TOP 10 best window cleaners - review 2022

03.24.202019.02.2021 Maria Ivanova 0 comments

The shelves of the hardware departments in supermarkets are literally bursting with bottles of colorful glass cleaning liquids. Which one to choose from this variety? I would like a window cleaner to be effective, economical and leave no streaks.

Let's figure out which glass cleaning products cannot be replaced by anything, and which ones you can do without and use “grandmother's” recipes?

Types of window cleaning products

The key criterion when choosing any detergent is the active substance in its composition.

On alcohol

Most windshield wipers are alcohol-based.

Isopropyl alcohol has a characteristic odor and evaporation rate. It not only quickly and efficiently cleans glass surfaces from dirt, but also removes a thin film of grease. True, it won’t cope with old stains. This glass cleaning liquid is inexpensive, is used sparingly, does not leave streaks and does not require additional rinsing.

Benzyl alcohol is a colorless substance with a slight pleasant aroma. Excellently dissolves dirt and disinfects surfaces. These products contain more foaming components that remove any type of dirt. Disadvantages include a higher cost and an intense smell, which not everyone will like.

With ammonia

A glass cleaner using ammonia has been known since ancient times. You can prepare it yourself. Ammonia significantly reduces window cleaning time and reduces labor costs. It quickly dissolves acids, copes perfectly with stains and is inexpensive.

Its only drawback is its sharp and pungent smell. That is why housewives try not to prepare the solution at home, but to purchase it ready-made. It will make the windows transparent and shining, and will not leave streaks or cloudy deposits. Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of the unpleasant ammonia smell. After washing glass surfaces, the room will need to be well ventilated.

With biodegradable surfactants

Alcohol-free glass cleaner is very popular and in demand. It contains surfactants based on plant materials.

Such windshield wipers are safe for health and nature, since they practically do not cause allergies and are biodegradable, while removing dirt efficiently and effectively. And the best part is that they do not have a pungent odor.

Among the disadvantages, one can note the high cost, but it is fully compensated by the economical consumption.

How to choose an effective remedy?

The glass cleaner must be safe enough for a child to use.

A quality product that can add shine and shine to mirrors, glass and smooth surfaces, has the following characteristics:

1. It has a composition that is safe for humans (without high concentrations of anionic surfactants and hazardous chemicals)
2. Removes all types of contaminants, including grease, soot, sediment, smudges
3. Does not contain fragrances, the aroma when sprayed is unobtrusive, weak
4. Does not leave streaks or stains on the treated surface
5. Equipped with a convenient spray mechanism
6. Economically used
7. Has a large volume and low price

When choosing environmentally friendly products, you should be prepared for the fact that the composition will not cope with persistent or stubborn stains. These products are best used for cleaning glass:

• in children's rooms
• in the kitchen
• in poorly ventilated areas
• near a pet's bed or house

Eco-friendly window cleaners

Safe products are produced under the following brands: Synergetic, Nordland, Better Life, Frosch.

At the same time, solutions containing ammonia, alcohol, and fragrances, when sprayed, emit a strong suffocating odor, which can cause an allergic reaction or a severe headache . It is best to use such means:

• for removing dirt from car windows
• during general cleaning and washing windows outside
• in rooms where there is a draft or frequent air renewal
• for cleaning regularly dirty surfaces
• in offices and public places

Products from the Help, Clin, and Mr. brands have proven effective in combating complex stains. Muscle, Meine Liebe, Karcher.

Window cleaning products are reliable helpers in everyday routine that quickly and uncompromisingly deal with dirt. To solve certain problems, specific products are used, and the constant requirements for composition - safety and effectiveness - come to the fore.

Test purchase. Window cleaning products.

The best window cleaner: TOP 10 proven products for dazzling clean glass + Reviews

The most popular brands and manufacturers

There are so many companies producing household chemicals that it’s easy to get confused. The following manufacturers enjoy trust and popularity among our domestic housewives.

