(Quick Guide). The offerings from Stoner and Weiman are both aerosols, though neither contains CFSs, which have been proven to slowly deplete the ozone layer. Many people believe that simply mixing water with soap is sufficient, while others claim its not enough to avoid streaking.
The substantial amount of information available on DIY projects from automotive repair to better housekeeping is easily accessed through blogs, video tutorials and social media. DIY solutions are appealing because they can be personalized, can utilize natural ingredients and can be cheaper than some commercial offerings. The microwave looked as good as new with just one application of the foaming spray and a bit of easy wiping. I used both products to clean a glass table, mirror, and window. 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.
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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.
And although this is technically a review of window cleaners, you may apply the cleaner in other contexts. Warm water will help to diffuse dust and carry away impurities.
Windex Original Wipes (view on Amazon): Wipes are more convenient for smaller jobs and more limited glass surfaces, such as touch-ups on hand mirrors or picture frames.
With this information, we whittled our field down to sixbrands that represented the different methods of cleaning glass.
Even when combined with isopropyl alcohol as in Windex it is not an effective defense against staphylococcus and other dangerous bacteria. It reliably eliminates streaks, consistently leaving clear, beautiful glass.
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But like Glass Plus, it could not completely keep away streaks. Windex stood out as the best glass and window cleaner among the finalists we tested.
The Windex Ammonia-Free formula contains many of the same ingredients as the Original formula, but without the active ammonium hydroxide component and the addition of the following: You can find detailed health and environmental safety information on the Environmental Working Groups (EWG) website.
Some have raised more concerns than others.
By the end, youll have all the key facts to decide which glass cleaner is best for you. Learning just a bit about these substances will help you make an informed decision about their effectiveness and potential health impact. According to the EWG, both Windex and Glass Plus score a D rating and can pose potentially significant hazards to health or the environment. The ammonia used by Windex in its original formula holds an F rating, as it is a strong chemical that carries high concern for consumer well-being. The two aerosol products, Weiman Glass Cleaner and Stoner Invisible Glass Cleaner, proved to be powerful as well. Phthalates also cause a reaction in the endocrine system that leads to disruption and ultimately impacts reproductive health, particularly male sperm count. Keep away from open flames and high heat. Bathroom mirrors in particular put up with a lot of abuse. Both glass cleaners clung to the window without running, which helped them penetrate the more difficult stains. Diluent: Adjusts the concentration of ingredients in a product to deliver target benefits.
The most fascinating application of glass cleaner is combatting insects.
WW: 1 or 2 letters of manufacturing location.
All Rights Reserved. Windex cleans glass and windows without running or leaving messy streaks.
Seventh Generation took care of the problem substances just fine but failed to remove lingering specks of dust. Whichever cleaner you choose, how you clean is just as important. Some aerosol products will also have a fabricated date (FAB), which can be read in the format DDMMYY.
The instructions on the can state that second and third applications may be needed to loosen and absorb trace deposits.
You need an effective, reliable glass cleaner. 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. Glass Plus is ammonia-free; therefore, its best compared to the Windex Ammonia-Free formula, which is sold separately from its original solution (which includes Ammonia-D as a central ingredient). The information provided on this website is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for professional advice.
Only large amounts of high-concentrate ammonia can be dangerous if inhaled.
Prices vary by retailer and the fluid ounces in the bottle youre purchasing. EU CMRs: Chemicals classified by the European Union as carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxicants pursuant to Category 1A or 1B in Annex VI to Regulation (EC) 1272/2008. Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Bottom Line: Should You Use Glass Plus or Windex?
Then, we pressed an olive oil-coated hand against the window and smeared it around to mimic greasy palm prints.
For a glass cleaner that attacks grease like on your microwave Weiman proved a star performer.
The Your Best Digs homemade glass cleaner is an all-natural, biodegradable, digestible, non-toxic, all-purpose cleaning solution.
