What is the Best Cleaner For Glass?
When it comes to cleaning glass, the best cleaner for glass is usually one that is safe and non-toxic. Most of the glass cleaners available have some kind of natural or green ingredient that makes them less toxic and easier on the environment. Some of these natural ingredients have been proven to be just as effective at cutting grease and grime off of glass surfaces as the more traditional chemical ingredients found in conventional cleaners.
For example, some of the greener glass cleaners include mild surfactant cleansers which cut greasy messes with ease. Some of these cleansers also have antibacterial and germ-killing properties. Many of these cleaners are also made with plant- and mineral-based active ingredients, making them more gentle on sensitive surfaces. Many of these gentler cleaners are suitable for use on tinted windows, as they will not wreak havoc with the finish. Others are suitable for use on a wide range of shiny surfaces, including countertops and kitchen appliances.
While many glass cleaners are liquids that come in spray bottles with a trigger for easy application, some are creams or pastes that need to be applied and then wiped off. Some of these are ideal for tackling tough stuck-on grime, like bird droppings on windows or mold on shower doors. Others are formulated for wiping down large surfaces, such as floor-to-ceiling windows or wall-to-wall mirrors.
Windex outperformed seven other glass cleaners in our tests by consistently eliminating blemishes and leaving surfaces crystal clear. This classic, ammonia-free glass cleaner is also formulated to be less harmful to the environment. This formula is also biodegradable, with no phosphates or solvents. It comes in a variety of sizes, including a big one-gallon container so you can refill your existing spray bottles (which are made with recycled ocean-bound plastic).
Weiman’s glass cleaner is another good choice for those looking for a non-toxic glass cleaner. This product uses a natural cleaning ingredient, which has been shown to kill the majority of bacteria and viruses tested against it. It’s biodegradable and is free of phosphates, surfactants, and solvents. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.
For most people, the simplest way to get a streak-free shine on glass is to simply wipe it with paper towels or a microfiber cloth. While a paper towel may leave behind a few lint fibers, a microfiber cloth is much more efficient at trapping dirt and residue without leaving streaks. If you want to get the most out of your glass cleaner, follow the maker’s recommended usage directions and avoid over-applying it. Some cleaners, such as foams or pastes, need to be allowed to sit for a few minutes before being wiped. This gives the product a chance to fully react with the surface and break down the buildup of grime. You should also always wipe glass surfaces from top to bottom for best results. You can also apply a thin coat of the cleaner to mirrors and other glazed surfaces before using them, as this will help protect them from damage and help them stay shiny for longer.