Increase ventilation as much as possible. The acetic acid can cut grease, soap scum, and grime, but you may need a higher ratio of vinegar to water for better results. Like any DIY solution, you can keep reusing the same bottle instead of purchasing Windex over and over and then throwing out the bottles. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. While the end result may not be as streak-free as a window cleaned with Windex, using a homemade cleaner could be worthwhile for those who want to save some money and also want to use a product that only includes ingredients they are comfortable with. The ammonia-based product is also great for tackling soap scum on bathroom fixtures and stains on tiled floors, polishing up old jewelry and even repelling insects. Finally, we wanted to add essential oil to our homemade glass cleaner. If youre looking for a Windex alternative but dont have the time or patience to mix your own formula, consider Glass Plus. But even after the third application we still observed a bit of residue. Pour the blended solution into a spray bottle. If windows account for the largest surface area of glass in the house, mirrors are probably second. Yet, its not non-toxic, costs the same, and isnt as widely available. We could have devoted an entire post to the topic of creating the best DIY window cleaner. When bleach is mixed with ammonia, toxic gases called chloramines are produced. It has a light scent; some people find Windex to have too strong of a smell. The best product for getting reliably clean and clear glass is Windex. Then, we dove into the science and debate about chemicals, exposure, safety, and do-it-yourself alternatives. For additional questions regarding delivery, please visit Business Center Customer Service or call 1-800-788-9968. Like Windex, you can use this mixture on any glass surface even soap scum-laden shower doors. A simple water and vinegar solution is an excellent Windex alternative because its non-toxic, dye-free, ammonia-free, and artificial fragrance-free. Weiman Cooktop Cleaner Kit, Best for Windows: The Rain-X brand's "rain repellant" formula makes it one of the top-rated products for cleaning car windows. 92% of 5,300+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. Here are the best glass cleaners for sprucing up your windows, car, and more. Its ready to spray, just like Windex. These cans are metallic, and their contents are under extreme pressure. Which Windex Alternative Is Best For You? A top-quality glass cleaner breaks up and removes greasy fingerprints, smudges, and dirt without leaving streaks. Measure out one cup of hot or warm water. United States(expand to select country/region), Type and press the down arrow to browse search suggestions, Protein Shakes, Powders & Meal Replacements, Office Cubicle Walls, Partitions & Divider Panels. Cornstarch naturally breaks water bonds, eliminating moisture that can result in streaks. This option doesnt leave the residue that dishwashing soap can. Log in. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. 2022 Your Best Digs - All rights reserved. Im a fan of E-Cloth. It has safe, plant-based ingredients, and you can use it on multiple surfaces. It's pricey, but it works better than any other glass cooktop cleaner we have tested. While the scent doesnt linger long, the experience of using the spray is poor because of it. Add one cup of rubbing alcohol to the solution. Seventh Generation took care of the problem substances just fine but failed to remove lingering specks of dust. Glass Plus is not always as easy to find as Windex. https://bestreviews.com/home/windows/best-glass-cleaners. This spray formula does leave behind more streaks than some other cleaners, so it may take a few more swipes to get a crystal-clear shine. Foam options offer a more precise application, while liquids can overspray, landing on nearby surfaces and flooring. This DIY glass cleaner can do the same thing, but without harsh chemicals. To simulate these real-world cleaning situations, we applied a dime-sized amount of toothpaste to a fingertip and smeared it across the bathroom mirror. If you must use plastic, choose ones that can withstand vinegar (HDPE- or PETE-stamped). Add three tablespoons of white vinegar to the funnel. The Ultimate House Cleaning Checklist (Printable). Katie Begley is a product reviewer for The Spruce who specializes in lifestyle and parenting writing. The best way is to make your own glass cleaner using white vinegar, cornstarch, water, and essential oils. Whichever cleaner you choose, how you clean is just as important. But like Glass Plus, it could not completely keep away streaks. The addition of orange or lemon oil means no harsh vinegar smells. Glass cleaners are perfect for tackling dirty windows and mirrors, but theyre also capable of doing so much more. You can find out more information on it. In terms of both removing the substances and leaving a streak-free finish, the products from Windex and Zep Streak-Free Glass Cleaner distinguished themselves as superior to the others. If you use glass cleaner to sanitize any area that is used for food