Mix the cornstarch in until it fully dissolves. Having put our finalists through a battery of traditional test situations, we wanted to see how they stood up to a particularly dirty and all-too-frequent occurrence food exploding in the microwave. Your email address will not be published. When liquid penetrates these delicate layers, the monitors are ruined. Try the DIY formula that contains cornstarch. Also, youll incur the cost of purchasing a glass spray bottle. Even unscented glass cleaners typically have a mild odor when applied, which will usually dissipate quickly. Streaking happensbecause glass is not entirely smooth. All Rights Reserved. But if you dont have it handy, or youre looking for a more natural or less expensive option, youve come to the right place. When outside of the kitchen, he enjoys woodworking, photography, videography and figuring out how to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Puracy natural glass cleaner uses decyl glucoside, a vegetable-based cleanser, in place of harsh chemicals like ammonia, and its pleasant scent comes from organic lemongrass essential oil. Second, vinegar is naturally acidic and can damage marble countertops or anything made of natural stone. These foams provide more complete coverage and saturation while also breaking down difficult-to-remove fats and sediment. You pick the fragrance, which will linger in the air hours after use. We looked at subreddits, like /r/homemaking, /r/diy, and even /r/autodetailing to find out what consumers think about the best glass cleaners on the market. While windowcleaners are great products for many jobs around the house, they need to be kept away from certain tasks. In terms of both removing the substances and leaving a streak-free finish, the products from Windex and Zep Streak-Free Glass Cleaner distinguished themselves as superior to the others. Seventh Generation is one of the leaders in the movement to produce healthier, more eco-friendly cleaning and personal care products, and this is just one of its many plant-based products. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Pour one cup of hot water into a measuring cup. Windex cleans glass and windows without running or leaving messy streaks. Weiman is our go-to cleaner for glass cooktops and stovetops, and we highly recommend getting the entire cleaning kit, which includes the cleaning solution, a scrubbing pad, a scraper, and a cleaning tool. But, it can irritate your eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Rain-X 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner + Rain Repellent, The 7 Best Microfiber Cloths to Tackle Messes With Care. Finally, we wanted to add essential oil to our homemade glass cleaner. Hold the nozzle sixinches from the surface. We also discovered that, similar to cornstarch, essential oil helps combat streaking by preventing the bonding of hydrogen atoms in water molecules. In addition to its many uses around the home, it's an excellent product for cleaning glass, mirrors, and chrome in your car. Add four tablespoons of cornstarch to the water. Finally, use a fresh, clean, dry microfiber towel to vigorously buff out any imperfections left on the glass. Youll also have to shake it well before each use to make sure all ingredients are blended well, as cornstarch can settle at the bottom. The ammonia-based product is also great for tackling soap scum on bathroom fixtures and stains on tiled floors, polishing up old jewelry and even repelling insects. A small amount rubbed onto the skin can even relieve pain from a bee sting. Glass Plus vs. Windex: Which Glass Cleaner Is Better? Microfiber cloths are the most effective (and reusable) option. A lot of cleaning products contain fragrances, whether natural or synthetic. Windowsmust be cleaned from both the inside and the outside. (19 Examples), Ammonia vs. Bleach: Uses, Safety, Pros, Cons, Can You Mix OxiClean and Bleach? The big drawback: The wipes are designed to spot clean small areas, so a 20-pack won't clean all the windows in a typical home. "Plant-based glass cleaners do not contain these and are not suitable for sanitizing.". Their microfiber cloths are cheaper than Norwex and just as effective. A solution of dish soap, vinegar, and water is an excellent alternative to Windex. Unlike televisions from 20 years ago, modern TVs arent made of thick glass but of extremely thin layers of plastics, adhesives, display elements, and other materials. Im a fan of E-Cloth. Although both required a bit more elbow grease and attention, we were able to completely remove any evidence of the chili. Essential oils can impact and alter many surfaces. If you dont like the smell of vinegar, here is a Windex alternative that you can customize with natural fragrances. Log in. Sprayway Ammonia-free Glass Cleaning Wipes, The Best Cleaning Wipes for Every Surface, Best Eco-friendly: Weiman Cooktop