• About/New Reader
    • Meet Alexis
    • Disclosures/Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Cookies
    • Drinks
    • Sweet Treats
    • Snacks
    • Baking Tips
  • Garden
    • Hibiscus
    • geranium
    • Rose
    • Patio/Container
    • Flower Tips
    • Backyard Inspiration
    • Fall Tips
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • DIY Skin Care
  • DIY Cleaner
  • Explore More Topics
    • DIY
      • Home/Office
    • Chemist Solutions
    • Life/Personal
    • Pregnancy
    • Chocolate
    • Coffee
    • Books
    • health/fitness
    • Weekly Snapshots
    • Seasonal
      • Autumn
      • christmas
      • Halloween
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • New Year’s Eve
↑
  • Meet Alexis
  • Press
  • Contact
  • The E-Book
  • Testimonials
  • Amazon Shop
  • Disclosures/Privacy Policy

Chemistry Cachet

Chemistry Secrets for Healthy Living, Beauty, Gardening & Cleaning

  • About/New Reader
    • Meet Alexis
    • Why We Are Called Chemistry Cachet
    • Disclosures/Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Cookies
    • Drinks
    • Sweet Treats
    • Snacks
    • Baking Tips
  • Garden
    • Garden
    • Insects
    • Lawn
    • Hibiscus
    • geranium
    • Rose
    • Patio/Container
    • Flower Tips
    • Backyard Inspiration
    • Fall Tips
  • Health
  • DIY Skin Care
  • DIY Cleaner
  • Explore More Topics
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • DIY
      • Home/Office
    • Chemist Solutions
    • Life/Personal
    • Pregnancy
    • Chocolate
    • Coffee
    • Books
    • Weekly Snapshots
    • Seasonal
      • Autumn
      • christmas
      • Halloween
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • New Year’s Eve

Homemade Window Cleaner From Tea Bags!!

2.19.18

Share this...
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
Linkedin
Share on email
Email

This post may contain affiliate links. These help support this website.

Homemade Window Cleaner From Tea Bags!!!

This is such a fun post today! How to make homemade window cleaner from tea bags! This also works for glass surfaces like ovens, mirrors, or glass tops.

First, WHY would you want to know how to make window cleaner from tea bags?? Well, if you ever run out of window cleaner, it is nice to have multiple alternatives to use around the home.

We love to share so many cleaning tips based on chemistry so you will always have options! Remember to follow on instagram where I share many tutorials on how I use all of our products 🙂

Plus, this smells great and it’s super easy to make! You will love making this homemade window cleaner from tea bags!

Homemade Window Cleaner From Tea Bags

The Best DIY Window Cleaner Using Just Tea Bags

 

What You Need To Make DIY Tea Bag Window Cleaner:

4 Black Tea Bags (MUST BE black tea, I like one with lemon)
8 oz boiling water
Spray Bottle (Any of these from the list work great!)

Directions:

  1. Make sure your water is at a rolling boil. Filtered water works best for this.
  2. Add the 4 tea bags to the boiling water and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes (no less than 10).
  3. Remove tea bags and allow mixture to cool for a few hours.
  4. Add to your spray bottle!

Shelf Life For Tea Bag Cleaner:

This will last for a week, but it is such a small amount, you probably won’t have to worry about it. You can store it in the refrigerator to keep it longer, just allow it to come to room temperature before using.

Application:

This will clean quit a few surfaces because you don’t have to use much. I cleaned my bathroom mirror, large sliding glass back door, stove top, and other various things around the kitchen with some leftover tea to spare. It is so handy to use and have on hand! If you are looking for something more traditional, be sure to check out our eBook for the best all-purpose cleaner (it’s on page 13) that works for windows too!

Homemade glasswindow cleaner from tea bags

To Apply This Homemade Window Cleaner:

  1. Spray the glass or window surface well.
  2. With a microfiber cloth (these work best for cleaning windows) or paper towel, rub the solution around the window area and buff.
  3. This didn’t take much elbow grease to remove the dirty smudges and bulldog slobber from my back door, just a light circular motion. If your surface is extra dirty or stuck on, repeat application if necessary.
  4. That’s it!

Homemade window cleaner from tea bags before and after on chemistrycachet.com

Okay, this is pretty gross thanks to Ruger constantly slobbering on the back door when he is waiting to come in. I let it build up a couple of days so I could show you how well it cleaned up with this homemade window cleaner from tea bags!

Those that follow me on Instagram and watch my IG stories got to see this full tutorial of cleaning off doggy slobbers LOL. I had some readers saying wow that cleaned up really good!

Before and after homemade tea cleaner

Here is a picture of using it on my glass stove top. I had some sticky oatmeal and honey among other things left on the surface. I sprayed with the tea spray, wiped with a microfiber cloth, and it helped right away.

Homemade glasswindow cleaner

How Exactly Does Tea Clean??

Now for the fun part. The chemistry behind why this actually works!

Black tea contains a chemical called tannins. Specifically, thearubigins including theaflavins. These tannins are responsible for the antioxidant activity and color of tea. Contrary to many articles I have read online, tea DOES NOT contain tannic acid!

Tannic acid is found in wood like oak, cherry, and walnut.

Why does our homemade window cleaner from tea bags work

The Role of Tannins

Tannins like to bind to other compounds like proteins and other organic compounds. This is their role within the plant, but it also transfers over to the tea once steeped. Tea has the ability to clean the glass surfaces from dirt and grim for this very reason.

Can I Use Any Tea For Cleaning?

NO! Black tea is the only one that will work properly. Green tea isn’t powerful enough and herbal teas don’t contain any part of the actual tea leaf. In order for this to work, you must use black tea.

Read about the different between black, green, and white tea in this post.

FAQ’s

Does the Tea Stain?

