Best Window Spray Cleaners. Which Is Best For You?

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
27 min read

Cleaning windows may be one of your least favorite tasks. They are heavy, cumbersome, and difficult to move, making them much more difficult to clean. Having the correct glass cleaner can make this task a lot easier and more effective, in addition to following some helpful cleaning suggestions. Whether you’re cleaning a window or something else made of glass, there’s a glass cleaner out there for your specific situation. When selecting a cleaner, keep in mind your intended purpose, the components, and the aroma. Glass cleaners from The Honest Company and Puracy were put through their paces to see how they stacked up against more conventional and specialized solutions.

You’ll want to include these products to your cleaning regimen.

Contents

Tools and Materials

You’ll need a few tools to get the job done: Large polyester or natural sea sponges ($24.95, crateandbarrel.com), rubber gloves, straight-edged razor blades (not washed or dried with fabric softener), white vinegar (or mild dishwashing liquid), a soft-bristed counter brush.

The best glass cleaners to banish smudge marks for good

How to Make DIY Window Cleaner

Martha cleans her windows with a squeegee and a mixture of water and powdered dishwasher soap. Alternatively, you can prepare your own natural window cleaning solution by combining hot water and white vinegar in an equal proportion. Streak-inducing wax from professional cleaners can be removed by adding a small amount of liquid soap to the vinegar solution. After a few washes, you can get rid of the soap. Cleanup can begin as soon as your cleaning solution is ready.

How to Clean Windows

Select an hour when the sun isn’t directly illuminating the windows. The sun’s rays might dry out the cleaning fluid, resulting in streaks or wet spots on the surface. Using a soft-bristled counter brush, lightly dust the external surfaces of windows and frames, including the hinges, sills, and tracks. Add one part white vinegar to one part boiling water, and stir well. Place a towel at the window sill when using the squeegee indoors to catch any drips. Wet the window, but don’t saturate it, with the homemade window cleaner solution and scrub away the filth with a sponge. Avoid getting the solution on the window frames. A dry squeegee blade will skip, so be sure to dampen it beforehand. The squeegee should be drawn down from the top of the pane in a straight line. Repeat the initial stroke slightly overlapping the second one. Use a sponge or lint-free cloth to clean the rubber edge of the squeegee between strokes. Finally, wipe down the window sill with a sponge or towel after using a squeegee to clean the bottom. A non-ammoniated all-purpose cleanser and water can be used to clean the frames. To remove the cleaning solution, wipe them down thoroughly with a clean, damp cloth. Then, dry them immediately with a clean, dry cloth.

Professionals use a technique known as the snake when dealing with large picture windows. Pull the squeegee horizontally across the window from one of the upper corners. Turn the squeegee around and pull it across the window from the opposite corner, lowering it to the waterline as you go. Using a cloth, scuff up the edges as you work your way down. With a damp cloth, wipe down the windowsills.

The 10 Best Glass Cleaners

Favorite Things

  • Streak-free
  • It’s easy to locate.
  • Affordable

What We Hate About It

  • Synthetic compounds are used.

Using this glass cleaner, you’ll be amazed at how clean your glass surfaces seem. In contrast to other products, it doesn’t leave behind any residue or streaks. It’s also reasonably priced and easy to find in a variety of places. Many consumers want a glass cleaner that can be used on a variety of surfaces, doesn’t use harsh ammonia (although it is synthetic chemical-based), and doesn’t have an overbearing aroma or colours. The Invisible Glass spray cleaner checks all of those boxes.

With an unscented aroma and measuring 4.72 x 3.15 by 11.81 inches, it’s the perfect size for any room.

Favorite Things

  • Effective
  • Budget-friendly
  • It’s easy to locate.

What We Hate About It

  • Chemicals are employed in the process.
  • A powerful aroma

When it comes to glass cleaning, Windex is a household name. It is effective, cost-efficient, and readily available at most supermarkets. Windex is an excellent choice if you want a glass cleaner that does the job well and leaves no streaks behind without having to scour the city for it. Despite the fact that it’s a tried-and-true favorite in many households, it does include synthetic chemicals and has an overpowering aroma that some may find objectionable. Windex contains two cleaning chemicals, 2-Hexoxyethanol and Isopropanolamine, as well as synthetic perfumes and colors that give the product its distinctive blue colour and smell.

Spray | 23 ounces | 2.41 x 4.03 x 10.7 inches | Original fragrance

Favorite Things

  • Ammonia-free
  • Tint is safe

What We Hate About It

  • Expensive

If you’re concerned about the amount of overspray that spray cleaners produce, this foamy cleanser is a perfect choice. It employs the same ammonia-free, fragrance-free, and dye-free cleaning formula as the rest of the Invisible Glass line. Safe for tinted windows as well as ammonia-free. If you use the proper cloth with this glass cleaner, it won’t leave any residue behind. To obtain the best shine, use a microfiber cloth. You may use it on any glass surface in your home, not just in your automobile.