preparation or cooking, make sure to rinse the surface well. Seventh Generation is the most expensive because of its plant-based ingredients. Shake the bottle to mix ingredients well. Its plant-based cleaning agents are strong on messes, and its safe for the environment and your health. Vinegar is a weak form of acetic acid that is formed by the fermentation of sugars or starches. The instructions on the can state that second and third applications may be needed to loosen and absorb trace deposits. One of the more expensive options on our list, it's a smart buy for those who prefer to use non-toxic cleaning products. It uses rubbing alcohol, which can be harmful if swallowed. The following steps are our recommendations for cleaning all glass surfaces. Windex is the least expensive commercial product, but it should be noted that buying large refill containers, like the 128-ounce Windex offering on Amazon.com, typically lowers the price regardless of the brand. After nearly 40 hours of reading, researching, spraying and wiping, we determined that Windex is the best window cleaner available. Glass Plus is a solid alternative to Windex if you prefer an ammonia-free solution and dont want to try a DIY solution. Seventh Generation is one of the leaders in the movement to produce healthier, more eco-friendly cleaning and personal care products, and this is just one of its many plant-based products. The information provided on this website is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for professional advice. Because information and transparency are essential to making fair comparisons and wise decisions, we encourage you to do some of your own research into these products and others that you use frequently around your home. Many people believe that simply mixing water with soap is sufficient, while others claim its not enough to avoid streaking. When outside of the kitchen, he enjoys woodworking, photography, videography and figuring out how to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. It took care of our messy, chili-covered microwave with only a bit of effort. Interestingly, we learned that the weather can have a significant impact. Rejuvenate No Scrub Soap Scum Remover, The Best Cleaners for Glass Shower Doors to Keep Them Sparkling, Best for Mirrors: With this information, we whittled our field down to sixbrands that represented the different methods of cleaning glass. However, they also left the windows just a bit streaky. Recently there have been efforts at both the state and federal level to require disclosure of all ingredients in household chemicals directly on the packaging. Its more versatile than Windex because its not only safe to use on glass and mirrors but also on plastic, computer screens, fiberglass, plexiglass. Our simple, homemade Your Best Digs cleaner is by far the cheapest way (per ounce) to clean glass surfaces although it is more costly, both in time and money, upfront. While we may end up cleaning the windows around the office with another product, well keep our cans of Stoner and Weiman handy for this particular problem. The cleaning power of vinegar cannot be disputed. Also, mixing vinegar and water produces a thin solution, so you may have challenges removing tough grime. Unlike Windex, which contains ingredients like ammonium hydroxide and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, the ingredients for this cleaner are simple and safe. Also, youll incur the cost of purchasing a glass spray bottle. Chemicals that fall under the glycol ether umbrella include 2-Butoxyethanol (an ingredient in Weiman Glass Cleaner and Zep Streak-Free Glass Cleaner), propylene glycol (an ingredient in Windex), and methyl ether (an ingredient in Glass Plus Glass Cleaner Trigger). You can use certain glass cleaners on electronics. Even stains on fabric and carpet can be broken up and easily removed by applying glass cleaner. These ingredients may already be in your home, so you can try this alternative without going to the store. Vinegar is a condiment that can double as a cleaning agentif you're not a fan of the acidic smell, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a customized scent. If youre not a fan of using rubbing alcohol, this option probably isnt for you. The addition of cornstarch breaks water bonds that form on glass surfaces and makes this mixture as effective as Windex in delivering a streak-free result. Then, we pressed an olive oil-coated hand against the window and smeared it around to mimic greasy palm prints. (Even car washes use it!) Weiman is a foaming-spray cleaner that works great on stubborn messes, especially grease smears. To confirm, thoroughly read through the ingredients listed on the packaging, or refer to the product page on the brand's website. This option is a fraction of the cost of Windex; you can even buy the ingredients in bulk and make multiple bottles to place around your home. Hold the nozzle sixinches from the surface. Type: Pods create spray | Amount: 23 ounces per pod | Dimensions: 13.25 x 10.38 x 3.88 inches | Scent: Pomelo. It takes more effort than other alternatives since it requires