Where they mostly fell short was failing to eliminate streaks. After nearly 40 hours of reading, researching, spraying and wiping, we determined that Windex is the best window cleaner available. We recommend using filtered or even distilled water to avoid dirt or contaminants leaving any visible residue on the glass surface. Windex has artificial fragrances and dyes; this solution is dye- and artificial fragrance-free. Vinegar can also help remove odors from the air and from surfaces. One benefit of Windex is that it offers a streak-free shine. As an Amazon Associate, Prudent Reviews earns fees when you click on links within our articles and make qualifying purchases. Microfiber cloths are the most effective (and reusable) option. The best overall glass and window cleaner for most uses in the home. Though many glass cleaners can be used on any glass, some are better suited for specific surfaces, like glass cooktops. Still, it has way fewer chemicals than Windex. It took care of our messy, chili-covered microwave with only a bit of effort. (Read our post on essential oil diffusers for more information.) 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. None of our reviews are sponsored. The Honest Company'sglass cleaner is free of phosphates, phthalates, parabens, bleach, ammonia, and synthetic fragrances. Its fragrance- and dye-free and doesnt contain any harsh chemicals, making it a safer choice. It also helps prevent and remove sleet, snow, and bug guts. 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. The two ammonia-based cleaners, Zep and Windex, left by far the worst smell. Join our newsletter to get notified of the best products available for your home. Like all other DIY solutions in this article, this option is ammonia-free. It will work on just about any surface, keep it streak-free and sparkling, and is affordable and available. Unlike Windexs original formula, Glass Plus is ammonia-free. Unlike Windex, this solution is environmentally friendly. 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. Open windows and turn on fans. (They also sell refill pods that you can put into the reusable bottle, which reduces plastic waste.) One of the more expensive options on our list, it's a smart buy for those who prefer to use non-toxic cleaning products. Costco Business Center products can be returned to any of our more than 700 Costco warehouses worldwide. But if you dont have it handy, or youre looking for a more natural or less expensive option, youve come to the right place. After each explosive event, we let the chili dry for 30 minutes and then used each glass cleaner to attempt to make our microwave sparkle again. Next on the list is a four-ingredient glass cleaner with an added boost for a streak-free result. This glass cleaner lives up to its name,cleaning glass surfacesso well that they look practically invisible. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. The other finalists we tested all were capable of clearing surfaces of grease and grime. Think about why you want to replace Windex in the first place. The two aerosol products, Weiman Glass Cleaner and Stoner Invisible Glass Cleaner, proved to be powerful as well. Those unable to invest the time in creating their own solution at home, but who also want a more natural product, can try Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass & Surface Cleaner. Vinegar is a great natural antibacterial disinfectant, but many find the smell offensive, and it sometimes fails to thoroughly clean tough jobs. While the scent doesnt linger long, the experience of using the spray is poor because of it. Its mostly added to fertilizer and other agricultural products as well as cleaners, pesticides, plastics, and water purifiers. However, ammonia is extremely toxic, and overexposure can cause respiratory and skin irritation as well as asthmatic and allergic reactions. This product makes it easy to clean up even the most stubborn stains and spots. So, you dont save any money by making the switch. This cleaner doesn't leave behind residue or streakstwo of the most common complaints with other products we've tested over the years and is both affordable and easy to find online and at many stores, checking off all the boxes that many people look for in a glass cleaner. If youre looking for a Windex alternative but dont have the time or patience to mix your own formula, consider Glass Plus. We recommend microfiber towels for both wiping up messes and buffing out streaks. If you are looking for a plant-based glass cleaner, Seventh Generation is an excellent Windex alternative. Before we tested our products, we practiced several variations of wipe strokes, amount of liquid, and timing and application. 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. We love essential oils because they leave a clean, long-lasting smell. 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. Glass cleaning wipes are great for targeting hard-to-reach places or taking your cleaner on the go. It comes in at a slightly lower cost but still gets your windows spick and span with minimal effort. This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. 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. Even though Seventh Generation has the least objectionable ingredients, this is a nice feature to guard against accidental ingestion by children. Although this formula has a pleasant citrus smell, quality essential oils can be pricey, making this DIY formula more expensive than Windex. 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. It takes more effort than other alternatives since it requires some mixing. 