A 15-ounce container of foam with dimensions of 8 x 2.5 x 8 inches with an unscented smell.

8 Best Multi-Purpose Cleaners of 2022

Favorite Things

  • Will not leak
  • Ammonia-free

What We Hate About It

  • Capacity is very limited.
  • A powerful aroma

When you need to clean hard-to-reach areas or take your cleaner with you on the go, glass cleaning wipes are the answer. You should always have a supply of them in your car in case you need to clean up a mess on the windshield while driving. You may use the Sprayway wipes on tinted glass because they are ammonia-free, which is gentle on your skin and nose. Nonetheless, it’s a little product that’s best suited for one-time use. Spray or foam cleaners are more cost-effective when it comes to cleaning windows and other glass surfaces in your home. It’s not a bad smell, although some people may be sensitive to it.

Towelettes come in a pack of 20, each measuring 2.5 by 4 by 6 inches.

Favorite Things

  • Herbs have a distinct aroma.
  • a multi-purpose cleaning solution
  • Plant-based

What We Hate About It

  • Streaks may be seen

All-natural cleaners are now widely available, with most relying on plant-based components rather than synthetic ones. Instead of using harsher cleaners like ammonia, Puracy makes use of decyl glucoside, a vegetable-based cleanser that lifts debris from the surface of surfaces. Organic lemongrass essential oil is the source of the pleasant aroma. There is a risk of streaking with this cleaner if you use the wrong cloth for the surface. All of your home’s surfaces may be cleaned with this one product. Top cleaner for bathroom counters, which many people choose to keep free of harsh chemicals but yet need strong cleaning power that works on mirrors, hardware and worktops and sinks. For the most part, most people won’t be bothered by the herbal odors of Puracy. A concentrate solution is also available that you may use to refill your own cleaning bottles, reducing waste.

2.8 x 3.2 x 10.6 inches | Green Tea and Lime, Lemongrass scent | Spray bottle type

Favorite Things

  • On the stovetop, a pour bottle works great.
  • Tools for cleaning are included in the cleaning package.

What We Hate About It

  • Formulas based on chemicals
  • Expensive

Cooktop glass cleaners like Weiman are among our favorites, and if this is your first time purchasing, we definitely recommend the whole cleaning kit. The cleanser is applied as a white liquid and then polished off to reveal a bright, sparkling clean cooktop surface. Horizontal glass surfaces, such as cooking surfaces, are ideal for this product. Polyethylene-polypropylene glycol and monosodium phosphate, as well as other compounds that perform other functions, such as pH balancing and preservative, are responsible for the cleaning power of this product. It’s a little costly, but it’s the best we’ve tried thus far.

It is a liquid, weighing 10 ounces and measuring 6.21 by 3.0 by 7.82 inches. It has an unscented aroma.

Favorite Things

  • Bottle with pods that can be reused
  • Scents from nature

What We Hate About It

  • Expensive
  • Heavy filth and grime aren’t ideal for this product’s performance.

Glass cleaner for windows is often kept in the kitchen sink for easy access. With small children in the house, most people keep this door locked with a child-resistant lock, but they still want to keep chemicals out of the hands of their children. The Honest Company’s cleaning products are free of phosphates, phthalates, parabens, bleach, ammonia, and synthetic fragrances since they are made with non-toxic ingredients. Refill pods for the reusable bottle are also available, allowing you to reduce the amount of packaging waste. Citrus and mint combine to create a pleasant aroma. When used sparingly and without a significant accumulation of filth and debris, this glass cleaner effectively cleans windows and other hard surfaces. The Honest Company’s glass cleaner is pricier than other options, but it comes with the piece of mind that comes from utilizing non-toxic goods.

Pomelo-scented pods with a volume of 23 ounces are available. Each pod is 13.25 x 10.38 x 3.88 inches.

Favorite Things

  • Soap scum-fighting power
  • The safety of ceramic and glass

What We Hate About It

  • Smells like sewage

Using this glass cleaner to remove soap scum and other debris from the shower is an astounding feat. Whether it’s a glass shower door, a ceramic tile floor or a fiberglass shower, this product may be used on every surface in your shower. You don’t have to worry about scratching your tiles because it is non-abrasive. Even though it’s unscented, it’s going to have a strong odor when used in an enclosed shower. It’s not an issue because the smell rapidly dissipates.

An unscented spray is included in the package, which is made of aluminum and measures 2 by 4 feet by 11 inches.

Favorite Things

  • It’s easy to locate.
  • Invigorating aroma
  • Suitable for a wide range of surfaces.