No, the tea will not stain your glass surfaces. If some tea drips on something else, simply wipe it off. It won’t stain 🙂

Can I use this for counter tops or other stone surfaces?

Due to the nature of the tea, it works best on glass or window like surfaces. Remember, this isn’t going to be an antibacterial like cleaner. For those types of recipes, please check out our eBook.

Do I have to use a microfiber cloth to apply?

No, you can also use a paper towel. Microfiber clothes are best, but paper towels will also work. Don’t use anything like a regular towel that can leave behind residue like lint.

Homemade window cleaner from tea bags on chemistrycachet.com

Enjoy!!

signature

signature
Follow on Facebook | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Hometalk

Linking with Met Monday and these link parties!

Alexis

Alexis is an investigative chemist sharing her expertise in cleaning, skincare, gardening, and home hacks. She personally tests out products like the best skincare products or home products then shares not only the science behind how it works, but also her personal results. She is the mom of two living in Texas with her husband. Find her on Instagram for fantastic videos, tips, and behind the scenes.

Share this...
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
Linkedin
Share on email
Email

Share this:

  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email

Filed Under: Cleaner Tagged With: tea bags, tea cleaner, window cleaner

Previous article:
« Are Eggs Making My Autoimmune Disease Worse?
Next article:
Healthier Ways to Use Your Refrigerator (Guest Post) »

Comments

  1. Mary says

    February 19, 2018 at 8:01 am

    This is so cool! I can’t wait to try it

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      February 19, 2018 at 8:02 am

      Thanks! It is such a neat DIY and works so well!

      Reply
  2. Pamela @ Sequins & Sea Breezes says

    February 19, 2018 at 9:21 am

    You just blew my mind! Totally trying this when I’m cleaning this weekend!!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      February 19, 2018 at 9:45 am

      It is so crazy how this works! I hope you enjoy making it!

      Reply
  3. Jo-Anne the crazy lady says

    February 19, 2018 at 5:46 pm

    I have heard of this before but have never tried it and I really should

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      February 19, 2018 at 6:12 pm

      It’s a great option!

      Reply
  4. Laurie S says

    February 20, 2018 at 8:40 pm

    This is so cool! Never thought to use black tea for cleaning. Looking forward to using this instead of W******x. Do you think it would clean the plastic flap on Daisy’s dog door? Love your chemistry lessons!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      February 21, 2018 at 8:31 am

      It does work on plastic, but not as well. It is worth a shot though! It is such a fun DIY to make 🙂 Thanks Laurie!

      Reply
  5. Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis says

    February 20, 2018 at 8:42 pm

    Who knew black tea bags could be such an effective window cleaner? An easy homemade cleaning recipe that saves money and is organic..per say! xo Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      February 21, 2018 at 8:32 am

      It is such a great natural cleaner!!

      Reply
  6. Judy Parkinson says

    February 25, 2018 at 3:13 pm

    And BLACK TEA SMELLS SO GOOD! Of course, I am a tea person/lover/non-expert who loves the stuff!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      February 25, 2018 at 4:44 pm

      Yes it smells wonderful!

      Reply
  7. SHERYL says

    March 16, 2018 at 4:00 pm

    I LOVE YOUR CHEMISTRY BACKED CLEANING IDEAS! I used to buy a wonderful microfiber cloth which was $9 each years ago.. On line it is $15!! I really worked unlike store shelf offers. Which do you use and are you satisfied with it’s performance? I would love an email response so I know I will see your answer. Keep posting. I never had the brain for chemistry but I have different skills. 🙂

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      March 17, 2018 at 11:16 am

      My favorite ones are the ones I list in this post! At the bottom the pack of 50 I get from Amazon for less than $20. Much cheaper than the ones I find at the store. So happy you enjoy our posts! Thank you for being a reader 🙂

      Reply
  8. Candace L Delano says

    November 18, 2018 at 2:47 pm

    I have a question. Can this work on my beverage glasses? For some reason, my glasses come out of my dishwasher with a bluish rainbow stain and I have tried everything to bring them back to clear glass. Nothing seems to work. I now do not put my good glasses in the dishwasher. It doesn’t seem to bother my regular dishes, only my drinking glasses.

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      November 19, 2018 at 8:25 pm

      I have never used it on drinking glasses, but it is worth a try! It can cut through stains pretty well

      Reply
  9. the review search says

    December 26, 2018 at 4:19 am

    Hi, I never heard before about black tea bags could be such an effective window cleaner? I am so excited to apply this and see if it work. Thanks for the sharing such an informative article.

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      December 30, 2018 at 8:18 am

      Hope you enjoy it!!

      Reply
  10. Anne Lewis says

    January 2, 2021 at 11:42 am

    Hi, I drink decaf tea. Do I have to use regular tea for this cleaner or will decaf work as well? Thank you . Anne. I just found your sight.

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      January 2, 2021 at 1:20 pm

      Decaf tea can work some, but since it has been chemically altered, it won’t work quit as well as the regular tea 🙂 You can still try using them for this recipe!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome, I'm Alexis!

Chemist, rheumatoid arthritis warrior, wife, mom sharing chemistry secrets for cleaning, skincare, gardening, health, and more!

Monthly Newsletter

Exclusive articles and tips straight to your inbox each month!

Follow

Disclosures

As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Chemistry Cachet is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Please read more here.

Recent Posts

  • Is Your Scalp (and Hair) pH The Key To Healthy Hair?
  • Full Body Serum That Firms, Hydrates, And Softens Skin
  • Why You Should Switch To Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

Monthly Newsletter

Exclusive recipes and tips straight to your inbox each month!

Stay In Touch

Categories

Archives

Copyright ©2025, Chemistry Cachet. All Rights Reserved.
Design by Pixel Me Designs
 

Loading Comments...