Cleaner Kit, Best for Windows: Vinegar is a condiment that can double as a cleaning agentif you're not a fan of the acidic smell, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a customized scent. Cleaners that don't contain artificial dyes will often leave less (or no) residue behind. It was a noticeable difference compared to the commercially available options. Add one-quarter cup of white vinegar to the funnel. As an Amazon Associate, Prudent Reviews earns fees when you click on links within our articles and make qualifying purchases. The active ingredient is white vinegar, and it only requires a small amount, so you can buy a bulk container for a price less than Windex and make multiple containers. Place a funnel into the open spray bottle. Professional window washers tend to use soapy water and a squeegee for commercial jobs. She has worked in a variety of fields, including television, film, book-selling, and publishing; she also spent over two years as a TaskRabbit maid, housekeeper, and personal assistant. The best way is to make your own glass cleaner using white vinegar, cornstarch, water, and essential oils. So, you dont save any money by making the switch. But even after the third application we still observed a bit of residue. Unlike Windexs original formula, Glass Plus is ammonia-free. Costco Business Center products can be returned to any of our more than 700 Costco warehouses worldwide. Ammonia is included in many household cleaners because it evaporates fast, preventing streaks which our testing confirmed. Window-cleaning products became popular because they dont leave behind the streaks that soap and other common cleaners often leave. As an ammonia-based cleaner, it is versatile and effective on many surfaces not just glass. Notably, this all-purpose cleaner is very versatile, though. Projects that were once thought of as challenging, or even impossible, are now easily demystified. To confirm, thoroughly read through the ingredients listed on the packaging, or refer to the product page on the brand's website. In addition to targeting dirt, grime, and streaks, it also makes short work of removing toothpaste splatter, smoke haze, and fingerprints. The Environmental Working Group provides a guide to cleaning products. The two ammonia-based cleaners, Zep and Windex, left by far the worst smell. Windex Alternative 1: Dish Soap, Vinegar, and Water, Windex Alternative 3: Alcohol, Vinegar, Cornstarch, and Water, Windex Alternative 4: Essential Oil, Alcohol, Cornstarch, and Water, Windex Alternative 6: Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass Cleaner. If you use glass cleaner to sanitize any area that is used for food preparation or cooking, make sure to rinse the surface well. Think about why you want to replace Windex in the first place. Before you choose, lets consider these questions: For heavy messes, stick with formulas that have ingredients to cut through the grease and grime, like dish soap or vinegar. The Honest Company Conscious Cleaning Glass Starter Kit, Best for Shower Doors: A simple water and vinegar solution is an excellent Windex alternative because its non-toxic, dye-free, ammonia-free, and artificial fragrance-free. Vinegar will naturally eat away at plastic, so a glass bottle is necessary. Increase ventilation as much as possible. This foaming cleanser is an excellent option for those that want minimal overspray, which is a common issue with most household spray cleaners. This glass cleaner lives up to its name,cleaning glass surfacesso well that they look practically invisible. Nigerian Dwarf Goats 201: Getting Started, Nigerian Dwarf Goats 101: Background & Basics, Weed-Be-Gone A Safe & Easy Homemade Weed Killer. One benefit of Windex is that it offers a streak-free shine. Finally, Windex is incredibly versatile. When cleaning with products containing these chemicals, proper ventilation is essential. When it comes to cleaning mirrors, windows, and all things glass, Windex is the number one brand. Warm water will help to diffuse dust and carry away impurities. (Even car washes use it!) If you want a pre-made glass cleaner, I recommend Seventh Generation. Place the funnel into the open spray bottle. To make this Windex alternative, youll need: This Windex alternative has plenty of perks: Of course, there are some downsides to using this solution. It was incredibly easy to remove even the dried portions of our lunch that had set into the inside of the door. These substances will leave streaks of their own, separate from those left by any residual cleaning liquid. The Honest Company'sglass cleaner is free of phosphates, phthalates, parabens, bleach, ammonia, and synthetic fragrances. If youre not a fan of using rubbing alcohol, this option probably isnt for you. While the prints themselves were removed, residue from the oil remained on the window and left visible streaks. (Read our post