What We Hate About It

  • To a degree, costly
  • Scents and dyes are included in this category.

If you’re looking for a non-toxic glass cleaner that works well on a range of surfaces, Method’s glass cleaner is an excellent choice. Those who don’t want to spend hours hunting for a cleaner around town will like the fact that it is readily available at most supermarkets. Using Method glass cleaner on counters, sinks, and faucets in bathrooms does not need using a different product. Ingredients include ethanol, decyl glucoside, sodium carbonate, potassium citrate, fragrances, and polymeric colorants, although this isn’t a complete list. It comes in two fresh smells, none of which is overbearing. There are more expensive solutions out there, but this one is still within most people’s means.

28 ounces of waterfall scent are included in the package, which measures 13.2 inches long, 6 inches wide and 10 inches tall.

Favorite Things

  • Cleansing the window panes
  • Rain-blocking
  • It’s simple to use

What We Hate About It

  • a miniature bottle

When it comes to car windows, nothing beats Rain-X. When automobiles enter the car wash, they are cleaned with Rain-X materials. A chemical polydimethylsiloxanes barrier layer is applied to your car’s windows to keep the rain from dripping off, and the ethanol in this glass cleaner is used as the primary cleaning ingredient. Using this on your home’s windows is probably unnecessary, but it will keep you safer on the road if you use it on your car. The 2-in-1 cleanser and rain repellent from Rain-X is still their most popular and best-selling product because of its dual use. It doesn’t have an aroma, so using it on your car’s exterior windows won’t make much of a difference.

An unscented spray is included in the 23-ounce package, which measures in at 4.14 by 2.24 by 11 inches.

The Bottom Line

Stoner Invisible Glass Glass Cleaner Spray is the best all-around glass cleaner on the market (view at Amazon). In addition to glass, this easy-to-use product can be used on a wide range of other surfaces in your home. Method Glass + Surface Naturally Derived Glass Cleaner, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for those who like natural solutions (view at Grove).

The best overall

Windex Original Glass Cleaner cuts through grit and grease with ease thanks to its time-tested active ingredient ammonia-D.

As the old saying goes, “Don’t fix what isn’t broken.” could not be more true than with Windex Original Glass Cleaner. Everything works as expected. Clear, streak-free glass that looks cleaner and is mainly free of hazardous bacteria is what you get with this product. Windex has been used for decades to clean windows, shower stalls, and more.

Windex Original is not only effective, but it is also reasonably priced. It is, in fact, the second cheapest option on our list. As a bonus, it’s soft enough to clean eyeglasses and many sorts of screens, such as those on your television or laptop. Avoid using it on touchscreens, and instead, spray the cleaner on a cloth and wipe down the surface you’re trying to clean, rather than straight onto it.

When it comes to cleaning tricky windows, Insider Reviews deputy editor Malarie Gokey swears by Windex and says it always gets the job done with just a few spritzes and little effort.

In spite of its effectiveness, Windex’s “Ammonia-D” formula is not one of the most environmentally friendly products on the market. It’s important to keep in mind that this product is not good for your skin or eyes, so avoid getting it in your eyes, nose, or mouth, and use gloves when cleaning more than one mirror or a few panes of glass.

The pros are that it works even on tough dirt, it’s cheap, and it’s been around for a long time.

Cons: Improperly handled ammonia can be hazardous.

The best natural cleaner

Method Glass and Surface Cleaner is almost entirely made using ingredients sourced from plants, so it’s safe to use around people, pets, and food.

Even though Method Glass and Surface Cleaner doesn’t utilize only natural components, it does use a lot of them. Potassium citrate, which Method makes from maize sugars, and sugar beet ethanol are among the “chemicals” stated on the bottle.

When it comes to its ability to clean a variety of surfaces, Method Glass and Surface Cleaner does not mislead. Granite, quartz, and tile are all excellent candidates for this product’s use in addition to glass. It works as well on windows, counters, walls, and other surfaces. The revitalizing and refreshing aroma of fresh mint is one of the best parts about using this product.

The bottles are constructed from 100% recycled plastic and are 100% recyclable for those who care about the environment. If you don’t need Windex to get rid of difficult stains, Malarie Gokey also utilizes this Method cleanser. Cleans a variety of tile surfaces in her home, too.

It works on a wide range of surfaces, it’s safe and natural, and it has a pleasant smell.

Occasionally streaks can be left behind.

Natural' Product Claims Can Be Murky - WSJ

The best without ammonia

Glass Plus Glass Cleaner is a versatile and effective cleaning product with many applications, plus, it’s affordable.

Glass Plus Glass Cleaner is more than suitable for most domestic and light-commercial glass cleaning needs. It is safe to use on a wide range of materials, including plastics, fiberglass, vinyl Plexiglas, and many others, because it does not contain ammonia. Using this product on washable wallpaper does not pose any risk of corrosion.

