Glass. While an all-purpose cleaner can be used to clean glass, it won't perform as well as a dedicated glass cleaner. When it comes to wiping down mirrors, windows, and other glass surfaces, a glass cleaner does a better job of dissolving oil and grease without creating streaks.
The biggest no-no when it comes to getting your mirrors clean is using paper towels. Paper towels are both single-use and leave teeny tiny bits of residue that can create an even bigger mess. In order to achieve a streak-free shine, use a microfiber cloth.
First, as most of us know, Windex does an excellent job of cleaning windows and mirrors. That's because the main ingredient in the product is ammonia. Ammonia is a strong chemical with just enough abrasive properties to remove dirt and grime without scratching the glass.
Even multi-purpose cleaners are too strong for cleaning mirrors. They often leave a toxic residue that makes mirrors hazy. Soapy cleaners also leave behind a residue that contributes to streaks, so avoid those too.
Windex Original Glass Cleaner
Windex is one of the most popular brands of glass cleaners on the market, and it's for good reason. It's incredibly effective at cleaning all sorts of glass surfaces, especially mirrors that immediately show and amplify smudges, fingerprints, and specks of dirt.
Glass. While an all-purpose cleaner can be used to clean glass, it won't perform as well as a dedicated glass cleaner. When it comes to wiping down mirrors, windows, and other glass surfaces, a glass cleaner does a better job of dissolving oil and grease without creating streaks.
Liquid all-purpose cleaners are used for cleaning floors, furniture, toilets, bathrooms and kitchens. For manual cleaning of surfaces with a liquid cleaner, a sponge, cloth or mop is used. Generally the cleaner is diluted, but the cleaner can also be used undiluted (for persistent soil).
You can't use Windex like an all-purpose cleaner. Cleaning experts weigh in on when Windex should stay in the cleaning bucket. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature.
The safest cleaner for a mirror is clean, warm water used with a soft cloth. An approved glass cleaner such as Windex or similar products may be used. However, be very careful not to allow the edges of the mirror to get or remain wet over a period of time.
Plus, soapy cleaners leave behind a residue that may contribute to streaks, so avoid those as well. There's also a different type of mirror cloudiness that occurs when mirrors are exposed to excess moisture or abrasive cleaning products, which is usually referred to as "mirror rust".
Mirrors are a regular part of a cleaning schedule in the home. According to the experts, decorative mirrors should be throughly cleaned at least monthly to remove pollutants that settle on the surface. Meanwhile, bathroom mirrors will need daily attention to keep them clear from splatters, water and toothpaste.
You probably know using an all-purpose cleaner isn't the best idea, since it'll make the glass cloudy. But even mirror-specific products like Windex, while effective at cleaning, can leave your mirror full of streaks because they contain so much soap.
Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes are easy to use and work on a variety of hard, nonporous surfaces, including mirrors and glass. The powerful cleaning technology dissolves kitchen grease and fights soap scum.
An all-purpose cleaner is a space saver and an important tool in every home's cleaning toolbox. They are safe to use for tackling messes on a variety of surfaces across all the rooms of your home, from countertops, painted walls, floors, appliances, and bathroom and kitchen surfaces.
When should they be used? If you're using a non toxic all purpose cleaner or a safe multi purpose cleaner, the answer to this question is “always!” Most all purpose cleaners are safe to use on marble, plastic, steel, wood, or any other type of surface.
Don't use harsh chemicals or ammonia-based cleaners. These products can damage the integrity of your glass. Likewise, you should avoid ammonia and alcohol-based cleaners as they can leave streaks and make your glass look dirty.
It really is a great all purpose cleaner. It can be used in the kitchen, the bathroom, and even on glass. For example, I've used it to clean indoor glass windows, computer monitors and indoor glass doors. I've also used it to clean dirt, grime, and dust in both my kitchen and bathroom.
Yes, the Multi-Purpose Cleaner can clean a lot of surfaces but it should not be used on certain surfaces such as glass. It could actually leave a streak. The best thing to use on glass is actual window cleaner or even vinegar and water which you can make from home.
Make a Cleaning Solution
She says to mix one part white vinegar with four parts warm water in a bowl or bucket, noting that you should mix in a tiny drop of dish soap if your mirror is extra dirty. "Transfer the mixture into a spray bottle and spray the mirror with the mixture," Peterson says.