• Meine Liebe. A German brand focused on safe products. Its windshield wipers do not contain chlorine, phosphates or other aggressive components.
• Henkel. A German concern that produces Clin glass cleaner. The products are effective and affordable.
• EasyWork. The Russian company produces professional detergents, including environmentally friendly ones. The products are not cheap, but very high quality and economical in consumption.
• Synergetic. The domestic brand produces hypoallergenic detergents based on plant materials from Germany. Products can be identified by the marks “Bio” and “Eco”.
• Sion. The Israeli manufacturer adds Dead Sea minerals to the cleaning products, which makes the windshield wipers environmentally friendly and harmless to the environment.
• ATTITUDE. The Canadian manufacturer specializes in effective and environmentally friendly household chemicals.

How to properly wash windows: step-by-step instructions

The procedure is performed as follows:

1. Check the double glazed windows and assess what will be required.
2. Prepare them. For example, napkins, a bowl of water, detergent. If you have a mop, scraper, or melamine sponge, place them nearby. Prepare lint-free napkins, linen, cotton rags, newspapers.
3. Soften and remove dirt from the outside of the frame using a cloth and detergent. You can wipe it with a napkin 2-3 times. Then process the glass, this can also be done several times. The direction of work is from top to bottom, to the window sill. Finally, the glass and window sills are washed with clean water and polished to a shine with a cloth or paper.
4. The inner surface is treated in a similar way.

Finally, the window sill and floor are treated to remove drips and puddles.

The best window cleaner - review of products

Are you unhappy with household chemicals for glass surfaces because they are ineffective, leave streaks and have a pungent odor? Are you going to remember old “grandmother’s” recipes and stock up on crumpled newspaper? Or have you once again come to the store and are wondering what product to buy that is both cheap and effective?

Enough experimenting! Listen to the opinions of experienced housewives who have already been in your shoes, tried many options and ultimately settled on the best window cleaning products.

Liquid Help Fresh ozone for washing glass

Domestic budget spray based on isopropyl alcohol and anionic foaming surfactants. Removes dirt, dust, grime, grease, hand marks and other contaminants.

It does not leave streaks or stains, gives the glass shine and transparency, contains an antistatic agent - it protects against repeated adhesion of dust for a long time.

The average cost is 45 rubles per 0.5 liter.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• inexpensive;
• cleans well and leaves no streaks;
• unexpectedly - for a penny price it simply does its job perfectly;
• economical and efficient;
• convenient bottle.

Flaws:

• the smell is not fresh ozone, but suffocating smog;
• two spray options - the difference is not noticeable;
• The result is not stable, there are divorces.

Liquid Help Fresh ozone for washing glass

Synergetic for glass cleaning

Perfectly cleans glass surfaces, quickly dissolves greasy stains and other contaminants, and disinfects. The windows become transparent, shiny, without streaks. Dust does not stick to them, since the composition contains components with an antistatic effect. The thinnest film is invisible to the eye, prevents the adhesion of dirt, dust, traces of rain and insects, and greatly facilitates repeated cleaning.

The active substance is alcohol produced by Shell. Natural flower extracts and tensides of plant origin are used as fragrances. The aroma is unobtrusive.

The average cost is 130 rubles per 0.5 liter.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• effectively cleans glass and mirrors from dried stains;
• Ideally cleans car glass from traces of insects;
• economical consumption thanks to a fine spray;
• two modes – jet and spray;
• pleasant aroma;
• no divorces.

Flaws:

• fast and high-quality results;
• toxic components in the composition;
• When using, you need gloves, otherwise it dries out the skin.

Synergetic glass cleaning spray

HG Window cleaner for cleaning windows

Produced in the Netherlands. Designed for washing windows and plastic frames. Concentrated and therefore economical. It is diluted in water at the rate of 15 ml of concentrate per 5 liters. The dosage can be changed depending on the complexity of the contamination.

Produced with the “Eco” mark, which means it is safe for the environment and hypoallergenic. Does not contain ammonia and alcohol. It has neutral acidity and prevents skin dryness. Absolutely odorless. Has an antistatic effect.

Shelf life is seven years.

The average cost is 390 rubles per 0.5 liter.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• very economical;
• for severe stains can be used in its pure form;
• effective and safe;
• long-term storage;
• the result is amazing.

Flaws:

• You can only order it online - it’s difficult to find in the open market;
• no spray bottle;
• sometimes divorces remain;
• expensive.

