Best Glass Cleaners (2024 Review)

Glass surfaces are everywhere around your home and vehicle, from windows and mirrors to windshields and shower doors. Keeping them spotless, however, can be tricky due to smudges, fingerprints, streaks, and soap scum. Choosing the right glass cleaner can help you achieve a sparkling, streak-free finish every time. After evaluating a range of glass cleaners from popular brands, we found that the Invisible Glass Cleaner stands out. It works on a variety of glass surfaces and performs well in different temperatures.

Prices for glass cleaners typically range from $5 to $20, with cost being most affected by the quantity of the product. Whether you’re dealing with smudges, soap scum, or fingerprints, the cleaners we review below can make your glass surfaces shine again.

4.7/5

Best Glass Cleaner

Invisible Glass Cleaner

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4.8/5

Best Foaming Glass Cleaner

Sprayway Glass Cleaner

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4.6/5

Best Auto Glass Cleaner

Stoners Invisible Glass Cleaner

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Glass Cleaner Reviews

Glass cleaners come in a variety of different forms and the surfaces you can use them on vary. Due to this, our team has highlighted a range of different options for a variety of needs. However, it’s worth comparing key features at a glance first:

Below are our team’s picks for the best glass cleaners on the market in 2024:

Best Glass Cleaner

Courtesy Amazon

Invisible Glass Cleaner

• $18.32
• $29.99
• 39% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

The Invisible Glass Cleaner spray comes in generously sized, see-through spray bottles. Unlike pressurized cans of foam cleaner, these plastic bottles of liquid cleaner are safer to use with extreme temperatures and can help you eliminate buildup. For example, you can keep a bottle in your car throughout the year to clean its windows and windshields.

• $18.32 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Also comes in other quantities
✔ Works on stainless steel appliances and other surfaces besides glass
✔ Disperses cleaner exactly where you spray it

✘ Doesn’t save you much money to buy the spray in bulk
✘ Packaged in single-use plastic spray bottles

What Customers Are Saying About Invisible Glass Cleaner

The majority of customers give this glass cleaner multipack a high rating and a positive review, stating that the Invisible Glass Cleaner produced a streak-free shine on car windows. However, some customers thought that the formula was too watery. Others said that it required a lot of effort to get it to dry without streaking.

Best Foaming Glass Cleaner

Courtesy Amazon

Sprayway Glass Cleaner

• $14.75
• $19.99
• 26% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

The Sprayway foam glass cleaner comes in a pressurized can that sprays in a foam-like consistency to stick to glass surfaces. Once it’s sprayed and wiped, it removes fingerprints, dust, dirt, and more. In addition, because it’s sold in an affordable four-pack, you spend less money on glass cleaner in the long run.

• $14.75 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Doesn’t include ammonia
✔ Has a fresh scent
✔ Dries quickly

✘ Has arrived with a broken lid for some customers
✘ Has a chemical smell

What Customers Are Saying About Sprayway Glass Cleaner

Customers say that this glass cleaner from Sprayway was easy to use and works well on both glass and stainless steel surfaces. Those who were disappointed with their purchase said that it smelled like chemicals even though it was ammonia-free and advertised as having a fresh scent.

Best Auto Glass Cleaner

Courtesy Amazon

Stoners Invisible Glass Glass Cleaner

• $4.36

Prices taken at time of publishing.

With a tint-safe formula, the Stoners Invisible Glass Cleaner is your best friend if you have young children who leave fingerprints on your car windows. It dries clear to prevent film or residue. It can also withstand rain and other weather conditions, so you don’t have to use it on the outside of your car windows as frequently.

• $4.36 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Won’t damage tints or finishes
✔ Adds a protective UV barrier to your glass
✔ Designed to be residue-free

✘ Left a streaky surface for some customers
✘Comes in a black spray bottle, making it difficult to know when you’re running low

What Customers Are Saying About Stoners Invisible Glass Cleaner

Customers rave about the Stoners Invisible Glass Cleaner’s ability to remove fingerprints and smudges. However, despite being advertised as streak-free, some customers saw marks on their windows after using it.

