
7 Unexpected Things You Can Clean With Windex (That Aren’t Windows!)
Windex has been a key player in the household cleaning business since its invention in 1936. With nearly 90 years of use, testing, and experience under the brand’s belt, Windex has become a well-known household name. While originally intended for cleaning windows, Windex’s spot-free cleaning abilities don’t stop there. From the bathroom to your car, Windex may be the secret cleaning agent for making your surfaces (and more!) shine.
Because Windex contains ammonia, do not use it to clean fabric, no-wax floors, gas ovens, or metal. Also, never mix Windex with bleach to avoid creation of toxic gases.
1. Mirrors
Make spotty and dusty mirrors shine with Windex. To clean, spray Windex onto a dry microfiber cloth, and wipe the spray onto the mirror. If any streaks remain, use another dry microfiber cloth to polish the mirror until it’s spot-free.
2. Glass Showers
If your shower has glass walls or doors, grab a bottle of Windex the next time you deep clean the bathroom. To clean the glass, start by removing any loose debris and wiping up any streaks of shampoo or cleaners. Next, spray Windex onto a dry microfiber cloth and wipe down the glass. To remove hard water stains, scrub the glass with Bar Keepers Friend, followed by a few spritzes of Windex.
3. Countertops
Windex isn’t just for windows and mirrors. You can use it on countertops, too. Similar to cleaning glass items, clean your kitchen or bathroom countertops by spraying Windex and wiping them down with a soft or microfiber cloth. If your counters are natural stone, like granite, quartz, or marble, use an ammonia-free Windex to avoid staining and break-down over time.
4. Tile and Grout
Reach for the bottle of Windex the next time you need to clean your kitchen backsplash or shower tile. Simply spray the Windex on the tiles, and them down with a damp sponge or cloth. If you have trouble removing stains or stuck-on residue, use a toothbrush or scrub brush to scrub the Windex onto the tile. Use ammonia-free Windex if your tiles are made from natural stone.
Similarly, if your tile floors need a touch-up, but you don’t have time to prepare a mop and bucket, spritz some Windex on the tile, and scrub with a mop or brush.
5. Streaky Car Windows
Windows in the car are magnets for fingerprints, dirt, and grime. If you don’t have tinted windows in your car, try using Windex to remove any smears and smudges. Wiping in circular motions, clean the windows with Windex and a microfiber cloth. Use a separate cloth to dry the windows and remove any remaining streaks. If you have tinted windows, use ammonia-free Windex or soap and water.
6. Crystal
If you don’t have time to wash with water and a mild detergent, make crystal dishes, light fixtures, and trinkets shine with Windex. Crystal is softer than glass, making it easily susceptible to scratches. To prevent scratches, spray Windex on a soft cloth, and gently rub the crystal item until dust and smears are removed.
7. Jewelry
Make your everyday jewelry sparkle with homemade jewelry cleaner made from Windex and dish soap. In a small container, combine 2 cups of Windex with a few drops of Dawn dish soap. Heat the mixture in the microwave for a minute, then let your jewelry soak in the mixture for 10-15 minutes. If any dirt or residue is stuck on the item, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to scrub it away. Rinse the jewelry with water before wearing.