Liquid HG Window cleaner for washing windows

Unicum for glass, plastic and mirrors

A universal product with which you can wash plastic windows and window sills without harming the surfaces. In addition to windows, it can be used to wash tiles, mirrors, glass furniture, shower cabins, and stainless steel elements.

Stubborn stains, grease stains, drips and stains are dissolved almost instantly. The surface acquires a polished smoothness, the thinnest antistatic nanolayer prevents dust from sticking. The drug does not require rinsing and is used very economically.

The average cost is 130 rubles per 0.5 liter.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• There really are no divorces;
• “delicious” cherry aroma;
• economically;
• versatility and functionality;
• adds shine to plastic and tiles;
• Easily removes even greasy stains.

Flaws:

• does not cope with severe contamination (after repair);
• The smell is not for everybody.

Unicum spray for glass, plastic and mirrors

Foam spray Nordland Active Foam

An environmentally friendly product from a German manufacturer is intended for washing windows, mirrors, tiles and plumbing fixtures. Cleans thoroughly, adds shine and transparency. It has an antistatic effect that prevents dust from settling again for a long time.

After use there is no cloudy film, rainbow reflections, or soapy streaks. An indispensable product for cleaning the bathroom. Removes all traces of soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and limescale.

The average cost is 240 rubles per 0.5 liter.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• cleans well;
• non-aggressive composition;
• universal, for all smooth surfaces;
• convenient product for cleaning the bathroom;
• does not leave behind a strong aroma.

Flaws:

• Don’t expect instant results;
• average efficiency;
• unpleasant odor;
• expensive.

Nordland Active Foam foam spray for cleaning mirror and glass surfaces

Meine Liebe for cleaning glass, plastic and mirrors

Cleaner for glass and mirrors from a German manufacturer. With its help you can clean not only glass surfaces, but also plastic, tiles, acrylic, which is very important when washing metal-plastic windows, shower cabins, tiles and other waterproof surfaces.

It has an unobtrusive aroma and antistatic effect, cleans efficiently, adds shine and transparency, and does not leave streaks. Works great on old stains, grease, and fingerprints.

The product is sprayed onto the contaminated surface and wiped thoroughly with a dry microfiber cloth.

The average cost is 155 rubles per 0.5 liter.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• natural composition;
• leaves no traces;
• nice smell;
• "anti-dust" effect;
• excellent result;
• modern and safe.

Flaws:

• not found in stores;
• the berry smell is something imperceptible.

Meine Liebe spray for cleaning glass, plastic and mirrors

Cif for glass Ultra fast

The name speaks for itself. Literally ten seconds after spraying, anionic surfactants and benzyl alcohol will destroy all contaminants. All you need to do is wipe off the spray with a soft, dry cloth or microfiber cloth.

It has a prolonged effect and blocks re-contamination for a long time. It contains water-repellent components, thanks to which the glass remains clean six times longer than similar preparations.

Manufactured in the Netherlands.

The average cost is 170 rubles per 0.5 liter.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• convenient curved bottle;
• high quality cleaning;
• economical consumption;
• speed of cleaning;
• the glass shines.

Flaws:

• sometimes divorces remain;
• pungent odor;
• toxicity;
• expensive.

Cif spray for glass Ultra fast

Clin Windows and Glass Lemon

A quality product from a German manufacturer. Contains anionic surfactants and isopropyl alcohol, which ensures cleanliness, shine and shine of windows. The fragrance has an unobtrusive pleasant aroma. Toxicity is low.

The trigger sprayer operates in two modes. The first is designed to remove simple stains, and the second sprays the product through a mesh and causes the formation of foam. Foam makes it possible to use the product more economically and clean a larger area.

The average cost is 125 rubles per 0.5 liter.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• special spray mode creates foam;
• original sprayer;
• dries quickly, cleans well;
• trusted manufacturer;
• leaves no traces;
• acceptable smell.

Flaws:

• flimsy dispenser;
• the scent is not for everyone.

Spray Clin Windows and Glass Lemon

Mr. Muscle Professional for glass with ammonia

Designed exclusively for washing glass or mirror surfaces. The active substance is ammonia, which effectively removes even heavy dirt, giving windows shine and transparency. No cloudy films or stains, only radiance and purity.

