Cornstarch Absorbs and Shines

For windows and mirrors, mix 2 quarts warm water with 1/2 cup cornstarch. Apply with a sponge and buff dry for a sparkling shine.

If you have a grease stain on wallpaper, make a thick paste of cornstarch and water and apply it to the grease stain. As the cornstarch dries, it draws the grease into the paste. When completely dry, wipe or vacuum off the dried cornstarch.

Rubbing Alcohol for Hard Surfaces

Rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol provides the base for an evaporating cleaner to rival commercial window and glass cleaning solutions. Use it on windows, mirrors, chrome fixtures and for a shiny finish on hard-surface ceramic tiles.

Homemade glass cleaner recipe
Try this recipe to harness the cleaning power of rubbing alcohol. Mix in a spray bottle:

1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Strong glass cleaner recipe
Mix in a spray bottle:

1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon clear, non-sudsing ammonia

Ammonia

An alkaline solution, clear ammonia creates stronger window and all-purpose cleaning recipes than acidic vinegar. Choose a non-sudsing type: Suds may look as if they’re working, but they’re tough to rinse and remove.

Strong all-purpose cleaner recipe
Mix in a spray bottle:

1 tablespoon clear, non-sudsing ammonia
1 tablespoon clear dishwashing liquid
2 cups water