7 Things You Should Never Clean With Windex
Windex is a popular glass cleaner, but it is not safe for every surface. Avoid using Windex on wood, electronics, natural stone, leather, LCD screens, car windows with tint, and stainless steel to prevent damage and preserve your belongings. When in doubt, water and a microfiber cloth are often the safest choice.
When you reach for a bottle of Windex, it is usually to make windows, mirrors, and glass sparkle. Windex is a household name for cleaning glass surfaces, but it is not a universal cleaner. In fact, using it on the wrong surfaces can cause permanent damage.
Many people assume Windex is safe for anything that needs a quick shine. However, professional cleaners say this assumption can be costly. Understanding where not to use Windex will help protect your home and the things you value.
Here are seven things you should never clean with Windex, and what you should use instead.
Let’s get started!
1. Wood Surfaces
Windex contains ammonia and other chemicals that strip away the protective finish on wood furniture and floors. These harsh ingredients can dull the shine and cause discoloration over time.
When Windex soaks into wood, it dries out the material and can even leave unsightly streaks or cloudiness. Wood needs a gentle touch. Use a dedicated wood cleaner or a simple solution of mild soap and water.
If you want your wood surfaces to last, avoid Windex entirely.
2. Electronics
Screens on televisions, laptops, and smartphones may look tough, but they are actually very sensitive. Windex can damage the delicate coatings that reduce glare and protect your eyes. The ammonia in Windex is especially risky for LCD, LED, and plasma screens.
Using Windex on electronics can lead to streaks, foggy spots, or even permanent cloudiness. Always use a microfiber cloth and a cleaner designed for electronics. If in doubt, a lightly dampened microfiber cloth with water is usually safe.
3. Natural Stone
Windex should never touch granite, marble, or other natural stone surfaces. The chemicals in Windex can react with the minerals in these materials, causing etching, dullness, or discoloration.
Natural stone needs a pH-neutral cleaner. Windex, with its ammonia and strong detergents, breaks down the protective sealant and makes the stone more vulnerable to stains.
To preserve stone countertops, tiles, and floors, choose a cleaner labeled safe for stone. Never take a shortcut with Windex.
4. Leather
Windex might seem like a quick way to freshen up leather furniture, car seats, or handbags, but this is a mistake. The ammonia and alcohol in Windex strip away natural oils, leaving leather dry and cracked.
Repeated use can destroy the texture and color of leather. Instead, stick with a dedicated leather cleaner and conditioner. These products nourish and protect, keeping leather soft and supple.
5. LCD and Plasma Screens
Many people try to clean TV or computer screens with Windex, but this is not safe. The coatings on these screens react poorly to ammonia and alcohol, which can cause irreversible damage.
LCD and plasma screens require gentle care. Manufacturers recommend a soft, dry microfiber cloth. If more cleaning is needed, use only products that are labeled as safe for screens.
6. Tinted Car Windows
Windex contains chemicals that can damage window tinting. The ammonia in Windex reacts with the adhesive in window films, leading to peeling, bubbling, or fading.
If you have tinted car windows, always use an ammonia-free cleaner. Look for products designed for automotive glass, especially those marked as safe for tint.
Protect your car investment by keeping Windex away from tinted windows.
7. Stainless Steel
Windex can leave stainless steel streaky and dull. The ammonia reacts with the surface, sometimes causing discoloration or even pitting. If you use Windex on stainless steel appliances, you may notice fingerprints and smudges become harder to remove over time.
Instead, use a cleaner made for stainless steel, or simply wipe down the surface with a soft cloth dampened with water and a small amount of mild soap. Always wipe in the direction of the grain for best results.
FAQs
1. Can I use Windex on ceramic tile?
Yes, Windex is generally safe for glazed ceramic tile, but avoid using it on grout, as it can weaken or discolor it over time.
2. What should I do if I accidentally use Windex on a forbidden surface?
Wipe the area with a damp cloth immediately to remove any residue. If damage appears, consult a professional for advice.
3. Are there Windex products without ammonia?
Yes, Windex makes ammonia-free versions that are safer for some surfaces, but you should still check labels before use.
4. What is a good alternative for cleaning electronics?
Use a microfiber cloth and cleaners specifically made for electronics. Avoid any cleaner that contains ammonia or alcohol.
5. Can Windex be used on mirrors with special coatings?
Check the manufacturer’s instructions first. Some mirrors have coatings that can be damaged by Windex. If unsure, use a gentle cleaner or water with a soft cloth.