The unpleasant smell of ammonia is extinguished by berry or citrus fragrance. No rinsing required. The product can be found in any supermarket. The liquid comes in pink and green colors.

The average cost is 150 rubles per 0.5 liter.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• good quality sprayer;
• simple and easy to use;
• surprisingly pleasant smell;
• high quality and efficient;
• dries quickly;
• no divorces;
• economical.

Flaws:

• does not leave streaks only when paired with a microfiber cloth or crumpled newspaper.

Spray Mr. Muscle Professional for glass with ammonia

Frosch Glass Cleaner Lemon Green

Spray for cleaning windows and mirror surfaces from a German manufacturer. Environmentally friendly, contains biodegradable surfactants on a natural basis. It copes with high efficiency even with old stains and leaves no streaks. Phosphates, borates, formaldehydes, PVC and other aggressive components are completely excluded from the composition.

Does not cause allergies or irritation. Dermatologist tested - skin safe formula.

The capacity is designed for 750 ml, which increases efficiency.

The average cost is 225 rubles per 0.75 liter.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• made from natural ingredients;
• does not cause irritation to the skin and respiratory tract;
• there is no aggressive “chemistry”;
• copes with any dirt.

Flaws:

• the smell is not for everyone;
• expensive.

Frosch Dishwashing liquid Green lemon

Summary comparison table

For clarity, we summarize the main characteristics of the considered means in a table.

Means	The basis	Type	Manufacturer country	Volume, ml	price, rub.
“Mr. Muscle" Professional	alcohol	universal	Russia	500	140-279
"Frosch Glass Cleaner"	alkaline	universal	Germany	750	214-278
"Clin" Windows and Mirrors	alcohol	universal	Germany	500	120-204
"Cif"	alcohol	universal	Hungary	500	159-204
"Help"	alcohol	universal	Russia	500	46-67
"KARCHER" RM 503	alkaline	multifunctional	Germany	600	940-1312
"Cinderella"	alcohol	multifunctional	Russia	500	35-80

What to look for when choosing

What are the main criteria you need to focus on in order to choose a quality product for cleaning windows and glass surfaces?

Compound

You should choose glass cleaning products depending on the type and degree of contamination. To do this, you will have to carefully study the composition.

The most effective glass cleaners are those that contain benzyl alcohol with the addition of anionic surfactants to form foam. They do not require much effort to dissolve various contaminants and do not leave streaks or cloudy residue. The only drawback is the pungent smell, but it quickly disappears after good ventilation.

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/girl-white-background-woman-young-4906240/

It is advisable to wash the outer glass with products containing water-repellent components. Raindrops will simply roll down the glass, leaving no traces behind.

An acid-based product containing vinegar or citric acid will help remove soap stains and limescale deposits on mirrors or shower walls - they dissolve alkali well. However, any universal windshield wiper can handle such problems.

If you need to wash tinted or frosted glass, then in order not to damage the surface, it is better to use alcohol-based products or mild surfactants. For severe contamination, it is better to purchase an ethyl alcohol-based cleaner.

Skin safe

Don't believe manufacturers' advertising promises. Any substance that dissolves dirt and grease in one way or another will affect the skin. Do you want to keep your hands soft and tender? Then work with gloves.

Ability to cope with various contaminants

A good product should be universal - effectively remove grease, dirt, drips, insect marks, soot and other contaminants.

In this case, the main criterion is the absence of drips, stripes, cloudy veils, and rainbow highlights.

Convenient capacity

Bottles are usually designed for 0.5 liters. The large volume is difficult and awkward to hold with one hand. The shape of the bottle should be curved, it is advisable to have ribbed bulges for fingers so that the product does not slip out of wet hands.

An important design element is the sprayer. It can be standard with a blocker or work in several modes, for example, have a fine mesh, thanks to which foam is formed.

Smell

If the formula contains aggressive substances, then an unpleasant odor is inevitable. Manufacturers try to disguise it with fragrances with fruit, berry, pine or sea scents. Unfortunately, things aren't working out well for them so far.

A complete absence of odor occurs only in environmentally friendly preparations made on the basis of natural ingredients. But they are not cheap, so they are not very common in our supermarkets. You can only buy them online.