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. BestReviews also picked Stoner Invisible Glass. Stoner Invisible Glass Glass Cleaner Spray, Best Budget: 2022 Prudent Reviews LLC. Additionally, dish soap bumps up the price a bit. Seventh Generation Surface Cleaner and our DIY cleaner had more difficulty eliminating signs of the mess especially the oily handprints. 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. Liquid measuring cup with spout (at least 2-cup capacity). A small bowl of the glass cleaner can be left out on the counter to deter them from a particulararea. You might find you want to use more or less vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or essential oils. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. Another common mistake is using glass cleaner to scrub eyeglasses. Unfortunately, neither can the smell. Still, you should always check the indications and list of ingredients first, as some contain abrasive chemicals that can damage items like TVs. Keep this cleaner away from children and pets. Glycol ethers are a group of solvents that are common in many cleaners, degreasers, and water-based paints. To make this Windex alternative, youll need: This Windex alternative has plenty of perks: Of course, there are some downsides to using this solution. Puracy natural glass cleaner uses decyl glucoside, a vegetable-based cleanser, in place of harsh chemicals like ammonia, and its pleasant scent comes from organic lemongrass essential oil. This results in a streak of molecules fighting to bond with the water stuck in the tiny pits of the glass. Seventh Generation has a neutral scent that is hard to discern. Product availability and pricing are subject to change without notice. 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. For a glass cleaner that attacks grease like on your microwave Weiman proved a star performer. Sterling silver and diamonds in particular can really be made to sparkle and shine with a just a small bit of the solution. The foaming spray loosened up even the toughest parts of the mess, allowing it to be easily wiped away. Once we selected the proper tool, we started researching the method of cleaning. Keep away from open flames and high heat. This next Windex alternative is simple to make and only requires two ingredients: vinegar and water. Essential oils come in dozens of scents, including rosemary, lavender, tea tree, and lemongrass. Combining white vinegar, cornstarch, warm water, and essential oil creates a fantastic all-purpose cleaner that is effective on glass. Soap and warm water are best. Cornstarch naturally breaks water bonds, eliminating moisture that can result in streaks. Glass cleaners are perfect for tackling dirty windows and mirrors, but theyre also capable of doing so much more. Some enjoy the refreshing smell, while others aresensitive to scented solutions. A dry microfiber sheet should easily alleviate smudges, smears, and fingerprints from any modern monitor or display. Type: Liquid | Amount: 10 ounces | Dimensions: 6.21 x 3.1 x 7.82 inches | Scent: Unscented. Many people swear by using newspaper to clean their windows. Better Hens and Gardens may earn a commission for purchases made after clicking on links on this page. Add one-half teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Like Windex, you can use this mixture on any glass surface even soap scum-laden shower doors. Mind you, it is a small amount, but if you want a truly natural solution, this isnt your best bet. Tobacco products cannot be returned to Costco Business Delivery or any Costco warehouse. Regardless of which product you buy, there are several universal rules for increasing safety and limiting exposure to any potentially damaging chemicals. Also, mixing vinegar and water produces a thin solution, so you may have challenges removing tough grime. It also has a less abrasive scent than the Stoner Invisible Glass aerosol can. Foam options offer a more precise application, while liquids can overspray, landing on nearby surfaces and flooring. When outside of the kitchen, he enjoys woodworking, photography, videography and figuring out how to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Our top pick is Invisible Glass Spray Cleaner. 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. It is fairly easy to make and leaves behind a pleasant smell. We started by reading user reviews, marketing materials, consumer reports, and homecare blogs. We put a glass bowl of chili in the microwave and cooked it for six minutes on high, which eventually produced a mess that weve all seen before. Most of these cleaners do not smell good, falling somewhere between vaguely unpleasant (Stoner Invisible Glass) and extremely off-putting (Zep Streak-Free Cleaner). Its not just the smell that disappears quickly; its the ammonia. The great thing about making your own cleaner is you can select your favorite fragrance. First, they are made with dyes and adhesives that actually bind sheets together to make rolls of two-ply. Seventh Generation has made a name for itself, and their products are available in most grocery stores and major retailers like Target and Walmart, but not every store carries it. Pour the blended solution into a spray bottle. Try simple DIY solutions (like water and vinegar) or an inexpensive ready-made product like Glass Plus. A small amount rubbed onto the skin can even relieve pain from a bee sting. All prices listed are delivered prices from Costco Business Center. One of the best parts of this glass cleaner is that it won't leave any residue behind, as long as you use a microfiber cloth. Kitchen & CookingHome MaintenanceCleaningHome EssentialsBrowse All CategoriesBrowse All Brands, About UsMeet the TeamContact UsJobsTerms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy. Sprays, gels, creams, lotions, and fingerprints smudge mirrors on a daily basis. Use as directed and contact a medical professional if you experience any alarming symptoms. One of the best ways to clean glass is byusing old newspapers, which won't leave streaks and are a great way to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Im a fan of E-Cloth. He thoroughly enjoys discovering the best, whether its ingredients or equipment, and finding products that can stand the rigors of daily use. Here are the best glass cleaners for sprucing up your windows, car, and more. