Can you clean glass with a paper towel?

Author: Patsy Bradtke  |  Last update: Sunday, November 2, 2025

Paper towels are typically treated for absorbency, which makes them ideal for spills, but awful for glass cleaning. Instead, substitute your paper towels for something more practical, like actual cloth. Lint-free cotton cloths, like microfiber cloths are great options for glass cleaners.

Should you use paper towels to clean glasses?

The important thing is to avoid streaks, harsh chemicals, and to use a cloth that will not scratch or pill (leave little strands of cloth) on the glasses. Do not use paper towel, it will leave tiny scratches you may not see, but they will eventually make the lenses cloudy.

What is the best thing to wipe glass with?

The best and cheapest product for cleaning glass is alcoholic vinegar. Don't dilute it and use a good quality glass specific rag, like waffle weave. Try it and see for yourself.

Are Bounty paper towels good for cleaning windows?

We use Bounty paper towels for dirty clean-ups and frame putty wiping, but they don't work as well as microfiber or cotton cloths for cleaning glass or acrylic. The paper is abrasive enough to scratch acrylic and coated glass. Also, paper towels are more expensive than reusing cloth towels.

Can I use a paper towel to clean my windshield?

Because the windows of your car aren't full of liquid, the paper towel becomes useless in terms of absorbency, and often times you will leave behind lint and streak the surface. If you want to be able to see, grab a microfiber towel for cleaning your glass.

Paper Towel or Newspaper? Here’s what we suggest for glass cleaning

Do paper towels clean glass?

Unlike harsher chemicals like bleach or soap, ammonia and vinegar will not leave behind streak marks or that cloud-like film. Now, to avoid the lint. Paper towels are an easy go-to whenever you're cleaning glass.

What not to clean your windshield with?

Household cleaners: Harsh chemicals in products like dish soap, multi-purpose cleaners, and even some glass cleaners can damage automotive window coatings and leave a residue that causes streaks. Sponges: Their textured surface can be too rough for delicate glass and may even trap dirt particles that lead to scratches.

What is the best paper towel to wash windows with?

If you want a paper towel that is absorbent and can quickly soak up spills, then Bounty or Viva would be a good choice. If you want a paper towel that is strong enough to scrub away stubborn dirt and grime, then Scott would be a good choice.

Should I use Windex with cloth or paper towel?

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. Cleaning windows on a cloudy day works best.

What do professional cleaners use to clean glass?

Professional window cleaners typically use either a white vinegar solution or a commercial hard water stain remover to clean hard water stains on windows. A common vinegar solution for this purpose consists of one cup of white vinegar mixed with a gallon of distilled or bottled water.

Why do my windows look smeared after cleaning?

Too Much Soap in the Solution

Well, window cleaner, this can absolutely apply to your soap solution. Your windows could be looking murky because you're using way too much of the good stuff. When it comes to concentrate, a little goes a long way, even if you're using regular dish soap.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for glasses?

To clean your glasses, there are two effective ways. The first, like the previous two, can be done by using dish soap and warm water. Be sure to use water that is lukewarm or warm rather than extremely hot or cold. It's also important to use dish soap that is free of lotion.

Are paper towels good for cleaning mirrors?

In fact, using paper towels on mirrors can actually make the problem worse. That's because paper towels can leave behind tiny particles and fibers that can cause streaks and smudges to appear on the mirror. Instead, try using a soft cloth or microfiber cloth to clean your mirrors.

Is Kleenex good for cleaning glasses?

DON'T use tissues, napkins, paper towels or toilet paper on your lenses. They can scratch your lenses and leave behind lint. Your lenses and frames should be washed frequently. It is important to rinse your lenses first in warm water to wash away debris that can cause scratches.

Is it OK to clean glasses with paper towel?

Don't use disposable paper towels, tissue paper, toilet paper, or napkins to wipe your lenses. These products might feel soft to you, but they can scratch lenses and often leave bits of themselves behind when rubbed too vigorously.

Is it better to clean glass with paper towels or cloth?

Choose lint-free

Microfiber or other lint-free towels won't leave behind little specks on glass surfaces. Newspaper or old, clean cotton diapers are other great options.

What is an alternative to cleaning cloths for glasses?

Care Touch Lens Cleaning Wipes

Pre-moistened wipes are an effective, and very simple, alternative to sprays and microfiber cleaning cloths.

What do professionals wash windows with?

Professional window cleaners use a solution made from dish soap and water to achieve a streak-free clean. The key is to use a small amount of soap and distilled water. Some professionals add ammonia to the water for increased cleaning power.

Why does newspaper clean glass so well?

The fibers in newspaper are highly absorbent, allowing it to effectively soak up the cleaning solution and the dissolved dirt. This helps to prevent streaks and smears that can occur if too much liquid remains on the glass.

Can I use paper towels to clean windshield?

Use a microfiber cleaning cloth instead of paper towels. Microfiber cloths don't leave small paper fibers behind like paper towels, and they're also less likely to leave streaks. Use a reach-and-clean tool to reach the corners of the windshield.

Why do paper towels scratch glass?

Rough surfaces on paper towels can scratch the surface of your glass, even when wet. Tissues contain lotions and can leave lint and fibers on the glass. A dry cloth can also scratch your glass.

How do I make my windshield crystal clear?

Deep clean your windshield by following these three basic steps:
  1. Clean your windshield with regular glass cleaner.
  2. Deep clean with 0000 grit steel wool, glass polish, or a commercial glass stripper.
  3. Apply a fresh coat of rain-repellent to keep your windshield clear and protected.

What not to put on car windows?

Paper Products and Old Towels

Paper towels and old towels are staples in most home car washing kits. If you're using these items to clean your auto glass, now is the time to stop. Paper towels are dangerous for glass, as the rough texture of the paper towels can leave behind scratches.

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