Best Window and Glass Cleaner

Courtesy Amazon

Windex Foaming Glass Cleaner

• $8.99

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Using an ammonia-based, foaming formula, this all-purpose foaming cleaner from Windex can eliminate even the toughest marks on your glass. Its thick consistency sticks to vertical glass surfaces instead of dripping down them to allow the ammonia to sit on grime and break it down.

• $8.99 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Has been lab-tested to ensure performance
✔ Doesn’t drip when it’s applied to vertical surfaces
✔ Requires a small amount to clean a large surface

✘ Comes in a small 19.7-ounce aerosol can
✘ Can’t be exposed to high temperatures because it’s pressurized

What Customers Are Saying About The Windex Foaming Glass Cleaner

Most customers agree that the Windex Foaming Glass Cleaner provides a thorough, streak-free clean. Customers who were unsatisfied with their purchase said that the glass cleaner wasn’t packaged properly for shipping.

Best Eyeglass Cleaner

Courtesy Amazon

Koala Lens Cleaner

• $14.99

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This kit comes with everything you need to take care of your sunglasses and eyeglasses. The Koala Lens Cleaner includes three spray bottles and three microfiber cloths. The spray removes dust, fingerprints, smudges and more, while the cleaning cloth dries the lens, creating a streak-free finish.

• $14.99 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Comes with one travel-size spray bottle
✔ Is made in the United States
✔ Doesn’t have ammonia, VOCs, or other harmful chemicals in the spray

✘ May grow mold in the top of the spray bottles, according to some customers
✘ Not meant for glass surfaces around your home

What Customers Are Saying About Koala Lens Cleaner

Reviewers mention that the Koala Lens Cleaner works well on cameras and other lenses besides eyeglasses and sunglasses. Though effective, some customers found the spray’s scent to be overpowering.

Best Window Cleaner

Courtesy Amazon

Windex Original

• $8.79

Prices taken at time of publishing.

The Windex Original spray utilizes the powerful chemical ammonia to remove smudges, fingerprints, and more from glass surfaces. To decrease its pollution footprint, Windex partners with the Plastic Bank to package its cleaner in bottles that are made entirely from recycled plastic.

• $8.79 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Starts working on smudges and fingerprints before the user begins wiping
✔ Provides an industry-leading streak-free shine
✔ Is made in the USA

✘ Contains toxic ingredients
✘ Isn’t pressurized

What Customers Are Saying About Windex Original

Most reviewers agree that the Windex Original glass cleaner removes grime and dirt from glass surfaces without leaving behind streaks. While it didn’t have a streaky finish, it did leave a film for some customers.

Best Alcohol Based Glass Cleaner

Courtesy Amazon

Zep Glass Cleaner

• $9.79

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Loved by hospitality workers, this ammonia-based, professional-strength spray from Zep dissolves grease and grime from shower doors, windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces. It dries quickly, leaving only a fresh scent as evidence that it was there.

• $9.79 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a no-rinse formula to quickly remove smudges
✔ The 32-ounce bottles are larger than other window cleaners in this review
✔ Is offered in quantities of 2, 4, and 12

✘ The cleaning solution isn’t clear, which some customers would’ve preferred
✘ The glass cleaner wiped away streaky according to to select users

What Customers Are Saying About Zep Glass Cleaner

Most customers are satisfied with their purchase of Zep Glass Cleaner, stating that the glass cleaner was easy to use and effective at removing streaks. However, some dissatisfied customers complained about the strong chemical odor from the ammonia.

Best Glass Cleaning Wipes

Courtesy Amazon

MiracleWipes for Glass

• $12.97
• $13.97
• 7% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Perfect for on-the-go cleaning, these glass wipes from MiracleWipes come pre-moistened and lightly scented. After wiping the glass with one of them, the surface can be dried with the included microfiber cloth that leaves a lint- and scratch-free finish. 