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Windowsmust be cleaned from both the inside and the outside. Now that you know six different Windex alternatives, its time to decide which one is right for you. Its plant-based cleaning agents are strong on messes, and its safe for the environment and your health. You can use paper towels to clean glass, but they tend to leave lint and streaks behind. What do buyers say? You dont want glass surfaces to just look clean, you want them to be disinfected and completely free of germs. Type: Spray | Amount: 24 ounces | Dimensions: 2 x 4 x 11 inches | Scent: Unscented. In addition to causing a sore throat when inhaled, glycol ethers can contribute to narcosis, pulmonary edema, and severe liver and kidney damage when inhaled in significant quantities, according to the EPA. (Quick Guide), How to Make 4 Homemade Stain Removers That Actually Work, Is It Safe to Clean Hardwood Floors With Bleach? Finally, Windex is incredibly versatile. Who else recommends it? It was a noticeable difference compared to the commercially available options. The Your Best Digs homemade glass cleaner is an all-natural, biodegradable, digestible, non-toxic, all-purpose cleaning solution. All ingredients are inexpensive and can be purchased in bulk if desired. It costs about the same as Windex. Katie Berry is a cleaning expert with 30 years of household management experience and 12 years of writing about cleaning methods and routines for. Glass Plus is a solid alternative to Windex if you prefer an ammonia-free solution and dont want to try a DIY solution. Plus, if you dont keep shaking the solution, it can cake up and clog the spray nozzle. Its ready to spray, just like Windex. If you must use plastic, choose ones that can withstand vinegar (HDPE- or PETE-stamped). Many of the products easily removed the stains, but Windex did so with only moderate pressure being applied and it required very little buffing to completely eliminate streaks. It's safe for windows, glass cooktops, mirrors, and chrome, it doesn't contain ammonia (although its formula is synthetic chemical-based), and it's free of overpowering scents and dyes. No mixing or portioning is necessary. This method has some great benefits, including: Of course, there are some downsides to consider. Vinegar will naturally eat away at plastic, so a glass bottle is necessary. Seventh Generation is the most expensive because of its plant-based ingredients. The complete absence of streaks or fog left the windows stunningly clear. Glass Plus is not always as easy to find as Windex. We also avoided using dish-washing liquid or other manufactured soaps that relied on buying and watering down a store-bought cleaning solution. 2022 Your Best Digs - All rights reserved. The DIY solution did eventually get the job done but required quite a lot of scrubbing and several sprays over the same spots. It also has a pretty strong scent, which comes from synthetic fragrances and dyes. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass & Surface Cleaner comes in a bottle with a childproof mechanism that makes it very difficult to remove the nozzle. Type: Spray | Amount: 25 ounces | Dimensions: 2.8 x 3.2 x 10.6 inches | Scent: Green Tea and Lime, Lemongrass. When bleach is mixed with ammonia, toxic gases called chloramines are produced. Hes studied consumer buying behavior for 10+ years and has managed marketing campaigns for over a dozen Fortune 500 brands. We wanted to create an alternative that was all-natural, so we disregarded recipes that called for ammonia. Spray evenly in horizontal rows, six inches apart. Try one of the DIY alternatives or the Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass Cleaner. A substantial amount of information is available about many of these ingredients. Again, because companies are not required to disclose the components of their fragrances, its impossible to determine which do and do not contain phthalates and in what concentrations. Add four tablespoons of cornstarch to the water. Paper towels also leave behind lint, and theyre not the best choice for the environment or your wallet. The same ingredients designed to cut oily smudges on mirrors will also cut the greasy buildup on kitchen appliances, like blenders and coffee makers. This mixture may smell unpleasant. Windex stood out as the best glass and window cleaner among the finalists we tested. In addition, Katie Berry, The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board member, stresses that lemongrass oil is toxic for dogs and cats. Puracy also offers a concentrated solution that you can use to refill reusable cleaning bottles, cutting down on plastic waste. Water is essential to combine, dissolve and deliver all of the ingredients onto the glass. Add one-half cup of rubbing alcohol to the funnel. 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. Here are the main advantages of using Seventh Generation instead of Windex: There are a few downsides to using Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass Cleaner. Seventh Generation Free & Clearis a great product. 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. Fabuloso vs. Pine-Sol: Whats the Difference? Finally, use a fresh, clean, dry microfiber towel to vigorously buff out any imperfections left on the glass. 