some mixing. This solution is only for cleaning glass; never use it on natural stone or wood. Unlike Windexs original formula, Glass Plus is ammonia-free. Rain-X 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner + Rain Repellent, The 7 Best Microfiber Cloths to Tackle Messes With Care. He thoroughly enjoys discovering the best, whether its ingredients or equipment, and finding products that can stand the rigors of daily use. It uses the same cleaning formula as the other Invisible Glass products, which is free of ammonia and the types of scents, soaps, and chemical dyes that cause streaking. Having put our finalists through a battery of traditional test situations, we wanted to see how they stood up to a particularly dirty and all-too-frequent occurrence food exploding in the microwave. Costco Business Center products can be returned to any of our more than 700 Costco warehouses worldwide. Other chemicals commonly used in glass cleaners offer more protection against germs, but if used improperly, they can cause irritation to the skin and respiratory system. Stoner Invisible Glass Premium Glass Cleaner proved very versatile, performing well at cutting through food spills in our microwave test. This glass cleaning alternative is non-toxic, while Windex contains chemicals like ammonia. (Quick Guide), How to Make 4 Homemade Stain Removers That Actually Work, Is It Safe to Clean Hardwood Floors With Bleach? Still, you should always check the indications and list of ingredients first, as some contain abrasive chemicals that can damage items like TVs. Even after prolonged buffing, the windows werent as clean as they were when we tested Windex and Zep. It was incredibly easy to remove even the dried portions of our lunch that had set into the inside of the door. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass Cleaner. It's approved for use onglass shower doors, ceramic tile, fiberglass, natural stone, plastic, chrome, and porcelain, and is non-abrasive, so you don't need to worry about it scratching your surfaces. The orange essential oil acts as a degreaser, the lemon is believed to be effective in killing germs, and the cornstarch provides a streak-free result. Similar to Windex, some ingredients cause health and environmental concerns, such as sulfates. Fabuloso vs. Pine-Sol: Whats the Difference? All of the other products, including the one we made ourselves, are applied with a spray bottle. Non-perishable food andhousehold essentials. As an ammonia-based cleaner, it is versatile and effective on many surfaces not just glass. Glycol ethers are a group of solvents that are common in many cleaners, degreasers, and water-based paints. Read our, Stoner Invisible Glass Foaming Cleanser at Amazon, Sprayway Ammonia-free Glass Cleaning Wipes at Amazon, Puracy Organic Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner at Amazon, The Honest Company Conscious Cleaning Glass Starter Kit at Amazon, Method Glass + Surface Cleaner at Grove.co, Best Overall: Vinegar is a great natural antibacterial disinfectant, but many find the smell offensive, and it sometimes fails to thoroughly clean tough jobs. It is ready to use straight from the bottle, making it as convenient as Windex. Who else recommends it? Katie Berry, The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board member, notes that products with ammonia or alcohol have sanitizing abilities. Professional window washers tend to use soapy water and a squeegee for commercial jobs. One benefit of Windex is that it offers a streak-free shine. It can be used on a variety of surfaces to clean without leaving streaks, and its strong enough to get rid of tough stains. Later in this article, I cover alternatives that use fewer ingredients and cost less. The DIY solution did eventually get the job done but required quite a lot of scrubbing and several sprays over the same spots. Unlike Windex, this mixture is completely non-toxic. These substances will leave streaks of their own, separate from those left by any residual cleaning liquid. Bryan is our cooking and kitchen expert, with more than 15 years of experience of cooking and testing kitchen products. Its a simple, three-ingredient solution that only takes a couple of minutes to make. Weiman is our go-to cleaner for glass cooktops and stovetops, and we highly recommend getting the entire cleaning kit, which includes the cleaning solution, a scrubbing pad, a scraper, and a cleaning tool. Learning just a bit about these substances will help you make an informed decision about their effectiveness and potential health impact. The other finalists we tested all were capable of clearing surfaces of grease and grime. We found that microfiber towels were the easiest to use and the most reliable for cleaning dirt, absorbing liquid, and leaving no trace of streaks or residue. Hes studied consumer buying behavior for 10+ years and has managed marketing campaigns for over a dozen Fortune 500 brands. The cornstarch can eventually clump and clog the spray nozzle if you skip this step. Remove the funnel and screw the trigger sprayer in place. All Rights Reserved. The second time