab your spray bottle.
- Pour in the water, then the rubbing alcohol.
- Add the tablespoon of ammonia.
- (Optional) If you’re feeling extra, drop in a couple drops of dish soap.
- Shake gently to mix—don’t go wild like you’re making a cocktail, just enough to blend everything together.
And there you go. You’ve officially made your own ammonia-based glass cleaner.
How to Use It (Without Overthinking)
Spray, wipe, done. That’s it. But since we’re friends now, let me give you a couple pro tips:
- Use a microfiber cloth or even newspaper (yep, the old-fashioned kind) to wipe. Paper towels can sometimes leave lint behind.
- Don’t drench the glass. A light mist is all you need—more spray just means more wiping.
- For mirrors, spray the cloth first, not the mirror, to avoid drips sneaking behind the frame.
Imagine cleaning your bathroom mirror and actually being able to see yourself clearly afterward. Revolutionary, right?
A Quick Word on Safety
Okay, not to sound like your mom here, but a little caution is smart. Don’t mix ammonia with bleach—ever. That combo creates toxic fumes you do not want to mess with. Stick to the simple recipe above, and you’re golden.
Final Thoughts
Making your own glass cleaner with ammonia is one of those small life hacks that feels way more satisfying than it should. It’s cheap, effective, and honestly, kind of fun. Next time you’re battling streaky windows, just whip up a batch of this magic potion and watch the glass sparkle.
Who knew cleaning could feel this satisfying?
Now, here’s a challenge for you: try it out and then check your reflection in the mirror. No streaks. Just you, looking smug because you’ve cracked the code to perfect glass.