For a wood coated with a hard surface, like wooden furniture, Windex is completely harmless. If it is sprayed on and kept dry, it will leave a water spot, which could be cleaned off. It won't damage your furniture when used as a cleaner.
Wooden Furniture and Flooring
It is good to avoid applying glass cleaner on unprocessed wood or a table. This could damage the polish of your wooden furniture. Instead, you can prepare a homemade solution using vegetable oil and white vinegar.
Vinegar and a mild dish detergent are the best way to clean finished wood when you aren't sure what type of finish is covering your furniture. Bob Vila points out that this type of solution is gentle and won't damage the furniture's finish.
Granite or marble
This is a big NO. “Windex shouldn't be used on granite or marble kitchen tops. Cleaners like Windex can etch or dull the surfaces of natural stone,” says Rick Glickman, president of Dream Kitchens, a design studio in Highland Park, Illinois.
Ideally you'll want to use a detergent designed for cleaning wood. A simple solution of half a cup of distilled white vinegar, half a cup of warm water and a teaspoon of mild dish detergent like Dawn will also do the trick.
You can use Windex® Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner on your car's tinted windows, mirrors, glass, chrome, stainless steel, plastic, and vinyl surfaces. For a streak-free shine, clean car windows when the surface is cool and out of direct sunlight whenever possible.
Windex® Outdoor Sprayer will not harm plants, painted surfaces (water or oil based paint), siding, grills or plastic surfaces.
As tempting as it may be to use, Windex or any similar type product can be a hazard to use in the vicinity of food products, particularly cutting boards. If you do not have the proper sanitizer available, a certain "secret" common household item will suffice.
Don't use straight ammonia, alkaline products or abrasive cleaners. They'll dull or scratch the finish. Don't rely on lemon juice or a vinegar-and-water solution to clean hardwood floors. "I don't recommend using vinegar or lemon juice, at least not in large quantities, as these can damage the floor's seal," said Wise.
Yes, but only in small amounts. When using water to clean wood, only use a lightly damp, not wet, cloth or sponge and dry the wood afterward. Water is best used to dilute other cleaners to make gentle cleaning solutions. Wood should never be cleaned with harsh chemicals.
Over an extended period, vinegar may accelerate the dulling of your hardwoods. An alternative natural cleaning solution is warm water and dish soap (1/4 cup of dish washing liquid for a bucket of warm water). For spot cleaning needs, sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and scrub with a sponge.
Ammonia, in general, is bad for your wooden floors. When they get exposed to ammonia, It can discolor and dull the overall finish. Your hardwood floors will lose its shine, become darker, and look old (in a not right way). Because of this, Windex should not be used when you want to clean the sealed wood floors.
Ammonia is a wax stripper agent that is commonly used to remove acrylic waxes on hardwood floors. When your floor is exposed to ammonia, it strips off the dry finish and warps the wood. Therefore, Windex should not be used for cleaning sealed wood floor.
This easy clean comes in a blue bottle: Windex cleans all types of outdoor furniture, including aluminum, resin, plastic, and glass pieces. Just lightly mist the surface, let stand for a few minutes, and wipe clean.
Not recommended for use on finished wood. Spot test on other surfaces before using. Do not use or mix with other household cleaners. Store in a cool place, out of direct sunlight.
5.0 out of 5 stars Better than blue Windex. This provides the same quality Windex cleaning without the pungent smell of the original blue formula. I was seriously doubtful on how effective this vinegar based cleaner would work but it left a streak clean shine in glass and other household surfaces.
Avoid Harmful Chemicals
Alcohol and ammonia, found in window cleaners such as Windex, can wreak havoc on your expensive flat-screen TV, so don't use cleaners that have them.
When you're doing a DIY woodworking project, it's a good idea to start with a fresh, clean surface. But whatever you do, if you're working with untreated wood, don't use a Clorox wipe to clear off dust and dirt. Because untreated or unpainted wood is porous, disinfectant wipes can leave it with a big, ugly stain.
Use a mix of equal parts distilled white vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil. Use a soft cloth to rub the mixture with the wood's grain and then wipe off with a clean cloth.
If you're dusting or cleaning your table, in additional to other wood furniture or knickknacks, a multipurpose solution like Murphy® Oil Soap Orange Oil Cleaner can do the trick. Real Simple recommends spraying or applying your product onto a dusting cloth instead of the surface itself.
Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a cup. The acidic solution helps remove sticky residue and worn out varnish from your table. Dip your sponge into the solution and start wiping down the table completely. Avoid scrubbing with too much pressure as it will leave scratch marks on the surface of your table.
Avoid using water and vinegar, soap-based cleaners, wax or steam cleaners on hardwood floors. Vinegar and water can dull the floor's finish over time, while soap and wax leave a residue. Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on your floor, which can lead to cupping and long-term damage.