We’ve all had to spend an hour cleaning a window, and then have a sticky film build up again within a week. What’s so special about glass that causes such a problem? We’re talking about two things: Skin Oils and High Surface Energy. When we touch glass, we transfer oils onto the surface, which attract dirt and dust particles and make it look dirty. There are many “quick fix” solutions to address this issue floating around the internet, but most of them only provide temporary relief. Instead of finding the quick fixes, I’ll be looking at what really prevents fingerprints on glass.
Why Fingerprints Stain Glass
High surface energy means that glass wants to hold onto anything that touches it. When you touch a surface, you deposit tiny amounts of oil, sweat, and dirt on the glass. Repeatedly touching the same glass surface adds layers of this material and simply wiping down the glass is ineffective as it only moves the top layer, not removing it completely.
Therefore, if you are searching the web for ways to prevent fingerprints on glass, you are going to need to find something that modifies the surface chemistry of the glass to cause fingerprints to repel the glass. In short, you need something to protect the glass from getting fingerprints in the first place.
Some Popular DIY Methods That Do Not Work
Cornstarch Based Glass Cleaner
I once resorted to using the cornstarch spray trick to clean a particularly stubborn bathroom mirror. The first coat gave a nice shine, but that was short-lived. Cornstarch forms a powder-based residue on the glass that attracts dirt and dust and makes the glass appear hazy and smudgy. As I experienced firsthand, I do not recommend using this DIY solution for preventing fingerprints on glass.
Vinegar Only Solution
Vinegar is perhaps the most popular household cleaning solution and is great for cleaning mineral deposits and some forms of grime. However, vinegar has little effect on repelling oils. Vinegar is an excellent cleaner, but it will not prevent fingerprints.
Cleaning vs Preventing Fingerprints
Cleaning removes dirt and smudges, but prevents fingerprints by repelling oils. Therefore, cleaning your glass may help temporarily, but will not prevent fingerprints in the long run. To effectively prevent fingerprints on glass, you need a solution that repels oils.
Effective DIY Solutions
Alcohol + Distilled Water (Easy, Simple, & Effective)
My go-to DIY solution is a simple combination of alcohol and distilled water. This combination has proven to be very effective in reducing fingerprints and providing a clear finish.
Recipe:
• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 cup isopropyl alcohol (70% to 91%)
Why it Works:
Alcohol cuts oils easily and evaporates cleanly. When combined with distilled water (which contains no minerals) it provides an extremely clear finish.
Tips:
Always use a clean microfiber cloth. Lightly spray the solution onto the glass and buff in circular motions. Avoid over-saturating the surface. I have successfully applied this solution to various types of glass including windows, glass tables, and television screens.
Silicone Boosted DIY Polish (Long Lasting)
A trick I learned from detailing cars involves adding 1-2 drops of silicone-based lubricant to your alcohol mixture.
The addition of silicone creates a thin layer that repels oils and fingerprints. It’s not just a cleaner, it’s a protective barrier. Use this for:
• Bathroom Mirrors (Finally!)
• Shower Glass
• Exterior Windows
⚠️ Note: Do NOT apply this to smartphones, tablets, or screens that have anti-glare coatings, as the silicone can damage the surface.
Rain Repellents (Hack for DIY Application)
Not technically homemade, but certainly DIY friendly. Rain repellents (like RainX) were originally developed for automotive windshield applications and work as a hydrophobic coating to repel both water and fingerprints.
Apply the RainX like wax: spread thinly across the surface, allow to dry, then buff off. I have successfully applied RainX to my shower door, and the results are nothing short of amazing. Water simply beaded and rolled off, and smudges didn’t stick.
Applying for Optimal Fingerprint Protection
For optimal application, follow these guidelines:
• Start with a clean surface. Degrease the area using an alcohol wipe.
• Apply the solution in moderation. Do not overdo it!
• Buff the surface dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
• Never use paper towels to clean the surface as they will leave behind lint and potentially scratch the glass.
• Reapply the solution every 1-2 weeks to maintain maximum effectiveness.
Skip the degreasing step and the entire process becomes much less effective. I know this personally.
Surfaces Best Served By Each DIY Method
Here is what I have tested and where each of these methods excel:
• Mirrors: Alcohol/Silicone Solution
• Windows: Alcohol Solution/Rain Repellent Solution
• Shower Doors: Silicone/Hydrophobic Product
• Screens: Alcohol Solution (No Additives!)
Test a small area first, regardless of what surface you are cleaning.
What Really Prevents Fingerprints
Let’s cut to the chase. Cleaning your glass is important for removing dirt and smudges, but that alone will not keep fingerprints off. Without something to repel oils, those fingerprints will come back faster than you can say “Why Did I Even Bother?”
Don’t waste your time trying the powder-based solutions; they’re not worth the effort. And while vinegar is a great cleaner, it offers no resistance to oils. If you want a DIY solution for a glass cleaner that is also fingerprint resistant, try combining alcohol with a small amount of silicone to get a longer lasting solution.
As someone who has spent years dealing with smudged glass, I can attest to the fact that having a small spray bottle of the alcohol/silicone solution and a clean microfiber cloth nearby is the best way to fight the battle against smudges. You will not regret it.