on essential oil diffusers for more information.) We may earn a fee if you buy via links in this post (at no extra cost to you). The fibers are extremely small, measuring about the diameter of human hair. Its mostly added to fertilizer and other agricultural products as well as cleaners, pesticides, plastics, and water purifiers. Plus, its inexpensive and easy to make. In order to fairly compare the prices of our products, we calculated their price per ounce based on popular packaging sold on Amazon at the time of publishing. After five minutes, we used each product to tackle the job of cleaning the window. Its not just the smell that disappears quickly; its the ammonia. This spray formula does leave behind more streaks than some other cleaners, so it may take a few more swipes to get a crystal-clear shine. While the end result may not be as streak-free as a window cleaned with Windex, using a homemade cleaner could be worthwhile for those who want to save some money and also want to use a product that only includes ingredients they are comfortable with. Andrew is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Prudent Reviews. Some tout the advantages of rubbing alcohol, lemon juice and ammonia, but there are just as many who swear by vinegar alone. Like all other DIY solutions in this article, this option is ammonia-free. Similar to Windex, some ingredients cause health and environmental concerns, such as sulfates. Glycol ethers attack dirt, grease, and soap scum by dissolving them and making them easier to remove. Before we tested our products, we practiced several variations of wipe strokes, amount of liquid, and timing and application. A pleasant smell. The cleaning power of vinegar cannot be disputed. Unlike Windex, which contains ingredients like ammonium hydroxide and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, the ingredients for this cleaner are simple and safe. Our simple, homemade Your Best Digs cleaner is by far the cheapest way (per ounce) to clean glass surfaces although it is more costly, both in time and money, upfront. A small bowl of the glass cleaner can be left out on the counter to deter them from a particulararea. Do you want an ammonia-free product? Weiman Glass Cleaner, with its penetrating foaming action, is the best at tackling the worst messes all over the house. Non-perishable food andhousehold essentials. It uses rubbing alcohol, which can be harmful if swallowed. Try simple DIY solutions (like water and vinegar) or an inexpensive ready-made product like Glass Plus. Get the latest reviews, deals, giveaways, and exclusive content. It is an active ingredient in both Windex and Zep Streak-Free Glass Cleaner. Some have raised more concerns than others. Dish soap cuts grease better than vinegar and water alone. Type: Liquid | Amount: 10 ounces | Dimensions: 6.21 x 3.1 x 7.82 inches | Scent: Unscented. Measure two cups of water and pour it into the funnel. While some companies provide a list of ingredients online, there is no guarantee that these lists are complete. The Ultimate House Cleaning Checklist (Printable). Next, the addition of soap (although minimal) can leave residue, possibly causing streaks that could build up over time or at least require some extra elbow grease to ensure a streak-free finish. If you must use plastic, choose ones that can withstand vinegar (HDPE- or PETE-stamped). Those unable to invest the time in creating their own solution at home, but who also want a more natural product, can try Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass & Surface Cleaner. Pour the blended solution into a spray bottle. We tested these products for their ability to eliminate dirt and germs on a variety of glass and other surfaces while leaving a streak-free finish. Stoner Invisible Glass Foaming Cleanser, Best Wipes: Does the smell irritate you? It takes more effort than other alternatives since it requires some mixing. If you have furry friends in your house, "avoid using this on surfaces they'll walk on and consider keeping them out of the room while you're using it," she advises. Though many glass cleaners can be used on any glass, some are better suited for specific surfaces, like glass cooktops. DIY solutions are appealing because they can be personalized, can utilize natural ingredients and can be cheaper than some commercial offerings. This DIY glass cleaner can do the same thing, but without harsh chemicals. Be sure to keep these two chemicals away from each other and away from children. Then, we dove into the science and debate about chemicals, exposure, safety, and do-it-yourself alternatives. This option doesnt leave the residue that dishwashing soap can. Alternatively, it has a pungent odor, might not remove dirt like Windex, and may take a few tries to get just the right cleaning ratio especially if you notice streaking or poor cleaning performance. Learn more. Among