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. Unlike Windex, it is fragrance- and dye-free and is an, 96% of its ingredients are biobased, making it a. BEST GLASS CLEANERS. The big drawback: The wipes are designed to spot clean small areas, so a 20-pack won't clean all the windows in a typical home. This glass cleaning alternative is non-toxic, while Windex contains chemicals like ammonia. This means theyre soft, durable, and absorbent perfect for cleaning not just windows but almost anything. Bryan is our cooking and kitchen expert, with more than 15 years of experience of cooking and testing kitchen products. But when glass is obstructed by streaky residue, it can be an eyesore. This is an exception to Costco's return policy. Unlike Windex, its safe to use other surfaces besides glass, including stainless steel, acrylic, laminate, vinyl flooring, wood (finished or unfinished), and others. This homemade glass cleaner is easy to make, and a little goes a long way. Ammonia, also known as ammonia hydroxide, is an effective grease and grime cutter. With this information, we whittled our field down to sixbrands that represented the different methods of cleaning glass. What follows is an introductory discussion about some of the most featured ingredients in glass cleaners. The Stoner cleanerworked on thehair gel quickly but required additional applications to fully scrub off the toothpaste. While it is the trusted standby in many homes, its formulation includes synthetic chemicals, including 2-hexoxyethanol and isopropanolamine. The surface of glass contains microscopic pits and divots that collect water molecules, which bond to other water molecules as a cleaner is being wiped off. Your Best Digs saves you time and money with reviews of the products you need. We understand that glass cleaners may not be designed to perform such chores, but it is nice to know what theyre capable of. Since this mixture uses only a small amount of vinegar, the smell wont be as strong as other DIY glass cleaners or Windex. 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. Place a funnel into the open spray bottle. Even though it's unscented, our tester found that it produced a potent smell when used in an enclosed shower. Windex Alternative 1: Dish Soap, Vinegar, and Water, Windex Alternative 3: Alcohol, Vinegar, Cornstarch, and Water, Windex Alternative 4: Essential Oil, Alcohol, Cornstarch, and Water, Windex Alternative 6: Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass Cleaner. Even unscented glass cleaners typically have a mild odor when applied, which will usually dissipate quickly. We do extensive research and hands-on testing, so you can trust the products we recommend. If you want a dye-free and fragrance-free option, try a solution that only uses natural ingredients. The acetic acid can cut grease, soap scum, and grime, but you may need a higher ratio of vinegar to water for better results. Some glass cleaners also sanitize surfaces by killing bacteria and viruses. Also, youll incur the cost of purchasing a glass spray bottle. The two aerosol products, Stoners Invisible Glass and Weiman Glass Cleaneremit a foamy, thicker substance that attacked the chili much better than our other finalists. These chloramines can cause nausea, shortness of breath and fluid to accumulate in the lungs. Yes, glass may be in the name, but eyeglasses are covered with a coating thats unique to the prescription and ensures proper vision. In addition to targeting dirt, grime, and streaks, it also makes short work of removing toothpaste splatter, smoke haze, and fingerprints. It'll leave you with no streaks and a sparkling window. Dish soap cuts grease better than vinegar and water alone. Both glass cleaners clung to the window without running, which helped them penetrate the more difficult stains. However, there is still the issue of the smell of vinegar. This is an easy, non-toxic homemade glass cleaner that works just as well as the commercial version and costs a lot less. The do-it-yourself, or DIY, movement has coincided with the rise of the internet in the last 20 years. It is an active ingredient in both Windex and Zep Streak-Free Glass Cleaner. 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. Weiman Glass Cleaner, with its penetrating foaming action, is the best at tackling the worst messes all over the house. If you have furry friends in your house, "avoid using this on surfaces they'll walk on and consider keeping them out of the room while you're using it," she advises. Phthalates also cause a reaction in the endocrine system that leads to disruption and ultimately impacts reproductive health, particularly male sperm count. The other five products we tested are ammonia-free. For additional questions regarding delivery, please visit Business Center Customer Service or call 1-800-788-9968. The cleaning power of vinegar cannot be disputed. If you want a natural alternative to Windex, this is an excellent option. Second, vinegar is naturally acidic and can damage marble countertops or anything made of natural stone. Method Glass + Surface Naturally Derived Glass Cleaner, Best for Cars: Professional window washers tend to use soapy water and a squeegee for commercial jobs. Add at least 20 drops of each essential oil. Turn on fans, open windows, and go outside for fresh air at the first signs of discomfort or irritation. Most likely, you have the ingredients in your home right now, as well as an old spray bottle. 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. The best product for getting reliably clean and clear glass is Windex. You pick the fragrance, which will linger in the air hours after use. If you use a glass cleaner in an enclosed space or are sensitive to chemical smells and fragrances, naturally scented or unscented products are available.