• $12.97 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Can be used to clean surfaces other than glass or windows, such as a stovetop
✔ The cleaning wipes are lightly scented
✔ Offered in quantities of 30 and 60

✘ The wipes can get dried out if the container is left open for an extended period of time
✘ Requires a two-step process to result in a smudge- and streak-free finish

What Customers Are Saying About MiracleWipes for Glass

Customers say that the MiracleWipes for Glass remove fingerprints, dirt, and other basic marks, as well as tough spots, such as hard water stains and other stubborn messes. Because they were soaked in too much cleaner, these wipes left streaks on some users’ surfaces. However, using the included microfiber towel combated this.

Glass Cleaner: Buying Guide

Though most people use glass cleaners for home windows and bathroom mirrors, you can also find options for eyeglass lenses, car windows, and other glass surfaces. As you search for the right cleaner to cleanup your surfaces, consider the following factors.

Glass Cleaner Ingredients

Many glass cleaners have an ammonia-based cleaning solution because it removes fingerprints, smudges, and more and leaves a streak-free shine. However, this harsh-smelling fragrance can make you feel sick if you use too much of it or clean in an enclosed space.

If you’re sensitive to smells, we recommend getting an ammonia-free glass cleaner. Ammonia-free formula cleaners that use natural ingredients may lose some effectiveness, but you won’t burn your nose, eyes, or throat, and it will be more eco-friendly. An example of an ammonia-free formula is an alcohol-based glass cleaner.

Types of Glass Cleaner

Most glass cleaners come in a bottle that sprays onto windows and mirrors. Others come in a pressurized can that turns the liquid into foam. These foams are typically more expensive, but they’re better at clinging to vertical surfaces without dripping.

Can You Use All-Purpose Cleaner on Glass?

While you can use all-purpose cleaner on glass, it won’t be nearly as effective as a dedicated glass cleaner will be. Most glass or window cleaners also work on other glass surfaces, such as vanity mirrors, automotive glass, shower doors, and dining tables. Stainless steel, granite, and other hard surfaces are other candidates for these types of cleaners as long as the manufacturer lists them as safe materials.

The Best Glass Cleaners: Our Conclusion

The best glass cleaners are not only effective at removing stains and streaks on glass, but also other glass surfaces. Because of this, our team of experts have recommended a range of different glass cleaners for a variety of use cases:

• Best Glass Cleaner: Invisible Glass Cleaner
• Best Foaming Glass Cleaner: Sprayway Glass Cleaner
• Best Auto Glass Cleaner: Stoners Invisible Glass Cleaner
• Best Window and Glass Cleaner: Windex Foaming Glass Cleaner
• Best Eyeglass Cleaner: Koala Lens Cleaner
• Best Window Cleaner: Windex Original
• Best Alcohol Based Glass Cleaner: Zep Glass Cleaner
• Best Glass Cleaning Wipes: MiracleWipes for Glass

Glass Cleaners: FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions about glass cleaners:

When should I clean my windows?

To clean windows, wipe the inside once a week when you’re doing the other cleaning around your home. At least twice a year, clean the outside of your windows.

How can I clean my windows from the outside?

To clean your windows from the outside, follow these steps:

1. Apply soapy water with a strip applicator
2. Remove the water with a squeegee
3. Dry any remaining drips with a soft rag

How often should I clean my windows?

Clean the inside of your windows once a week or two to keep them in top condition. At least twice a year, clean the outside of your windows. This will require special tools, such as an extension ladder and squeegee.

How can I achieve a streak-free clean?

Choose a cleaner that has a streak-free formula, and wipe it across the surface with a microfiber towel. As opposed to paper towels, microfiber towels soak up all of the leftover cleaner, don’t scratch the glass, and are reusable.

What is the best window cleaner for aluminum windows?

The best window cleaner for aluminum windows is usually a solution of lukewarm water and mild detergent. A standard bristle brush works well to apply the solution, but make sure not to use too much force. Avoid using chlorinated cleaners, which can tarnish the aluminum.

Why Trust The This Old House Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.

We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.

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