It was a noticeable difference compared to the commercially available options. Finally, use a fresh, clean, dry microfiber towel to vigorously buff out any imperfections left on the glass. The products from Weiman Glass Cleaner and Zep Streak-Free Glass Cleaner left behind faint streaks that were detectable depending on our angle and distance from the glass. We may earn a fee if you buy via links in this post (at no extra cost to you). My goal was to observe which product cleaned each surface more effectively.
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The other finalists we tested all were capable of clearing surfaces of grease and grime.
starting with 001 (Jan 1st) to 365 (Dec 31st) or 366 in a leap year. Simply turn the nozzle to ON and apply the product directly to the surface. CA Non-Cancer Hazards: Chemicals that are identified with noncancer endpoints and listed with an inhalation or oral reference exposure level by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 44360. more info, NY DOH MCLs: Chemicals for which Maximum Contaminant Levels have been established and adopted in Tables 1, 3, 3A, and 7 of Subpart 5-1.52 of Title 10 of the New York Code of the Rules and Regulations (10 NYCRR Subpart 5-1.52). 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.
Professional window washers tend to use soapy water and a squeegee for commercial jobs.
The bottom line is that Windex has been more widely reviewed and is seen as the original glass cleaner.
Consequently, it shouldnt be a factor in your overall purchasing decision. Items that are grayed out indicate discontinued UPCs.
In this comparison of Glass Plus vs. Windex, youll learn how these cleaners differ in terms of ingredients, effectiveness, price, and more.
Its time to address the top question on your mind: which glass cleaner works better?
Just a few minutes after use, theres no detectable fragrance. Use as directed and contact a medical professional if you experience any alarming symptoms. Many of the active ingredients between the brands are the same.
The only difference I noticed was that the Glass Plus formula was a bit soapier.
A small bowl of the glass cleaner can be left out on the counter to deter them from a particulararea.
But how do you choose between Glass Plus and Windex?
Televisions and computer monitors shouldnt be cleaned with glass-cleaning solutions.
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.
We looked at subreddits, like /r/homemaking, /r/diy, and even /r/autodetailing to find out what consumers think about the best glass cleaners on the market.
Then, we dove into the science and debate about chemicals, exposure, safety, and do-it-yourself alternatives. It wasnt overpowering or unpleasant, but you could smell it if you got close enough to the surface.
They also warn consumers not to use the product on touchscreens (which are very sensitive and require specialty formulas).
In addition, the squeegee technique can be messy: each stroke creates an excess of water that must be deposited somewhere and inevitably ends up on window sills and floors.
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.
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When cleaning with products containing these chemicals, proper ventilation is essential. We also avoided using dish-washing liquid or other manufactured soaps that relied on buying and watering down a store-bought cleaning solution.
Although both required a bit more elbow grease and attention, we were able to completely remove any evidence of the chili. Vinegar is known for its disinfectant and bond-breaking acidic properties, and it wont cause any damage when applied directly to glass surfaces.
They noted that you could also safely apply it to vinyl, plastics, fiberglass, and even washable wallpaper.
The Ultimate House Cleaning Checklist (Printable).
It also has a less abrasive scent than the Stoner Invisible Glass aerosol can. There are many other ingredients that go into creating our top six products. Some consumers especially those working in commercial spaces find this personalization useful and cost-effective. None of our reviews are sponsored.
Even though Seventh Generation has the least objectionable ingredients, this is a nice feature to guard against accidental ingestion by children.
To review, Windex has a broader product range and also sells specialty cleaners for electronics and outdoor window applications.
more info. These substances will leave streaks of their own, separate from those left by any residual cleaning liquid.
Combining white vinegar, cornstarch, warm water, and essential oil creates a fantastic all-purpose cleaner that is effective on glass.
Use the links below to navigate the comparison: Glass Plus makes things simple by only offering one multi-surface glass cleaner.
When liquid penetrates these delicate layers, the monitors are ruined.
Our homemade solution easily removed the blemishes but left the mirror looking cloudy and a bit dull.