Let's sum it up

Choosing a window cleaner that won't leave streaks isn't easy. The best efficiency is shown by compositions in the middle price category, the components of which include active substances of various groups: surfactants, alcohols, ammonia. They cost relatively little, but at the same time they have a comprehensive effect on pollution. If you need to save money, you can buy a cheaper option. Of course, you shouldn’t expect the same efficiency from it. And for very severe stains, you can buy an expensive professional-grade product.

Video - 5 easy and effective ways to wash windows without streaks

How to wash windows without streaks and stains - useful tips

To save time, many housewives prefer to use a special glass cleaner, but using household chemicals too often can lead to health problems. The rapidly evaporating substances included in their composition cause allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, and skin irritation. Aggressive components damage rubber seals and plastic profiles, so you can prepare cleaning products yourself. The main thing is to remember: the more soap and foam, the more stains.

A simple homemade recipe:

• mix two tablespoons of vinegar and medical alcohol (you can replace it with vodka, but you need to take twice as much);
• add 2 cups of water and a few drops of essential oil for aroma;
• pour the resulting liquid into a spray bottle.

Vinegar and alcohol clean well, disinfect and do not leave streaks. Essential oils will do little to reduce unpleasant odors. Apply the product to the glass and immediately wipe it with a dry cloth.

Heavily dirty glass is washed with soapy water. It’s easy to prepare—a few tablespoons of liquid dishwashing detergent or grated brown laundry soap are dissolved in warm water.

Choose the right time to wash your windows. When exposed to the sun, heat and wind, soapy water dries quickly and leaves streaks.

First, the glass is thoroughly washed with soapy water, and then with clean water. After this, wipe the window with a clean, dry microfiber cloth - it perfectly absorbs moisture and does not leave streaks. If there are still cloudy streaks left, then use grandma’s old method - wipe the wet windows with ordinary crumpled newspaper.

What other remedies can be prepared at home?

We take one liter of water as a basis and experiment. You can add one of the components to it:

• a few tablespoons of vinegar;
• one spoon of ammonia;
• a tablespoon of starch;
• 50 g of bleach;
• several crystals of manganese (do not let it get on the frames).

Grandmother's products are good for ordinary windows, but for metal-plastic ones they can be disastrous. No, the glass will shine, but the plastic of the frame may turn yellow.

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/curtains-decoration-indoors-plant-1854110/

How to wash plastic windows? It is advisable to avoid products containing abrasive substances - chalk, quartz sand, marble powder. They do an excellent job of removing dirt and the glass will be spotlessly clean, but hard particles can damage the surface and leave scratches.

It is better to wash double-glazed windows with soapy water or special window cleaners.

What if black mold appears on the frames? Take a quarter cup of any chlorine bleach, a tablespoon of washing powder and a liter of water. Apply the solution to the stain, leave for at least ten minutes, and then rinse with clean water.

Glass cleaning tools

Minimum list of equipment required for cleaning

• gloves;
• basins, buckets.
• Cloth, rag, sponge;

The speed and quality of the procedure will depend on the availability of additional tools. Popular tools for quick window cleaning

• Water scraper (scraper);
• steam cleaner.
• melamine sponge;
• mop with a long handle;
• magnetic broom;

Window mop

The device allows you to adjust the length of the handle and its angle. When the desired position is reached, it is fixed. Its length can reach 2 meters.

Directions for use: Mop horizontally from one side to the other, gradually moving downwards. Heavy soiling can be removed with a cloth or detergent.

Scraper for water

This type of window cleaning brush is a rubber band that is used to catch liquids. It has sizes from 20 to 60 cm.

To use it:

1. Perform the preliminary procedures: wash, blot off the dirt.
2. Place the device on the glass and slowly lower it down. The rubber element ensures a good fit of the scraper to the glass and removes moisture and dirt.
3. Reattach the scraper to the top glass by sliding it to the side. Repeat the procedure.
4. Continue until the area is completely clean. Wipe the wiper rubber after each cleaning.

Attention! Do not move the windshield wiper blade in a random direction.

Melamine sponge

This is a plastic sponge that is made by foaming melamine resin. It effectively removes dirt, grease and other contaminants. It wears off and shrinks with use. No additional cleaning agent is required: the fibers absorb and remove dirt.

