
Apple Cider Vinegar is a household staple known for its benefits to health, skin care, cooking, and cleaning. As for cleaning, you may want to use this solution instead of the usual chemical-based cleaners. It is not only an effective cleaning tool, but it’s safe and more sustainable.
One of apple cider vinegar’s most common uses at home is cleaning windows. This solution can clean both small and large windows without a streak. Pair it with baking soda or detergent, and you can make this simple ingredient even more powerful.
Want to make your windows sparkling clean? Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure streak-free sparkling windows.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe to Use?
As mentioned, apple cider vinegar is a perfect alternative to chemical cleaners at home. This household staple is a non-toxic cleaning solution. You can use it as a cooking ingredient; thus, rest assured that this solution is not harmful.
Unlike most chemical window cleaners, apple cider vinegar does not contain harmful chemicals and poses no health threats. It is safe to use at home, especially around children and pets. But you still need to be careful to ensure that it will not get into the eyes of anyone in your house. It may cause eye irritation, redness, or corneal injury.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Effective for Cleaning Windows at Home?
It will depend on the job at hand. Apple cider vinegar is enough for lighter jobs, such as removing dirt, dust, or impurities. In other cases, you may need another household staple like baking soda or detergent to achieve a streak-free finish.
Apple cider vinegar and baking soda are a dynamic duo that can clean the most challenging and grimy jobs. This combination is suitable for windows that need intense cleaning. Meanwhile, baking soda and dish soap are perfect combos for a gentler yet effective wash on your windows.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar be Used to Clean Vehicle Windows?
Ideally, vehicle windows need auto window cleaners rather than apple cider vinegar. While you can use this solution to clean your windows, the job can be tough and harmful to the vehicle. Should you want to try apple cider vinegar, bear this in mind.
One, use microfiber towels; and two, cover some areas (i.e., driver’s or passenger’s seat) of your car with a thick blanket or towels to prevent damage. Apple cider vinegar has acidic content and may damage essential parts of the vehicle.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Clean Any Type of Window?
Absolutely! Vinegar is a versatile cleaning agent. It can clean away dirt from any type of window. Whether you’re removing gunk from your windshields or toothpaste marks on your bathroom mirror, this solution can solve your window problems.
However, various methods are necessary depending on the severity of the dirt, grease, or impurities. In most cases, apple cider vinegar alone can get the job done. In tough jobs, you may need baking soda or dish soap along with apple cider vinegar. You can also use essential oil if you’re not a fan of the smell of this solution.
How to Clean Windows with Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar can be your go-to solution should you observe minor dirt on the windows. You can also keep it on hand just in case you need immediate cleaning in the house.
Things you’ll need:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle
- 2 Towels
Instructions:
- Put the apple cider vinegar and water into the spray bottle. Mix them well.
- Remove the dust or dirt with a towel.
- Spray the mixture on your windows.
- Wipe the windows with the towel. Feel free to add essential oil if you want the windows scented.
How to Clean Windows with Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda?
Apple cider vinegar and baking soda are perfect combos if the windows are filthy and you want to at least refrain from the harsh smell of the solution.
Things you’ll need:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Spray Bottle
- Towel
Instructions:
- Combine water, baking soda, and apple cider vinegar in the spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture on your windows.
- Wipe the windows with a towel.
How to Clean Windows with Apple Cider Vinegar and Dish Soap?
For a streak-free finish, apple cider vinegar and dish soap are a potent mixture. Have this solution on hand to keep your windows sparkling clean. This method is perfect if you haven’t washed your windows for a long time.
Ingredients:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Dish soap
- Distilled water
- Spray bottle
- Towel
Instructions:
- Mix the distilled water, apple cider vinegar, and dish soap in the spray bottle.
- Spray the windows and wipe them off using a towel.
What are the Pros of Using Apple Cider Vinegar to Clean Windows?

There are many benefits to using apple cider vinegar to clean windows. To narrow things down, here are things you should expect when washing your windows with this solution.
It is Affordable
While there are many affordable chemical window cleaners, it won’t beat the affordability of apple cider vinegar. In fact, you may find it in your pantry, so you won’t need to buy any more. They can also be easily purchased in the grocery store or online. Overall, it’s very accessible.
It is Safe to Use
Apple cider vinegar is non-toxic. With this household favorite, you can rest assured that no one, especially your children or pets, will be harmed while cleaning windows.
It is Versatile
Some commercial window cleaners can only be used in a particular type of glass. However, this is not the case with apple cider vinegar. You can use it on any window glass.
It Provides a Streak-Free Appearance
Uniquely, apple cider vinegar is a streak-free cleaning agent. It can clean away dirt, dust, and grease on any surface that it is used on.
What are the Cons of Using Apple Cider Vinegar to Clean Windows?
As cliché as it may sound, there is no such thing as perfect. While apple cider vinegar may have a few downsides, it’s best to know them before you decide to use this solution.
It Has a Bad Smell
Apple cider vinegar has a harsh aroma, and most people do not want to smell this solution. However, the scent could quickly dissipate, or you can use essential oil if you can’t tolerate its smell.
It May Cause Dullness on Some Surfaces
While it may not harm your windows, it may damage other areas of the house. Due to its acidic content, the solution may cause dullness to shiny surfaces. Keep this solution away from marble, onyx, granite, and any object that glistens.
It May Not Entirely Eliminate Grease
Apple cider vinegar is not the best tool to remove grease. If you have greasy windows, this solution may have trouble removing it.
Conclusion
Apple cider vinegar is an all-purpose cleaning agent, and when it comes to cleaning windows, it can do wonders. It is a perfect alternative to overpriced commercial cleaners. Like other cleaners, this solution can freshen and clear up the windows in a heartbeat. It also is safe, affordable, and convenient to use.
If you are interested in learning what else apple cider vinegar can do for your home, check out our post – Will Apple Cider Vinegar Clean a Coffee Pot?