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Window cleaners are designed to clean glass surfaces, leaving them streak-, smudge-, and fingerprint-free to see through. To help you select the cleaner that’s right for you, the This Old House Team researched the best window cleaners on Amazon. Here are our top five recommendations.
In This Guide: Top 5 | Buyer’s Guide | FAQs | Why Trust This Old House
Top 5 Window Cleaners
- Best Entry-Level: Windex Glass and Window Cleaner
- Best Bulk Pack: Invisible Glass Window Spray
- Best Ingredients: Windex Vinegar Glass Spray
- Best For Professional Use: Zep Glass Cleaner
- Best Wipes: MiracleWipes Cleaning Wipes
Compare the Best Window Cleaners
| Product | Packaging | Scent | Formula Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windex Glass and Window Cleaner | 23-ounce bottle | Fresh scent | Ammonia-based |
| Invisible Glass Window Spray | Four 32-ounce spray bottles | No scent | Ammonia-free |
| Windex Vinegar Glass Spray | 32-ounce spray bottle | Fresh scent | Vinegar-based |
| Zep Glass Cleaner | Two 32-ounce spray bottles | Fresh scent | Ammonia-based |
| MiracleWipes Cleaning Wipes | 60 moistened wipes | Fresh scent | Ammonia-free |
| Product | Packaging | Scent | Formula Type |
Best Entry-Level: Windex Glass and Window Cleaner
Windex Glass and Window Cleaner
- $8.79
Prices taken at time of publishing.
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
Most reviewers agreed that this cleaner removed 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 Bulk Pack: Invisible Glass Window Spray
Invisible Glass Window Spray
- $15.88
- $29.99
- 47% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes a total of 128 ounces of window cleaner
✔ The sprayer nozzle can be locked or unlocked to prevent unwanted spraying
✔ The manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee
✘ Some users stated that the glass cleaner splashed and ran down the window immediately after spraying, resulting in drips
✘ Expensive compared to other window cleaners on the market
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praised this spray cleaner for its ease of use and amazing results. However, not all users liked its results. For some, it left a film or residue on their windows and mirrors instead of a streak-free shine.
Best Ingredients: Windex Vinegar Glass Spray
Windex Vinegar Glass Spray
- $4.33
- $7.99
- 46% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Is effective on dirt
✔ The recycled plastic body is made of 100% ocean-bound plastic
✔ The bottle can be reused with a refill from the manufacturer
✘ Vinegar may not be as effective as ammonia for some users
✘ Despite having no ammonia, some customers complained about an acrid odor
What Customers Are Saying
Customers appreciated how effective this cleaner was for the price. Many reviewers said that it worked well on stainless steel and other surfaces besides glass. Some users were disappointed by the spray’s slight vinegar scent.
Best For Professional Use: Zep Glass Cleaner
Zep Glass Cleaner Two-Pack
- $9.79
Prices taken at time of publishing.
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
Most customers were satisfied with their purchase, stating that the cleaner was easy to use and effective at removing streaks. However, some dissatisfied customers complained about the strong chemical odor from the ammonia.
Best Wipes: MiracleWipes Cleaning Wipes
MiracleWipes Cleaning Wipes
- $12.97
- $13.97
- 7% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
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
Customers said that these wipes removed 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.
Buyer’s Guide
From vinegar sprays to ammonia wipes, there are many products on the market that can clean your windows. To help you sort through these cleaning products for your home, read our guide below.
Type
Most window cleaners come in a spray bottle. This type is easy to apply to your windows using a paper towel or microfiber towel. Other cleaners come as foam or pre-moistened wipes. Foam works similarly to liquid, but it doesn’t run down your windows as much. While convenient, pre-moistened wipes are single-use and prone to leaving streaks.
Ingredients
Most glass cleaners are made with ammonia. This ingredient provides a thorough clean and a sparkling finish. However, it can cause allergy-like symptoms, such as headaches and itchy eyes, with its strong smell.
Vinegar is also a common ingredient that’s used in more natural cleaners. It performs like ammonia—only a little more prone to streaks. Though it still has a smell, it’s not as pungent.
Amount
Most window cleaners come in a 32-ounce spray bottle, though you can find larger bottles or multipacks if you have a lot of windows around your home. A 19-ounce can is standard for foam cleaners, while most containers have between 20 and 100 wipes.
Scent
The main ingredient is usually what determines the scent of your cleaner. However, some cleaners, especially ammonia-based ones, use additives to change their smell. Even with these additional ingredients, window cleaners typically have a chemical smell. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, wear a mask while you’re cleaning your windows.
Surfaces
Most window cleaners also work on other glass surfaces, such as vanity mirrors, shower doors, and dining tables. Stainless steel, granite, and other hard surfaces are other candidates for these cleaners as long as the label lists them as safe materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my windows?
Clean the inside of your windows once a week with one of the products from this review. At least twice a year, clean the outside of your windows. This will require special tools, such as an extension ladder and squeegee.
What is the best way to clean windows without streaking?
The best way to clean windows without streaking is to use a 100% microfiber towel to wipe the cleaner across your windows. Using an absorbent paper towel can contribute to streaks.
Can I use window cleaner on my car’s windshield?
If the cleaner says that it’s safe on tinted glass, then yes. Otherwise, it can damage the surface. Ammonia-free cleaners are usually safe for windshields and other car windows.
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.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