through, use a motion from the top of the glass to the bottom, applying a bit more pressure to absorb all the remaining liquid. Just a few minutes after use, theres no detectable fragrance. Product availability and pricing are subject to change without notice. Windex uses. Type: Spray | Amount: 28 ounces | Dimensions: 13.2 x 6.8 x 10.8 inches | Scent: Waterfall. We wanted to create an alternative that was all-natural, so we disregarded recipes that called for ammonia. You can spray without having to wipe it immediately. Screen wipes specifically formulated to clean electronics are always the best option for cleaning a TV. Type: Spray | Amount: 24 ounces | Dimensions: 2 x 4 x 11 inches | Scent: Unscented. Turn on fans, open windows, and go outside for fresh air at the first signs of discomfort or irritation. Homemade Lavender Wands (Natural Insect Repellant), Weed-Be-Gone - A Safe & Easy Homemade Weedkiller. Windex outperformed seven other glass cleaners by consistently eliminating blemishes and impurities and producing crystal-clear views and reflections. This product makes it easy to clean up even the most stubborn stains and spots. This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. While commercial glass-cleaning products are considered safe for regular home use, there are ways to avoid them. The most pleasing aroma came from our own mixture of vinegar, cornstarch, and essential oil. Try one of the DIY alternatives or the Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass Cleaner. Additionally, dish soap bumps up the price a bit. Its mostly added to fertilizer and other agricultural products as well as cleaners, pesticides, plastics, and water purifiers. In order to fairly compare the prices of our products, we calculated their price per ounce based on popular packaging sold on Amazon at the time of publishing. Tobacco products cannot be returned to Costco Business Delivery or any Costco warehouse. It can be used on bathroom counters, mirrors, and sinks. This next Windex alternative is simple to make and only requires two ingredients: vinegar and water. Natural and non-toxic glass cleaners use natural ingredients that are often plant-based and have natural fragrances, which are sometimes less effective at cleaning filthy windows or baked-on grime. Before you choose, lets consider these questions: For heavy messes, stick with formulas that have ingredients to cut through the grease and grime, like dish soap or vinegar. Our top pick is Invisible Glass Spray Cleaner. The streaks were not distracting or even all that obvious, but they were noticeable from certain angles. Are you looking for a more natural alternative? The formula mostly lives up to its promise, cleaning windows and other hard surfaces that don't have a considerable build-up of grime and dirt. Window-cleaning products became popular because they dont leave behind the streaks that soap and other common cleaners often leave. The Best Oven Cleaners to Keep Any Oven Sparkling Clean, The Best Keyboard Cleaners to Tidy Up Your Home Office, The Best Laundry Detergents to Get out the Grime, Whether You Need Storage or Style, Here Are the 10 Best Ottomans of 2022, The Best Carpet Stain Removers for Making Rugs Look New, The Best Soap Scum Removers to Make Your Bathroom Sparkle, The Best Washing Machine Cleaners for a Fresh Laundry Routine, The Best Floor Cleaners to Tackle Any Spill, The Best All-Purpose Cleaners To Have in Your Home, We Tested the Best Grout CleanersThese Are Our Favorites, The 10 Best Car Cleaning Products to Keep Your Vehicle Fresh, The Best Jewelry Cleaners to Keep Your Favorite Pieces Shiny, Save Money by Making Your Own Glass Cleaner, The 11 Best Laundry Detergent Pods Available. Wipes are less practical but a great option for targeting hard-to-reach places or in situationslike the carwhere you don't want to risk the possibility of a cleaning solution spill. ECOS vs. We understand that glass cleaners may not be designed to perform such chores, but it is nice to know what theyre capable of. Contact with the eyes or accidental ingestion of products containing ammonia will require professional medical attention. A small bowl of the glass cleaner can be left out on the counter to deter them from a particulararea. When cleaning with products containing these chemicals, proper ventilation is essential. Instead, apply it to a microfiber cloth and use it to wipe the TV. Your email address will not be published. We love essential oils because they leave a clean, long-lasting smell. You can use paper towels to clean glass, but they tend to leave lint and streaks behind. The Stoner cleanerworked on thehair gel quickly but required additional applications to fully scrub off the toothpaste. It cuts through grease and dirt and is a powerful disinfectant against common household bacteria. Still, it has way fewer chemicals than Windex. This homemade glass cleaner is easy to make, and a little goes a long way. Pour the cornstarch/water mixture into the funnel. A lot of cleaning products contain fragrances, whether natural or synthetic. Most likely, you have the ingredients in your home right now, as