We all have that blue bottle in our bathrooms — window cleaner. It seems like the right stuff to tackle grime, and sometimes it is. But sometimes it’s not, and using it can result in damage. In these cases, step away from the Windex.
Car Windows
This seems so simple. You should be able to use window cleaner on actual windows, right? Well, not car windows. It turns out window cleaners can damage the protective coating on car windows and cause the glass to become cloudy, scratched, or cracked over time.
This is even more true for tinted windows or windshields treated with a hydrophobic coating. Windex can damage both the tint and the window’s protective layer. Worse, a window cleaner can also leave residue on the windshield’s rubber trim. And before you say, well, I can use window cleaner on the outside of my car — don’t. It can strip away any wax finish and isn’t that great for your paint job, either.
Instead, use a gentle soap or Rain-X Auto Glass Cleaner ($3 from Amazon).
Toilets
This seems obvious, but pass on Windex that doesn’t disinfect when you’re cleaning anything in the bathroom. Look for products that are bleach or peroxide-based, like Comet ($1.19 at Target), which can effectively remove bacteria, mold, and soap scum without damaging the surface.
Home Windows
It seems like you could use window cleaner on your windows, but it may not be the best thing. Use a squeegee and Dawn dish soap in a water-filled bucket. This not only works, it’s probably cheaper.
Shower Doors
You might think a window cleaner is just the thing to get soap scum off your shower doors, but nope. Try Scrubbing Bubbles or vinegar instead.
Computer Screens
This is a big no-no, as window cleaner can warp your screen. Try isopropyl alcohol and use a light touch. Pushing too hard can hurt your screen, too.
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Granite or Marble
Yikes, back away from the window cleaner when its time to get after the gunk on your kitchen counters. The window cleaner can actually dull or even etch these surfaces. Try Trinova Daily Granite Cleaner (under $18 on Amazon) which not only cleans but seals to prevent future stains.
Wood
Keep the window cleaner away from any furniture or outdoor deck made of the natural stuff. Window cleaner, which has alcohol, will make wood dry out and crack. If you want to baby your wood, try John Boos Block Board Cream (under $18 on Amazon) to keep it moist and protected. Butcher block oil is cheaper and works, too.
Laminate Counter Tops
Window cleaner isn’t the worst, but it’s definitely not the best. It doesn’t disinfect or really clean — but Windex Disinfectant Cleaner Multi-Surface (under $4 from Amazon) does. If you’re going to be cooking on your counters, it’s probably best to have a disinfecting option.
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Stainless Steel
Leave your fridge and other stainless steel appliances alone. They might be okay or they might hurt the finish, so steer clear in any case. Try Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish (just $5 on Amazon) to get the best results.
Copper
This is easier than you think, but put down the Windex first. You don’t want the alcohol in your window cleaner stripping away all the patina of your copper, and worse, it could permanently discolor it. Just use water and a microfiber cloth and it should shine right up.
Dishwasher
If the thought of eating Windex doesn’t turn you off, know that cleaning your dishwasher isn’t that hard. Use a 1/2 cup of baking soda and cup of vinegar and run the dishwasher empty to remove any residue that has built up.
Plexiglass
Blame the ammonia in most of these products. A window cleaner like Windex will ruin the plexiglass. Instead, apply a little soap and water on a microfiber cloth to gently wipe down plexiglass in your home.
Grout
Alas, window cleaner won’t budge the stains that show up on the grout between your backsplash tiles. Instead, mix 1 part bleach to 10 parts water and let the solution sit for five minutes before scrubbing, rinsing, and wiping clean. Do this at least twice a year to keep your grout sparkling.
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