the liquid spray options, Windex and Zep Commercial Glass Cleaner performed the best. This solution is cheaper than Windex. Essential oils come in dozens of scents, including rosemary, lavender, tea tree, and lemongrass. Make your own cleaning solution with common household items, Use a more natural option with fewer chemicals, Glass spray bottle (at least 20-ounce capacity), Distilled white vinegar (or cleaning vinegar). Read our, Stoner Invisible Glass Foaming Cleanser at Amazon, Sprayway Ammonia-free Glass Cleaning Wipes at Amazon, Puracy Organic Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner at Amazon, The Honest Company Conscious Cleaning Glass Starter Kit at Amazon, Method Glass + Surface Cleaner at Grove.co, Best Overall: But when glass is obstructed by streaky residue, it can be an eyesore. We decided to move forward with a slightly modified version of a recipe provided by Crunchy Betty, who performed similar tests using different natural ingredients and concluded that warm water, white vinegar, and cornstarch provided the best results. The do-it-yourself, or DIY, movement has coincided with the rise of the internet in the last 20 years. There are many other ingredients that go into creating our top six products. These ingredients may already be in your home, so you can try this alternative without going to the store. The Environmental Working Group provides a guide to cleaning productsto help consumers make an informed decision. Seventh Generation has made a name for itself, and their products are available in most grocery stores and major retailers like Target and Walmart, but not every store carries it. This glass cleaning alternative is non-toxic, while Windex contains chemicals like ammonia. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass Cleaner. None of our reviews are sponsored. You can find out more information on it. Just a few minutes after use, theres no detectable fragrance. Our homemade solution easily removed the blemishes but left the mirror looking cloudy and a bit dull. You can always try making ahomemade glass cleanerif you prefer. If youre looking for an off-the-shelf alternative to Windex thats non-toxic and made with plant-based ingredients, try Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass Cleaner. Cornstarch naturally breaks water bonds, eliminating moisture that can result in streaks. Vinegar is by far the most recommended household cleaning alternative to a store-bought product. BEST GLASS CLEANERS. Each one of our top sevenproducts have ingredients that specifically disinfect surfaces. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Many of the products easily removed the stains, but Windex did so with only moderate pressure being applied and it required very little buffing to completely eliminate streaks. Still, it has way fewer chemicals than Windex. This next Windex alternative is simple to make and only requires two ingredients: vinegar and water. Its a biodegradable and plant-based formula made with the environment and your health in mind. It's safe for windows, glass cooktops, mirrors, and chrome, it doesn't contain ammonia (although its formula is synthetic chemical-based), and it's free of overpowering scents and dyes. This means theyre soft, durable, and absorbent perfect for cleaning not just windows but almost anything. (Quick Guide). Katie Begley is a product reviewer for The Spruce who specializes in lifestyle and parenting writing. We recommend using filtered or even distilled water to avoid dirt or contaminants leaving any visible residue on the glass surface. The cornstarch also acts as a thickener, preventing the mixture from dripping quickly down a window or mirror. Katie Berry, The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board member, notes that products with ammonia or alcohol have sanitizing abilities. It should also be noted that not only is ammonia highly flammable, but it can also create a dangerous chemical reaction when combined with bleach. Choosing a degreasing dish soap helps break down any grease or buildup on glass. A top-quality glass cleaner breaks up and removes greasy fingerprints, smudges, and dirt without leaving streaks. All of the other products, including the one we made ourselves, are applied with a spray bottle. Glass Plus is a solid alternative to Windex if you prefer an ammonia-free solution and dont want to try a DIY solution. Finally, I recommend using lint-free microfiber cloths for cleaning glass instead of paper towels to get the best results. Then, we pressed an olive oil-coated hand against the window and smeared it around to mimic greasy palm prints. We do extensive research and hands-on testing, so you can trust the products we recommend. Unlike Windex, this mixture is completely non-toxic. We understand that glass cleaners may not be designed to perform such chores, but it is nice to know what theyre capable of. It is ready to use straight from the bottle, making it as convenient as Windex. This should ensure that the circumference of the sprays overlaps on the glass. We recommend microfiber towels for both wiping up messes and buffing out streaks. 