Even while Glass Plus isn’t as powerful as other harsher cleaning products, it’s perfect for light, frequent cleanings and one-off disasters, like a toddler’s handprint or a tabletop spill. That price again. Use as much as you like of this product without worrying about going over your household cleaning budget.

Ammonia-free recipe, inexpensive price tag, and ability to clean a wide range of surfaces are all positive aspects of this product.

Not as effective in dealing with tenacious grease or stains as other products

The best for hard-water stains

Hard-water stains are notoriously difficult to remove, but Bio Clean Hard Water Stain Remover is a commercial-grade product that makes short work tough buildup.

In your shower, on your car’s side windows, and possibly on the external panes of your house, you’ve probably noticed those whitish-grayish stains that are the result of hard water. Mineral deposits of calcium, lime, and rust have formed on top of the so-called stains. As soon as the surface dries, the hard-water stain will reappear, even if you’ve used a regular cleaning product. If you want them gone, you’ll have to split them apart.

As a result, it’s possible to wash away rust and mineral deposits with Bio Clean Hard Water Stain Remover. It’s remarkable how safe this product is, despite the fact that it is a powerful cleaner with a difficult task. You don’t have to feel terrible as it swirls down the drain of the shower or into the gutter when you wash your car because it is manufactured with materials that are non-toxic and environmentally safe.

The scaly buildup can be removed from a variety of surfaces, not just glass. Among the surfaces that Bio Clean Hard Water Stain Remover can clean are ceramic and porcelain tile, steel, polished stone and much more. The decorative fixtures and delicate surfaces, such as plastics and high-shine metal, will not be harmed.

To get the greatest results, keep in mind that you may need to scrape at stubborn stains multiple times.

Pros: Mineral deposits are broken up, it’s safe to use on a variety of surfaces, and the formula is environmentally friendly.

Cons: Frequently necessitates the use of multiple applications

The best health-conscious cleaner

Aunt Fannie’s Glass and Window Vinegar Wash cuts through grease and grime, but it doesn’t kill off all the helpful microorganisms with which we share our home.

I assume you’re aware that not all microorganisms are harmful. According to research, our bodies and homes are full of beneficial microorganisms in the form of bacteria, yeasts, and even fungi. How can this be bad? Let me tell you. Putting an end to them all. A harsh, chemically-heavy glass cleaner may be killing billions of little animals that were actually playing a crucial role in your life by killing them when you clean your windows, worktops and mirrors.

Smudges and dirt can still be removed using Aunt Fannie’s Glass & Window Vinegar Wash, but the microbiota remains intact. You can use a sponge, squeegee, cloth, or paper towel to wipe off glass surfaces after liberally using this cleaner. To the unaided eye, it will appear crystal clear, and under a microscope, it will be perfectly safe for microorganisms to live on it.

Aside from being safe to use around all people, even infants and those with compromised immune systems as well as pets and plants and food, this product is manufactured from vinegar, a sugar-based surfactant and natural essential oils.

I can attest to the efficacy of this glass cleaner based on my own use of it. Aunt Fannie’s Glass and Window Vinegar Wash may require a few more spritzes than Windex, but it works just as well when sprayed on thick.

Cons: Doesn’t harm microbiome organisms; doesn’t contain harsh chemicals; leaves a streak-free surface;

Cons: Doesn’t work well on stains or deposits that are persistent.

What to Look for in Glass Cleaner

Use

When shopping for glass cleaner, be sure to consider the intended application before making a purchase. There are certain all-purpose cleaners that can be used on glass, but it isn’t guaranteed that they’ll provide the shine you’re after. You’ll want to buy a product that has the term “glass” in the name or on the label. This may seem apparent. This indicates that the product has been designed to avoid streaking.

Ingredients

Water is the primary solvent used in most glass cleaners. For cleaning agents, you’ll discover surfactants and solvents. Hexoxyethanol, isopropanolamine, sodium laureth sulfate, and lauryl dimethyl amine oxide are examples of these types of compounds…

Ammonia, another surfactant, can be found in several glass cleaners. When used in conjunction with bleach (even in little doses), ammonia can produce a poisonous gas, even if it is only used for cleaning. Because of this, it should never be used in places where bleach is already being utilized. Make sure to look for a product that specifically claims that it is ammonia-free if you want to avoid it.

Scent

Natural or synthetic fragrances can be found in many cleaning products. As a finishing touch, it might be refreshing for certain people. However, some people are allergic to scented products, while others prefer formulae that are completely fragrance-free. You can typically tell whether or not a product is unscented by reading the label. It’s still a good idea to read the description just to be sure.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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