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass & Surface Cleaner, Stoner Invisible Glass Premium Glass Cleaner, Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass & Surface Cleaner.
It is a time-tested and effective product thanks to the ammonia, which quickly breaks down tough-to-remove substances like grease, soap scum, oils, and dust.
My testing didnt reveal any significant performance differences between Windex and Glass Plus, but several other companies conducted similar experiments. 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.
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. JJJ: 3 digit Julian day. It simply cleans and eliminates streaking better than any of the other products we tested.
Generally, Windex was reviewed and rated more frequently than Glass Plus. Always exercise caution when using potent cleaning agents, and follow the safety instructions and warnings carefully. Do not use glass cleaners on dishware, cooking utensils or childrens toys. We earn a commission when you purchase items through our links.
Plus, it comes in several formulas, including options that are Ammonia-free and vinegar-based.
Stoner Invisible Glass Premium Glass Cleaner proved very versatile, performing well at cutting through food spills in our microwave test. The mirror simply looked the best after it had been cleaned with the Windex solution.
Having looked at several differences between the Glass Plus and Windex brands, you should now feel a bit more confident about choosing the best option for you.
Hes studied consumer buying behavior for 10+ years and has managed marketing campaigns for over a dozen Fortune 500 brands. The foaming spray loosened up even the toughest parts of the mess, allowing it to be easily wiped away. We found that if youre cleaning windows on a hot sunny day, youll end up with streaks no matter what kind of material or product you use. Windex proved to be up to even the most difficult challenges.
Glycol ethers are a group of solvents that are common in many cleaners, degreasers, and water-based paints. There are no significant variations between the cost of Glass Plus or Windex.
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.
In addition to these options, the Windex brand also sells specially-formulated outdoor window cleaning kits, a multi-surface cleaner, a disinfectant multi-surface cleaner, as well as window and electronic wipes. This price chart should give you a good idea of what youd expect to pay for either brand: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Business Insider also named Glass Plus the best ammonia-free glass cleaner and praised it for its versatility and affordability. The best overall glass and window cleaner for most uses in the home. Weiman is a foaming-spray cleaner that works great on stubborn messes, especially grease smears.
These foams provide more complete coverage and saturation while also breaking down difficult-to-remove fats and sediment.
We found that glass cleaners can be used to clean the following items: Surfaces other than glass like granite, marble, laminate, and tile are safe to clean with most glass/window cleaners.
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The reviewers noted that it sometimes left faint streaks on surfaces. A window or mirror looks clean when the oils and dirt are removed to reveal a crystal-clear view or reflection.
Our homemade product successfully cleaned messes off windows, mirrors, and other surfaces. While this is an effective technique for large outdoor projects, its not a practical solution for most indoor home cleaning.
The streaks were not distracting or even all that obvious, but they were noticeable from certain angles. Glass Plus is a reliable product with excellent reviews and ratings, but its less available, only comes in one formula, and doesnt receive as many accolades for its performance.
When bleach is mixed with ammonia, toxic gases called chloramines are produced.
The reviewers advise caution when using the spray on eyeglasses or laptop screens always apply the spray to a cloth and then wipe the glass with it.
The best way is to make your own glass cleaner using white vinegar, cornstarch, water, and essential oils. Its powerful enough to break up grease and food stains on a variety of surfaces without leaving behind spots or streaks. Unique since the company says it's safe for car surfaces, this product also performed well in our glass and microwave tests.
*Customer reviews and ratings solely reflect the views and opinions of the individual contributors and are not created or endorsed by CVS Pharmacy.
We do extensive research and hands-on testing, so you can trust the products we recommend.
Using a microfiber towel, slowly swipe left to right once over each row, applying a gentle to slightly-moderate amount of pressure. 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.
Your Best Digs saves you time and money with reviews of the products you need. Windex Foaming Glass Cleaner (view on Amazon): This cleaner uses a foaming aerosol formula to prevent dripping while you clean. After nearly 40 hours of reading, researching, spraying and wiping, we determined that Windex is the best window cleaner available.
