Windex isn't just for windows. Windex uses in the home: works well for many surfaces, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. If I'm speed cleaning my kitchen and bathrooms, and only want to use 1 cleaner, Windex is it. It cleans faucets, sinks, stoves, microwaves, and of course, Windows. Grab your Windex and micro.
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.
Windex and Stainless Steel
Ammonia is a major component of Windex cleaning products. It is known to corrode stainless steel, and numerous experts advise against its use.
Clean the counters
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.
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 can be used to clean bathtubs on a regular basis. Simply spray the solution on, and use a sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe down and scrub the tub, then rinse.
CR's tests help "clear up" one big misconception: vinegar shouldn't be your go-to for glass. It removed the messes, but it did leave noticeable amounts of streaks behind, so it requires a lot more wiping. And while ammonia-based cleaners like Windex are known for their cleaning power, the smell isn't so great.
Windex is generally safe to be sprayed on tiles to clean and remove smudges or streaks. It can also be used on stubborn stains on laminate floors and sealed concrete floors. This is because concrete sealers prevent water and harsh chemicals from seeping into the concrete.
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. Great for cleaning bathrooms, kitchens, tiles, stainless steel, and more.
Stay Away from Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals, especially those containing bleach or chlorine, should be kept away from glass surfaces. These chemicals can damage window frames, seals, and surrounding materials.
Glass Cleaner: The shelf life of glass cleaners is around two years. However, if the product is stored in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, it may expire sooner.
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.
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.
There are a number of commercial glass cleaners that you can use to clean the glass shower door. Windex is one of the time-tested ways to clean glass and it still works great. Spray down the shower doors with Windex and then wipe off the Windex with a soft cloth.
Avoid using abrasive cleanser that may scratch the plastic. Use a tub/tile/sink cleaner; nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner; or a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the cleaner to the surface or on a damp sponge and rub gently. Rinse or wipe clean.
You should not dilute Windex® Outdoor Sprayer. My hose detached from the Windex® Outdoor Sprayer. Why did this happen? If your water pressure exceeds the typical home water pressure of 40-45 PSI, the hose may detach from the sprayer.
Dish Soap Solution
Believe it or not, one of the most common and effective window cleaning solutions that is used by professionals is a mixture of dish soap and water. Simply mix one gallon of water with two teaspoons of liquid dish soap, and you have a professional window cleaning solution.
For best results, avoid using Windex® Original Glass Cleaner on very hot or cold surfaces. The product may evaporate before wiping and cause streaking. Choosing the right towel can also help achieve a streak-free shine. Extra-absorbent paper towels can leave lint and film behind because they are treated.
Kitchen Degreaser
Windex is great on countertops, too, including quartz, granite, marble, laminate and tile. Just make sure that if you're cleaning natural stone counters that have a sealant, such as granite, marble or quartzite, you're using a Windex version that is free of ammonia and vinegar.
Vinegar is made up of acids that can severely harm your granite. Even if it is diluted, vinegar may still leave acids on your granite countertops. This can cause your natural stone countertops to etch. You can tell that your granite countertops have begun to etch by seeing a small ring or some sign of a watermark.
If all you're dealing with are those smudgy fingerprints, you can give your stainless steel appliances a quick touch-up using glass cleaner. Brands like Windex will do just fine, here. Once again, spray the solution onto your cleaning rag and apply it to the smudgy areas on your appliances using a circular motion.