2022 Prudent Reviews LLC. Add one-half cup of rubbing alcohol to the funnel. Windex Original Glass Cleaner, 32 fl oz with 176 fl oz Refill. The second time through, use a motion from the top of the glass to the bottom, applying a bit more pressure to absorb all the remaining liquid. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Glass & Surface Cleaner comes in a bottle with a childproof mechanism that makes it very difficult to remove the nozzle. Keep away from open flames and high heat. If you are looking for a plant-based glass cleaner, Seventh Generation is an excellent Windex alternative. This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Glass cleaning wipes are great for targeting hard-to-reach places or taking your cleaner on the go. When cleaning windows and mirrors with airborne sprays, smell is an important and quickly noticeable factor. The main downside is that it costs more than Windex per ounce. It can be used on a variety of surfaces to clean without leaving streaks, and its strong enough to get rid of tough stains. Join our free newsletter and get the latest reviews, deals, giveaways, and exclusive content. The DIY solution did eventually get the job done but required quite a lot of scrubbing and several sprays over the same spots. There are some cons to choosing Glass Plus. Remove the funnel and screw the trigger sprayer in place. While it is the trusted standby in many homes, its formulation includes synthetic chemicals, including 2-hexoxyethanol and isopropanolamine. The streaks were not distracting or even all that obvious, but they were noticeable from certain angles. Our homemade product successfully cleaned messes off windows, mirrors, and other surfaces. Some glass cleaners also sanitize surfaces by killing bacteria and viruses. Its easy to make, inexpensive, and doesnt have a harsh smell. We also avoided using dish-washing liquid or other manufactured soaps that relied on buying and watering down a store-bought cleaning solution. The Rejuvenate glass cleaner packs a powerful punch against soap scum,hard water, rust, and other residues. For the dirtiest jobs on the widest variety of surfaces, Windex is the best product available. All of the other DIY glass cleaning solutions in this article contained vinegar; this one doesnt. All of our reviews are unsponsored, so we earn money by using affiliate links. Wipes are less practical but a great option for targeting hard-to-reach places or in situationslike the carwhere you don't want to risk the possibility of a cleaning solution spill. Tobacco products cannot be returned to Costco Business Delivery or any Costco warehouse. Another common mistake is using glass cleaner to scrub eyeglasses. Weiman Glass cleaner did an exceptional job cleaning up our microwave chili explosion. For additional questions regarding delivery, please visit Business Center Customer Service or call 1-800-788-9968. If you use a glass cleaner labeled safe for use on a TV, never spray it directly onto the screen. You can use paper towels to clean glass, but they tend to leave lint and streaks behind. The acetic acid can cut grease, soap scum, and grime, but you may need a higher ratio of vinegar to water for better results. Add one-half teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. The secret ingredient? Measure out one cup of hot or warm water. The Stoner cleanerworked on thehair gel quickly but required additional applications to fully scrub off the toothpaste.
The Method glass cleaner is effective, smells nice, and is suitable for use on various surfaces. In addition, Katie Berry, The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board member, stresses that lemongrass oil is toxic for dogs and cats. And although this is technically a review of window cleaners, you may apply the cleaner in other contexts. When hes not testing the latest home products, hes spending time with his family, cooking, and doing house projects. Type: Wipes | Amount: 20 wipes | Dimensions: 2.5 x 4 x 6 inches | Scent: Fresh Scent. Puracy Organic Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner, Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner Provides Average Cleaning Power, The 13 Best Green Cleaning Products That Work Well, Best for Cooktops: There were also slight streaks left on the surface. Windex is the least expensive commercial product, but it should be noted that buying large refill containers, like the 128-ounce Windex offering on Amazon.com, typically lowers the price regardless of the brand. All prices listed are delivered prices from Costco Business Center.
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