When it’s time to clean the windows, generations of Southerners have turned to Windex. It’s been keeping windows sparkling clean since 1936. Windex has a reputation for keeping windows clean, but its cleaning formula has plenty of other uses around the house and garage. 

A few things to note about Windex: The classic blue product we all know and love contains ammonia, so it should not be used on metals, fabrics, or other materials that ammonia could discolor or damage. Just do your research or test in a small, inconspicuous corner before starting. Also, because it contains ammonia, be sure not to mix it with any bleach-based household cleanser, as it can create dangerous gasses.

Clean Your Crystal

While hand-washing is always best, if Grandma’s Waterford Lismore crystal isn’t sparkling and you need a quick fix, Windex can help. Spray the crystal, wipe it down with a rag or microfiber cloth, and rinse well with water before drying.

Spritz Picture Frames and Mirrors

If your son’s fourth grade-class photo is looking a little spotty or the diploma on the wall is a bit hard to read, spritz a little Windex on a microfiber cloth, rub on the glass, and get it shining again. Use the same trick to get mirrors reflecting you and not water spots.

Clean Diamond Jewelry

If you want your diamonds to sparkle, try cleaning them with Windex. Put the ring, bracelet, or tiara in a bowl, spritz with Windex and let sit for a minute. Either carefully rinse (make sure the drain is closed!) or, if the jewelry needs a little more cleaning, use an old, soft toothbrush to gently scrub and then rinse. Dry with a lint-free cloth. Do not use Windex on softer gems like pearls, opals, or emeralds, because the ammonia may damage them.

Tackle Floors 

If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to pull out the mop and bucket, give your kitchen or bathroom floors a quick clean with Windex. Simply spray on the floor and wipe down with a damp mop or cloth. The ammonia in Windex may harm wood, so save this trick for laminates or tile.

Spruce Up Outdoor Furniture

Whether it’s a barbecue sauce spill, popsicle stain, or dirt, outdoor furniture can get dirty quickly and easily. Tidy up your plastic, glass, aluminum, or resin patio sets with a good spritz of Windex. Let it set for a few minutes and then wipe clean with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.

Refresh Light Fixtures

Whether a chandelier, a lantern, a porch light, sconce, pendant, or disco ball, Windex can make any glass light fixture sparkle. Make sure you have a stable stepladder or chair to use, then spritz the glass. Let sit for a minute and then wipe with a lint-free cloth.

Degrease The Kitchen

If frying bacon or green tomatoes has left your range hood and cooktop with caked on grease, Windex can cut through it. Spritz, let sit for up to five minutes, and then wipe with a damp cloth. Be sure to thoroughly rinse off the solution from all food prep surfaces. According to the manufacturer, Windex products can safely be used on chrome and stainless steel, but it never hurts to test on a small corner.

Shine Your Shoes

If you pull out your favorite patent leather pumps from storage before Easter brunch and they’re looking a little worse for wear, a few sprays of Windex can refresh them. Spritz and wipe with a soft rag.

Tidy The Car

Windex was originally created as an automobile windshield cleaner, so of course you should use it in the car. Don’t just stick to the windshield, though. A spritz, wait, and wipe will get dusty, dirty headlights clean. Use on car windows to get them sparkling and make mirror smudges disappear.

Unstick A Zipper

If you have a jammed zipper Bob Vila suggests trying Windex as its “slickness and cleansing agents” can work wonders. Give the culprit a small spritz, let sit for a second, and then carefully wiggle the zipper back and forth while pulling up or down as needed.