It is formulated to provide a streak-free shine when sprayed and wiped. While windowcleaners are great products for many jobs around the house, they need to be kept away from certain tasks.
Real Simple also listed Windex in its curated review of the 10 best glass cleaners for a streak-free finish. They awarded the Windex Original formula the most trusted glass cleaner, citing reviews praising its grime-busting abilities, multiple applications, and reliability.
If youre on the fence, go with Windex.
While paper towels are useful to keep around the house, we found through our research that theyre not ideal for cleaning glass.
Popular home product review site The Spruce named Windex Original formula the best budget glass cleaner and praised its accessibility, effectiveness, and overall reliability. Progressive numbering We wanted to create an alternative that was all-natural, so we disregarded recipes that called for ammonia. (19 Examples), Can You Mix OxiClean and Bleach?
Each lot code is in the format of WWYYJJJ. 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). Even prolonged buffing could not eliminate these tiny but visible imperfections.
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.
Among the liquid spray options, Windex and Zep Commercial Glass Cleaner performed the best.
Simply search the product and read through the ratings, ingredient lists, and information provided by the database. Even after prolonged buffing, the windows werent as clean as they were when we tested Windex and Zep. However, they also left the windows just a bit streaky.
The following steps are our recommendations for cleaning all glass surfaces. It'll leave you with no streaks and a sparkling window.
Glass cleaners are perfect for tackling dirty windows and mirrors, but theyre also capable of doing so much more. 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. 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. Its plant-based cleaning agents are strong on messes, and its safe for the environment and your health. The same ingredients designed to cut oily smudges on mirrors will also cut the greasy buildup on kitchen appliances, like blenders and coffee makers.
Avoid using Glass Plus on varnished surfaces because the formula can degrade or damage the varnish. It does a great job of eliminating streaks, but it lacks real absorbency, which means going through lots of it or using a paper towel first and then buffing away the streaks and lint with a sheet of newspaper.
The Stoner cleanerworked on thehair gel quickly but required additional applications to fully scrub off the toothpaste.
Manufacturers of windowcleaner rely on a variety of chemicals and compounds to create their products. 2022 Your Best Digs - All rights reserved. Windex received the highest ratings overall and was the blogs top pick. The reviewers noted that it was easily the most reliable cleaner, especially when it came to stubborn messes that normally require a lot of scrubbing. You dont want glass surfaces to just look clean, you want them to be disinfected and completely free of germs. Open windows and turn on fans.
The powerful scent of ammonia produces an almost nostril-burning effect.
But when glass is obstructed by streaky residue, it can be an eyesore. Often, fragrances are made with phthalates, which have been linked to several adverse medical conditions, including damage to the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
Zep Streak-Free Glass Cleaner did a better job cleaning without leaving streaks, but the odor was too unpleasant.
The other five products we tested are ammonia-free. We started by reading user reviews, marketing materials, consumer reports, and homecare blogs. The DIY solution did eventually get the job done but required quite a lot of scrubbing and several sprays over the same spots.
This ingredient appears on one or more Designated Lists: CA Non-Cancer Hazards Chemicals that are identified with noncancer endpoints and listed with an inhalation or oral reference exposure level by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 44360. more info, NY DOH MCLs Chemicals for which Maximum Contaminant Levels have been established and adopted in Tables 1, 3, 3A, and 7 of Subpart 5-1.52 of Title 10 of the New York Code of the Rules and Regulations (10 NYCRR Subpart 5-1.52).
Our microwave has a rotating glass tray, a plexiglass door, and plastic interior surfaces. We also encourage you to keep these and all cleaning products away from children and increase ventilation as much as possible while cleaning by opening windows and turning on fans.
Windex Glass Cleaner Concentrate (view on Amazon): This concentrated formula gives you more control over the strength of your Windex glass cleaner, as the chemical concentration will vary depending on how much water you add to it. These wipes use the original Windex formula but allow for more precision and variety during use. It is easy to use and clean up and provides an even more dependably streak-free effect on your glass surfaces.
