Can I mix Windex and vinegar?

Author: Manuel Bahringer Sr.  |  Last update: Thursday, January 15, 2026

It's also important to mix vinegar with other ingredients carefully. “Never mix vinegar with other cleaning products like bleach or ammonia or those 'blue' window cleaning products [like Windex], because they can create dangerous chlorine gas,” Gayman says.

Is it okay to mix vinegar and Windex?

Windex Multi-Surface with Vinegar. Vinegar, which is a main cleaning ingredient in Windex Multi-Surface with Vinegar, can dull and etch your granite countertops. Cleaning granite countertops with vinegar is likely to do more harm than good.

What does Windex with vinegar do?

Windex® Vinegar Multi-Surface Cleaner is versatile and the special ammonia-free formula has no harsh vinegar smell—just a fresh, clean scent. Use as a bathroom cleaner, kitchen cleaner, tile cleaner, stainless steel cleaner, and much more.

What can you not mix with Windex?

No, you should not mix Windex (which typically contains ammonia) and vinegar (which contains acetic acid). Combining these two substances can produce toxic gases, including chloramine vapors, which can be harmful if inhaled. It's best to use them separately for cleaning purposes to avoid any hazardous reactions.

What should vinegar not be mixed with?

There are certain substances you should never mix with vinegar, including bleach and ammonia, because these combinations will produce chlorine gas and toxic vapors, says Ryan Sinclair, an environmental microbiologist and associate professor at the Loma Linda University School of Public Health.

Mix Baking Soda and Vinegar – What Happens Will Blow Your Mind!

What cleaners can you mix with vinegar?

Vinegar and Baking Soda: Many believe that combining vinegar and baking soda enhances cleaning power due to the fizzing reaction.

What happens if I mix vinegar and ammonia?

There's no danger in doing this, but it's not really recommended by window contractors since vinegar and ammonia often counteract one another. In addition, the mixture creates a byproduct, saltwater, that robs both of their cleaning properties.

What substances are incompatible with Windex?

Incompatible materials : Do not mix with bleach or any other household cleaners. : Thermal decomposition can lead to release of irritating gases and vapours. Aggravated Medical : None known.

What two chemicals should never be mixed?

Dangers of Mixing Household Chemical Cleaners
  • Bleach + Vinegar = Chlorine gas. This can lead to coughing, breathing problems, burning and watery eyes. ...
  • Bleach + Ammonia = Chloramine. ...
  • Bleach + Rubbing alcohol = Chloroform. ...
  • Hydrogen peroxide + Vinegar = peracetic/ peroxyacetic acid.

When not to use Windex?

What Should You NOT Use Glass Cleaner On?
  • Electronics. ...
  • Plastic Mirrors. ...
  • Car Touchscreens. ...
  • Wooden Furniture. ...
  • Painted Surfaces. ...
  • Antique or Delicate Glassware. ...
  • Acrylic or Plexiglass. ...
  • Stainless Steel Appliances.

Is glass cleaner with vinegar good?

The acidic composition of white vinegar works efficiently to break down the film that can accumulate on your windows. For a basic vinegar cleaning solution, we recommend mixing one part distilled vinegar to 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle. Label the container and save leftovers for future use.

Is Windex with vinegar safe for tinted windows?

Yes, vinegar is safe for tinted windows! Here are some tips to ensure safety: Why Vinegar is Safe: Vinegar is non-abrasive and won't harm the tint film when diluted properly.

What is the best homemade windshield cleaner?

We usually just eyeball it!
  • Alcohol Based: 1 cup water + 1 cup rubbing alcohol.
  • Vinegar Based: 2 cups water + 1/4 cup white vinegar.
  • Lighter odor, lighter duty: 2 cups water + 1/4 cup isopropyl alcohol + 1/4 cup white vinegar.
  • Grease Cutting Boost: Add 1/2 tsp or 5-10 drops of mild dish soap to any of the above.

Should you dilute Windex?

Mix it up with warm water (again, soft or distilled H20 for best results) at a 50/50 ratio.

How long does vinegar need to sit to disinfect?

The set time for vinegar, meaning the time a disinfectant must be on a surface to kill germs, is 30 minutes. The acetic acid in vinegar can also damage some surfaces, so vinegar is not recommended for use on aluminum, cast iron, waxed wood, or natural stone.

What chemicals make mustard gas?

Mustard gas or sulfur mustard are names commonly used for the organosulfur chemical compound bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, which has the chemical structure S(CH2CH2Cl)2, as well as other species.

Which household chemicals are toxic to humans?

These products include, among others:
  • cleaning agents such as bleaches, dishwasher powders, oven cleaners, drain cleaners and turpentine.
  • pest control products.
  • weed killers.
  • other gardening products.
  • swimming pool chemicals.
  • liquid petroleum gas (LPG).

How to get rid of chlorine gas?

If the chlorine release was from household cleaners or chemicals, open windows and doors to let in fresh air. Leave the area until the gas has gone away. If you cannot get away, go to the highest ground possible because chlorine is heavier than air and will sink.

What can you not mix with glass cleaner?

Bleach and ammonia

Many window cleaners, such as Windex, contain Ammonia. If mixed with bleach, it produces a toxic gas called chloramine. Fumes from this gas can cause side effects including sinus congestion, choking, shortness of breath, and coughing.

What is Windex bad for?

The chemicals present in Windex can cause eye irritation and can potentially cause eye injuries.

What works best with Windex?

Lint-free cotton cloths, microfiber towels, untreated paper towels, newspaper or old, clean cloth diapers work great.Be sure to use enough Windex® product to remove all the dirt and change cleaning towels as they become soiled.

What chemical should not be mixed with vinegar?

When bleach is mixed with vinegar, or any acid, chlorine gas is produced. This can cause coughing, breathing problems, and irritate your eyes.

Which is better, Windex or vinegar?

Spray a stronger mix of 1:1 water and vinegar (or Windex, or glass cleaner) at your window, so that the solution covers most of the glass. (I found Windex to work better, but if you have pets—or kids—who frequently lick outdoor windows, vinegar may be the best route for you.)

Can you mix vinegar with cleaning products?

Most store-bought household cleaning products contain one or two of the items mentioned above as their active ingredients. Combining them with vinegar can produce toxic chemical fumes that may put your or your loved ones' health at risk. In summary, vinegar is already an awesome green cleaning agent on its own.

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