well as an old spray bottle. Here are some of the benefits of using this Windex alternative: Even though this solution is simple and non-toxic, it has some drawbacks. Keep this cleaner away from children and pets. It costs about the same as Windex. After five minutes, we used each product to tackle the job of cleaning the window. Add at least 20 drops of each essential oil. Even though Seventh Generation has the least objectionable ingredients, this is a nice feature to guard against accidental ingestion by children. Safe on Car Surfaces: Stoner - Invisible Glass. Just 10 drops of the highly concentrated peppermint essential oil in our 20-ounce spray bottle made all the difference in the user experience of the homemade cleaner. There were also slight streaks left on the surface. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass & Surface Cleaner comes in a bottle with a childproof mechanism that makes it very difficult to remove the nozzle. Although both required a bit more elbow grease and attention, we were able to completely remove any evidence of the chili. We tested these products for their ability to eliminate dirt and germs on a variety of glass and other surfaces while leaving a streak-free finish. Our homemade cleaner, Glass Plus, and Seventh Generation were all disappointing in the chili test. When it comes to cleaning mirrors, windows, and all things glass, Windex is the number one brand. The microwave looked as good as new with just one application of the foaming spray and a bit of easy wiping. 2022 Prudent Reviews LLC. In this article, Ill share the six best Windex alternatives. The Glass Plus Glass Cleaner Trigger also cleaned well but left even more noticeable streaking. Windex stood out as the best glass and window cleaner among the finalists we tested. If you want a natural alternative to Windex, this is an excellent option. Try simple DIY solutions (like water and vinegar) or an inexpensive ready-made product like Glass Plus. Its powerful enough to break up grease and food stains on a variety of surfaces without leaving behind spots or streaks. Another great task for glass cleaners is jewelry. Do you want an ammonia-free product? Windex Original Glass Cleaner, 32 fl oz with 176 fl oz Refill. Seventh Generation has a neutral scent that is hard to discern. BestReviews also picked Stoner Invisible Glass. While the prints themselves were removed, residue from the oil remained on the window and left visible streaks. This is an easy, non-toxic homemade glass cleaner that works just as well as the commercial version and costs a lot less. For those who are interested, we encourage you to look into it for yourselves. Unlike Windex, this solution is environmentally friendly. Make your own cleaning solution with common household items, Use a more natural option with fewer chemicals, Glass spray bottle (at least 20-ounce capacity), Distilled white vinegar (or cleaning vinegar). Heres why you should try this homemade glass cleaner instead of Windex: As good as this formula is, it has a few issues: A mix of rubbing alcohol, vinegar, cornstarch, and water is an excellent Windex alternative because its non-toxic, relatively easy to make, streak-free, and inexpensive. Almost all the products we tested (with the exception of Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass & Surface Cleaner and our DIY solution) contain some type of fragrance agent. "Plant-based glass cleaners do not contain these and are not suitable for sanitizing.". Yet, Windex is similar; both options will dull stone. We recommend using filtered or even distilled water to avoid dirt or contaminants leaving any visible residue on the glass surface. We decided to move forward with a slightly modified version of a recipe provided by Crunchy Betty, who performed similar tests using different natural ingredients and concluded that warm water, white vinegar, and cornstarch provided the best results. First, its not 100% chemical-free; the degreasing dish soap adds chemicals to the mix. Our homemade product successfully cleaned messes off windows, mirrors, and other surfaces. The main downside is that it costs more than Windex per ounce. The cornstarch also acts as a thickener, preventing the mixture from dripping quickly down a window or mirror. We earn a commission when you purchase items through our links. None of our reviews are sponsored. While this is an effective technique for large outdoor projects, its not a practical solution for most indoor home cleaning. If you are looking for a plant-based glass cleaner, Seventh Generation is an excellent Windex alternative. But when glass is obstructed by streaky residue, it can be an eyesore. Exposure to high heat or accidental puncture of the cans can be dangerous. Both glass cleaners clung to the window without running, which helped them penetrate the more difficult stains. Weiman Glass Cleaner, with its penetrating foaming action, is the best at tackling the worst messes all over the house. Glass Plus and Seventh Generation couldnt break up the caked mess. Add two tablespoons of cornstarch to the hot or warm water and mix until it dissolves.