Can you use Windex as a surface cleaner?

Author: Colin Stokes  |  Last update: Saturday, October 11, 2025

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.

Is Windex a good surface cleaner?

Windex is primarily designed for cleaning and removing smudges, streaks, and other dirt and grime from glass surfaces such as windows, mirrors, and glass table tops. It is an effective cleaner for removing fingerprints, dust, and other debris from glass surfaces and leaves a streak-free finish.

Is Windex a multi-surface cleaner?

This product will clean and shine surfaces without any dull residue. When used as directed, it kills 99.9% of germs‡ and bacteria† on hard, non-porous surfaces.

Can Windex be used on countertops?

Avoid using harsh cleaners on the countertops. Don't use strong chemical cleaners -- products like Windex, bleach and any cleaners that are acidic (such as products that contain lemon or vinegar) -- on the counters or they could damage the seal with time.

Can you use glass cleaner as surface cleaner?

Using a glass cleaner for other surfaces might not provide the overall cleaning power many expect out of a surface cleaner. That is why any other tasks should be done with a surface cleaner instead. It is the more heavy-duty option as well for those hard spots to clean.

Windex Mutisurface Disinfectant - How to Use

Can Windex be used on surfaces?

A: The Windex® Outdoor Sprayer is a convenient spray-and-rinse cleaner that makes it easy to give outdoor windows a streak-free shine without wiping. It can also be used on patio furniture, playsets and other plastic and vinyl surfaces.

Can I use Windex to clean before painting?

I always used aerosol window cleaner as paint prep when I worked auto body. Always had great results and it seemed to kill the static too.

What is the best thing to clean countertops with?

Wood, marble, granite, quartz, engineered wood and stainless steel require gentle cleaning to avoid damage. With its neutral pH, dish soap is right for the job. Moisten a microfiber or cotton cleaning cloth with warm water. Add a dime-sized amount of dish soap.

Can you use Windex on quartz countertops with vinegar?

Don't use harsh or acidic cleaning solutions, such as those containing bleach, lemon juice, vinegar, or ammonia. Don't set hot mugs, pots, or pans directly on your counters. Although quartz countertops are fairly heat-resistant, use hot pads, trivets, and coasters to protect the stone.

What cleaners are safe for solid surface countertops?

Solid Surface countertops lock out liquid, bacteria, mold and mildew, and prevent it from penetrating the surface. It does not harbor bacteria and is hygienic. It is easily cleaned with warm soapy water, or an ammonia-based cleaner.

Where not to use Windex?

7 things you should never clean with Windex
  • Leather furniture. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Plexiglass. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Flat screen TVs or computer screens. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Granite, marble or other natural stone. ...
  • Wood. ...
  • Bathroom tubs, showers, sinks, toilets. ...
  • Car Windshields.

What is all surface cleaner?

All-purpose cleaners can be used for different cleaning tasks in and around the house, such as cleaning floors, windows and mirrors. They are suitable for light cleaning activities. Consumers place high demands on all-purpose cleaners (Falbe, 1997): High cleaning performance. Surface protection.

Can I use Windex on Corian?

Use soapy water, ammonia based cleaner, (not window cleaner) rinse and wipe completely Dry. Commercially available solid surface cleaners, such as Clean EnCounters® will also work well.

What are the disadvantages of Windex?

There are many different formulations of Windex. The ingredients vary between products, but they typically contain surfactants, solvents, and dyes. These chemicals are irritating when swallowed and can cause unwanted signs and symptoms including vomiting and abdominal pain.

Can you use Windex on kitchen cabinets?

NO! Windex – and any chemical based cleaner will damage your newly painted cabinets. 98% water + 2% dish soap only! When most homeowners think of a kitchen tune up, they think of changing out the appliances, getting a new countertop and getting new cabinetry.

Does Windex leave a residue?

Using Windex on your home windows might seem like a convenient choice, but it can leave residue behind and actually attract more dust. Instead invest in a squeegee and Dawn dish soap to clean windows. Start at the top and work your way down, using vertical or horizontal swoops.

Is it OK to use Windex on countertops?

Use a multi-surface cleaner such as Windex® Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner to clean and shine countertops made of sealed granite, sealed marble, Corian®, Formica® and more. For a gentle clean that also works on a variety of surfaces, try Windex® Vinegar Glass Cleaner.

What does vinegar do to quartz rocks?

Many collectors choose to remove calcite from rock and mineral specimens. Calcite often forms over quartz and other more desirable crystals and is more difficult to remove. Use household vinegar to help dissolve calcite from your finds before displaying.

Is Windex Multi Surface safe for quartz?

Many people use Windex® or similar cleaners to help shine their countertops, while this is okay for most quartz, you should avoid cleaners with bleach or ammonia. Windex®, for example, comes in an ammonia-free version. The real key to caring for quartz is to be gentle.

Can you use Dawn dish soap to clean countertops?

Frequently Asked Questions. Is Dawn dish soap safe for granite? Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe to use to clean granite countertops. Not only is it safe to use on your cooking and food prep surfaces, but it is also a great degreaser and can remove stubborn grease stains.

What is the best cleaner for quartz countertops?

While resistant to scratches, countertops from quartz can still be dulled or etched by harsh chemicals. Opt for mild dish soap mixed with warm water for routine cleaning. Avoid highly acidic cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or any other harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface and leave it looking dull.

How do restaurants clean countertops?

Some restaurants may opt for bleach cleaning solutions, though bleach can be harmful if misused. Alternatively, you can use a pre-moistened cleaning wipe, which uses a non-bleach solution and is a faster and convenient option. Next, rinse the area with a separate cloth.

Can you use Windex on any surface?

While you're cleaning up your kitchen appliances with glass cleaner, wipe down your countertops with it, too. It's safe to use on sealed granite, tile, laminate, sealed marble, and other countertop surfaces, in addition to stainless steel and enamel.

Does Windex need to be rinsed?

For best results, make sure you completely rinse suds. Do not allow product to dry before rinsing, rinse windows from top to bottom and use Windex® Outdoor Sprayer when the temperature is above 55º F. If the product is applied to eaves or siding above windows, it may drip down on windows.

Can you clean everything with Windex?

While uses for Windex are many, you should use it to clean your laptop or monitors or neither use it as furniture or wood polish or even to polish your fine jewelry.

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