2022 Prudent Reviews LLC. As an Amazon Associate, Prudent Reviews earns fees when you click on links within our articles and make qualifying purchases. Then, wipe it off with a paper towel or lint-free cloth. Hold the nozzle sixinches from the surface. Vinegar can also help remove odors from the air and from surfaces. Besides that one minor difference, both Glass Plus and Windex Ammonia-Free were easy to use and did the job.
Reviewer Bob Vila and his staff labeled the Windex Vinegar formula as highly effective as a multi-surface glass cleaner.
It is an active ingredient in both Windex and Zep Streak-Free Glass Cleaner. We are the community behind some of the worlds most beloved brands. Water is essential to combine, dissolve and deliver all of the ingredients onto the glass. - No fragrance components present over 0.01%. 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.
Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Sprays, gels, creams, lotions, and fingerprints smudge mirrors on a daily basis.
Colorant: Changes the color of a product (includes dyes and pigments).
Essential oils come in dozens of scents, including rosemary, lavender, tea tree, and lemongrass.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. But even after the third application we still observed a bit of residue. Please review the product labeling and consult with your doctor with any health or medical questions.
The cleaners are both used the same way and share similar price points.
The best product for getting reliably clean and clear glass is Windex.
We could have devoted an entire post to the topic of creating the best DIY window cleaner.
This is the only fragrance-free product we tested, which some folks consider essential. Use it on chrome, aluminum, stainless steel and fiberglass too.
Glass Plus was effective, but we needed to apply more effort and pressure to scrub away the toothpaste. The steps to use Windex and Glass Plus are the same.
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass & Surface Cleaner comes in a bottle with a childproof mechanism that makes it very difficult to remove the nozzle.
Vinegar is a weak form of acetic acid that is formed by the fermentation of sugars or starches. These cans are metallic, and their contents are under extreme pressure.
Another great task for glass cleaners is jewelry. Ive found that a microfiber cloth, like E-cloth or Norwex, works the best.
To help you better understand the ingredients in Glass Plus and Windex, lets take a quick look at the formulas.
While the prints themselves were removed, residue from the oil remained on the window and left visible streaks.
For the dirtiest jobs on the widest variety of surfaces, Windex is the best product available. Learn more.
Turn nozzle to spray position.
View instructions for finding the code date. We let the smudge marks set for 15 minutes and then used our glass-cleaning method to tackle the task.
Glass Plus was given decent ratings but simply wasnt as efficient as Windex.
Unlike televisions from 20 years ago, modern TVs arent made of thick glass but of extremely thin layers of plastics, adhesives, display elements, and other materials.
It cuts through grease and dirt and is a powerful disinfectant against common household bacteria. AOEC Asthmagens: Chemicals designated as asthmagens by the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics.
Vinegar is by far the most recommended household cleaning alternative to a store-bought product.
The reviewers gave it the label of best bang for the buck..
While commercial glass-cleaning products are considered safe for regular home use, there are ways to avoid them.
While some companies provide a list of ingredients online, there is no guarantee that these lists are complete.
Spray soiled glass surface and wipe with paper towel or lint-free cloth. The sun will dry the liquid on the glass before youre able to wipe it clean, so its best to wait until dusk or a cloudy day.
It took care of our messy, chili-covered microwave with only a bit of effort.
We simulated cleaning the outside of a living room window by smearing mud and dirt on it and letting it set. Streaking happensbecause glass is not entirely smooth. 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.
Once we selected the proper tool, we started researching the method of cleaning.
Corn starch disrupts the ability of hydrogen atoms found in both the glass cleaner and in water to bond, thus making it easier to remove all the water from the glass.
We also discovered that, similar to cornstarch, essential oil helps combat streaking by preventing the bonding of hydrogen atoms in water molecules.
There were also slight streaks left on the surface.