Directions for use: wet the sponge in water, squeeze lightly, wipe the windows. Once dirty, rinse it with clean water.

Note: Melamine sponge is not suitable for body and food.

Magnetic sponge

The sponge consists of two brushes with magnets. One is for the inside of the window, the other is for the outside. To prevent the outer brush from falling out, it is secured with twine. With its help, you can quickly and conveniently wash both sides of the glass, for example, on the balcony.

Use a sponge:

1. Wet the glass with cleaning solution.
2. Moisten the cleaning surfaces of the brush.
3. Attach the safety cord.
4. Place one brush on the inside and the other (with safety cord) on the outside. The magnet will attract the brushes to each other.
5. Wash starting from the area around the frame. Then move to the middle zone, working from top to bottom.

Steam cleaner

This multifunctional device will help you clean your windows quickly. This device contains a heating element that increases the temperature of the water and turns it into steam. When you pull the trigger of the gun, a jet of steam comes out of it, which removes grease, dirt, stubborn stains, disinfects and leaves no streaks. No detergent other than water is required. The operating algorithm is as follows:

1. Remove dust from the surface with a dry cloth.
2. Pour water into the steam cleaner.
3. Install the selected attachment, turn on the device.
4. Use steam to clean the surface, then remove excess moisture with a scraper.

Don't make the puck too heavy or bulky as this will cause arm fatigue. The most famous manufacturer of steam cleaners is Karcher.

Best lists

Below we look at the best products in their categories:

• Best price.
• Concentrate.
• Eco-composition.

Let's study them in more detail below.

Help - best price

Help product perfectly removes all stains and dirt from glass and mirrors. However, it is difficult to remove significant stains. To clean the outside of glass, we advise you to first wash it with a solution of water and soap, and then with this product. The liquid is enough for about 1 year of use. One pull of the trigger is enough to remove dust from glass and mirrors.

Price: from 90 to 130 rubles.

Help for cleaning windows

HG WINDOW CLEANER – concentrate

HG WINDOW CLEANER is a high-quality concentrate that carefully cleans and degreases all surfaces. The composition does not contain ammonia and alcohol. The product has a neutral pH, so it is gentle on your skin and all surfaces in your home. The advantage of the product is its long shelf life - 7 years. Country of origin: the Netherlands.

Price: from 300 to 400 rubles.

HG WINDOW CLEANER for cleaning windows

Organic People Eco-spray - eco-composition

Organic People Eco-spray is a safe and simple product that cleans any smooth surfaces. Contains 90% natural ingredients, including organic lemon and orange extracts. Thanks to them, a delicate citrus aroma will spread throughout the house. Eliminates dirt and greasy fingerprints. Does not contain harmful and dangerous chemicals.

Price: from 200 to 290 rubles.

Organic People Eco-spray for windows

Additives in cleaning products

Manufacturers use various additional components to improve the functionality and results of glass surface cleaners. Such substances include:

1. Antistatic. It prevents dust and other small particles from sticking to the glass, keeping it clean for a long time;
2. Silicone, which also helps protect the surface from the accumulation of dirt;
3. Water-repellent components. They do not allow moisture to linger on the glass, thus preventing raindrops and dirty water from drying out, as well as windows fogging up.

For removing soap stains and limescale deposits

To quickly and efficiently clean glass shower doors and bathroom mirrors, you should choose products that contain acids. They effectively break down alkaline compounds that make up soap and limescale deposits. However, it must be borne in mind that such components cannot be used to clean metal surfaces.

Using universal products you can remove small dirt and a thin layer of lime deposits. It is enough to spray them on the required areas and leave for 15 minutes, and then remove with a napkin. Such substances are often used to clean tiles and sanitaryware.

For cleaning matte and tinted surfaces

Not every glass cleaner can be used to clean frosted surfaces and glass with darkening film. Frosted glass has slight roughness on its surface, so dirt must be removed from it with extreme caution to avoid damage.

Basically, surfactant or alcohol based substances are used for such glasses and mirrors. They easily remove simple stains, and their compositions are gentle on unusual surfaces.

But to remove old and greasy stains, you need to use only those cleaning products that contain ethyl alcohol. Fresh stains from such glasses can be easily removed with dishwashing detergent.

Video examination of detergents: