Rating of effective and popular streak-free window cleaning products

Updated: 03/22/2021 There is nothing worse than a dirty window or foggy mirror. Even if the house is perfectly clean, transparent and mirror surfaces can completely ruin the impression of the owner if they have stains, dust, greasy stains and other contaminants.

Washing windows is a very tedious task. But a thankless task, which is on the list of household chores at least twice a year, can be completed easily and quickly if you have a good detergent in your arsenal. It will help not only deal with dirt, but also keep the transparent surface clean for a long time.

Until recently, housewives coped with the difficult task of cleaning glass using scrap materials. Today, industry offers us a huge range of professional chemicals. How to choose among them not only the best product, but also the one that solves specific problems - removes rain stains, road grime or degreases, or simultaneously effectively copes with all contaminants?

Based on the nature of the fight against dirty windows, detergents are divided into two main types:

• Universal, suitable for cleaning any smooth surfaces.
• Specialized - used to solve specific problems.

The composition of a particular cleaner is not just a list of components. Depending on it, cleaning chemicals work against different types of plaque.

Based on the type of active substance, window cleaning products are divided into three groups:

• Acidic.
  They are used for very heavy contamination, for example, after renovation work, when it is necessary to remove traces of calcium from building materials such as cement, plaster, or to get rid of water stone that forms outside the window due to rain.
• Alkaline.
  Alkali is the scourge of all grease and oil stains and does an excellent job of removing soot and soot. An alkali-based product has a good cleaning effect, so it is used for washing glass on facades. Does not leave streaks. They are used to remove grease and greasy marks, and cope well with street dirt and dust.
• Alcohol.
  This group includes spray cleaners, which are used primarily indoors; they quickly and well dissolve dirt and grease, while leaving no streaks and adding shine to the glass surface.

The most common window cleaners are alcohol-based. Mainly used in the production of glass cleaners:

• Isopropyl alcohol.
  Detergents based on it are inexpensive and cope well and quickly with fresh stains. However, when cleaning, the product emits a strong aroma that cannot be hidden behind any fragrances. In addition, old stains are too much for him.
• Benzyl alcohol.
  Usually, as part of detergent chemistry, it is used in tandem with foaming agents. Thanks to this, it has excellent cleaning properties, copes well with old dirt, leaves no marks and gives the glass a radiant gloss. Disadvantages - the same pungent smell and expensive cost.
• Ammonia.
  Ammonia itself works as a good cleaner, even without auxiliary additives. It is inexpensive, effectively cleans glass surfaces, evaporates instantly, and leaves no streaks or marks. Disadvantages - a specific ammonia smell and the need to work in protective equipment, because in strong concentrations it can irritate the nasal mucosa and damage the skin.

When choosing a window cleaner, first of all, you need to be guided by the nature of the contamination of the surface you will be cleaning. To wipe the inside of the window, a simple alcohol-based product will be sufficient. To clean glass facing a heavily trafficked roadway or the windows of a room where renovations were carried out, you need to arm yourself with a more serious product.

Introducing the Window Cleaning Products Rating 2022. The top 12 products that were selected by our experts based on user reviews and ratings.

How to choose a glass cleaner

Most glass cleaning products are based on surfactants and alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol dissolves greasy stains, does not leave streaks and does not require further rinsing. It is usually included in the most budgetary funds.

Benzyl alcohol is sometimes used. In combination with foaming agents, it guarantees effective cleaning. However, such products are more expensive and have a strong odor.

Manufacturers also offer liquids based on ammonia. They cope with old plaque, do not leave cloudy streaks or films, and restore the shine of the glass surface. When using such compositions, an intense odor is also felt.

Glass cleaning products contain surfactants that are responsible for removing contaminants. Their safe content should not exceed 15%.

For people prone to allergies, plant-based liquids for cleaning mirrors and windows are recommended. They are safe for human health and the environment, although they are considered less effective in removing stubborn stains.

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General rules for caring for plastic windows

A PVC window is a complex product that consists of:

• profile - which is influenced by the external environment;
• fittings - elements that, with the help of angular gears and connecting nodes, form a common circuit. In turn, which is subject to friction and, accordingly, wear;
• sealing rubber - which loses its elasticity during operation;
• glass unit - on which dust, dirt accumulates over time, and scratches appear.

Inadequate care of plastic windows, violation of the rules of operation of the product, leads them to premature aging. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to clean the windows from dirt twice a year, before and after the winter period, and lubricate them with special products.

Necessary equipment for washing plastic windows

The best glass cleaning sprays

Most housewives prefer to buy glass cleaning sprays; they are convenient to apply to various surfaces and then wipe off with one movement of a soft cloth.

Clin “Windows and Mirrors” – to keep glass clean longer

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

98%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Clin Windows and Mirrors – spray for cleaning glass surfaces based on isopropyl alcohol. The special formula does not require polishing and does not leave streaks, and also creates a water-repellent invisible film that allows glasses to stay clean longer.

The manufacturer offers a choice of lemon or apple flavor. The liquid is sold in a 500 ml plastic bottle. It has special notches so that the bottle does not slip in your hand while cleaning. The convenient sprayer has a child safety lock and a foam nozzle.

Pros:

• convenient and practical bottle;
• there is a choice of scents;
• 2 spray options;
• does not require polishing;
• water-repellent formula;
• leaves no traces.

Minuses:

• difficulties during first use.

Many people have problems when opening the bottle for the first time. The instructions on the packaging on how to disable the child lock system and put the sprayer into working condition are not particularly clear. Although here it is enough to simply turn the cap 180 degrees.

Mr. Muscle with ammonia is a popular glass cleaner

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

94%

buyers recommend this product

Mr. Muscle is a spray designed for cleaning glass surfaces. Thanks to the ammonia included in the composition, the liquid easily removes oil stains, soot and other contaminants.

Housewives write in reviews that they also successfully use Mr. Muscle for cleaning stainless or chrome-plated parts of household appliances, tiles and metal furniture elements. The spray is easily wiped off without leaving streaks or films on the surface.

A transparent plastic bottle with a volume of 500 ml allows you to monitor the level of the remaining liquid, and a fine dispersion sprayer ensures economical consumption of the product and does not leave streaks on the glass.

Pros:

• affordable price (140 rubles per bottle);
• presented in most stores;
• does not leave streaks;
• low consumption;
• convenient application without smudges;
• transparent bottle.

Minuses:

• Strong smell.

Due to the pungent odor of Mr. Muscle is recommended for use in ventilated areas.

Cinderella “Spring Flowers” ​​- an excellent budget product

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

Cinderella “Spring Flowers”, despite its low price, effectively copes with stains of various origins and does not leave marks on the glass after application. The product is also suitable for washing plastic profiles, which means that when washing windows you will not need additional cleaners.

The soft pink liquid has a not too strong floral aroma. The transparent plastic bottle has finger grooves so that the spray does not slip in your hands. The spray bottle is convenient and reliable. A couple of clicks are enough to clean the mirror.

Pros:

• low cost (up to 70 rubles per 500 ml);
• pleasant aroma;
• economical;
• suitable for plastic surfaces;
• washes away dirt well.

Minuses:

• Not sold in all stores.

Cinderella “Spring Flowers” ​​is a budget cleaning product that is not inferior in quality to more expensive analogues.

Advice from our grandmothers

If modern detergents rich in chemicals are not to your liking, you can remember the time-tested advice of our grandmothers.

1. To avoid streaks, windows should be wiped with dry newspaper.
2. If you apply a vinegar solution to clean windows, it will repel insects and the glass will stay clean longer.
3. To prevent windows from freezing, you can wipe them with a salt solution (250 ml of water and 2 tablespoons of salt).
4. To wash glass, you can use a solution of laundry soap.
5. To make the window shine, you can wipe it with ammonia soaked in water.

The procedure for caring for plastic windows is quite simple; you just need to follow simple rules. With timely care for windows made of PVC profiles, you can not only achieve their shine, but also significantly increase their service life.

The best concentrated glass cleaners

Professional glass cleaners are distinguished by a high concentration of surfactants in their composition, as well as a large container volume.

Prosept Optic Cristal Plus – for washing windows outside

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

97%

buyers recommend this product

A slightly alkaline cleaner for smooth surfaces has a formula that removes organic and atmospheric contaminants from smooth, rough and even textured glass. The liquid dries quickly, leaves no streaks and does not require rinsing.

Thanks to its antistatic effect, Prosept Optic Cristal+ is successfully used for cleaning display cases, panoramic windows and other large surfaces.

The product is diluted in a ratio of 1:50 or 1:100, depending on the complexity of the contamination. It is recommended to use it with rubber gloves. The concentrate is produced in 5-liter canisters. The shelf life of the liquid is 2 years.

Pros:

• economical;
• effectively copes with pollution;
• dries quickly;
• price (about 600 rubles for 5 l);
• antistatic effect.

Minuses:

• may cause allergies;
• Sold only in specialized stores.

Prosept Optic Cristal+ is not intended for cleaning clear plastic or plexiglass and may leave cloudy marks or streaks on it.

GraSS Clean Glass Concentrate is a popular concentrate for cleaning all smooth surfaces

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

GraSS Clean Glass Concentrate is a universal cleaner with a concentrated formula. It is suitable not only for glass and mirrors, but thanks to its neutral pH it also successfully cleans plastic and chrome surfaces, tiles, monitors, furniture and commercial equipment.

The product effectively removes stains of various origins and fingerprints. After drying, it leaves no streaks or smudges and provides maximum transparency and shine. The antistatic effect protects the cleaned surface from rapid dusting.

To use, you need to dilute the concentrate with water at the rate of 150-200 grams per liter. It is recommended to spray it from a distance of 15-20 cm, after which the surface is wiped with a paper or cloth napkin. There is no need to rinse off GraSS Clean. The manufacturer offers canisters with a volume of 1 or 5 liters.

Pros:

• universal;
• suitable for home use;
• Available in most stores;
• antistatic effect;
• quickly cleans dirt;
• price (about 220 rubles per 1 liter);
• adds shine to the surface.

Minuses:

• has a pungent odor.

GraSS Clean Glass Concentrate is a multifunctional cleaning product that will help you clean your entire apartment. Car enthusiasts clean their windows with it and pour it into the washer reservoir to clean the windows of stuck insects and greasy stains.

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You need to wash plastic windows in stages:

Clearing your profile

Washing plastic windows should begin with cleaning the profile. The work must be done so as not to damage the surface of the frame. Detergent is the main cleaning tool. The simplest, cheapest and most effective way to clean the profile is to use any degreasing dishwashing detergent, as well as just a soap solution.

Dish detergents

The best products for cleaning plastic window profiles: practical tips

Note! When choosing a degreasing detergent for cleaning plastic, be sure to pay attention to its composition. Aggressive chemistry can destroy the structure of polyvinyl chloride. It will become rough, perhaps even yellow, and it will no longer be possible to give it its original whiteness. Also, aggressive detergents can destroy the special protective coating of the profile. It will become unstable to external influences (temperature, sunlight, moisture, etc.). In addition, stores sell special kits for the care of plastic windows, which contain non-aggressive detergents.

Special kits for the care of plastic windows

Attention! The following materials cannot be used to clean PVC products: liquids containing gasoline and acetone; powdered products; The main composition of the liquid should not include abrasive substances, so carefully read the instructions when purchasing detergent

Products that should not be used to clean plastic windows

The Best Green Glass Cleaners

People suffering from allergies prefer safe products with biodegradable formulas. They have a less pungent odor and a gentle hypoallergenic composition, but are not much inferior to conventional cleaners.

Ecoroom – biodegradable product with essential oils

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

96%

buyers recommend this product

Ecoroom is an environmentally friendly product for cleaning glass surfaces. Biodegradable formula includes purified alcohol, botanical surfactants and essential oils as fragrance. The composition copes with the most difficult stains and does not require pre-cleaning of windows. You need to wipe the surface quickly - after 15-20 seconds the liquid dries along with the dirt.

Experienced housewives note that Ecoroom is used extremely sparingly, is washed off without streaks and leaves behind a protective film that does not allow dust to settle after washing. The product is sold in 500 ml plastic bottles. The bottle fits comfortably in your hand, and the spray bottle accurately sprays the liquid. When sprayed, foam is formed that does not flow down the window.

Pros:

• low price (100 rubles per bottle);
• antibacterial effect;
• protective film against dust;
• no divorces;
• pleasant aroma.

Minuses:

• difficult to find on sale.

Thanks to its universal composition, Ecoroom spray is also suitable for cleaning furniture, chrome, stainless steel surfaces and household appliances.

Meine Liebe – hypoallergenic cleaner for glass, plastic and mirrors

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

94%

buyers recommend this product

Meine Liebe is a biodegradable product for use on all smooth surfaces. It effectively cleans glass, plastic, vinyl, tile and other waterproof surfaces. The spray has an antistatic effect and does not leave streaks. Cleaned glass acquires additional shine.

The product is light blue in color with a mild aroma and is sold in standard 500 ml bottles. The spray bottle is childproof.

Pros:

• presented in most stores;
• does not cause allergies;
• no divorces;
• antistatic effect;
• effectively removes stains.

Minuses:

• not everyone likes its smell.

Meine Liebe is a universal hypoallergenic cleaner that is ideal for cleaning all smooth surfaces in the children's room and throughout the house.

Synergetic is a safe and effective product with an antibacterial effect

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

91%

buyers recommend this product

Synergetic is a biodegradable spray for all smooth surfaces with antibacterial action. It disinfects, removes any organic contaminants and forms a thin film on the glass, protecting it from further contamination. With regular use, the surface acquires shine and better light transmission.

The pleasant aroma of lilac allows you to use the spray even in poorly ventilated areas. The composition includes surfactants of plant origin, highly purified alcohol, and natural flavoring.

Pros:

• low cost (90 rubles per bottle);
• pleasant aroma;
• convenient dispenser;
• natural composition;
• Available in most stores;
• does not leave streaks.

Minuses:

• high consumption.

Synergetic is a product that can be used to clean glass surfaces in children's rooms and bedrooms. And the longer you use it, the less often you will have to wash the glass.

Helpful information

Tips for washing glass and choosing detergents:

• 
  if the windows face a busy road, then it is better to choose the strongest composition that will help cope with persistent stains and prevent dust from settling on the glass;

• when the windows are not very dirty, they can be treated with a napkin, without the use of special compounds;
• Before you start washing the glass, you need to clean the frame from dust and dirt so that after it gets wet it doesn’t get on the window.

You will find a lot of important and useful information about fast and effective window cleaning in this section.

The best glass cleaning foams

Foaming products deal more effectively with glass stains. They are easy to apply, do not run down and do not leave drops on vertical surfaces.

Amway LOC Plus See Spray - effective and safe foam spray

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

93%

buyers recommend this product

Amway is famous for the quality of its household chemicals. LOC Plus See glass cleaning spray is no exception. It is designed for glass, mirrors, chrome parts and is even suitable for cleaning porcelain. It contains ammonia and a fat solvent, so the spray effectively removes greasy stains, soot or stubborn dirt. The proprietary component prevents fogging of the cleaned surface.

Thanks to the instant formation of foam, the product does not leave drops or smudges during application. According to the manufacturer, one 500 ml bottle is enough to wash 100 square meters of smooth surfaces.

Pros:

• removes any contaminants;
• economical;
• prevents fogging;
• does not flow down the glass.

Minuses:

• difficult to find - you need to order from online retailers;
• not everyone likes the strong smell;
• high price (about 500 rubles per 500 ml).

Amway products are not presented in stores, but are distributed only through a network of distributors. To buy the product, you need to find the contacts of one of them.

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Arnest "Shine" - inexpensive foam for glasses

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

92%

buyers recommend this product

Shine is a budget-friendly product for cleaning mirrors, glass and plastic surfaces. Active foam effectively removes fingerprints, insects and other stains. It is easy to apply and remove in one motion. The motto in this case is not just big words.

When you press the sprayer, a lush foam is formed, which eats away dirt and does not drain. The product dries quickly, does not leave streaks or stains, and the ammonia in the composition gives the glass additional shine. The antistatic effect repels dust and water particles, allowing the surface to remain clean longer.

Pros:

• erases from the surface in one motion;
• antistatic effect;
• does not leave streaks;
• price (about 60 rubles per 200 g).

Minuses:

• pungent alcohol smell;
• not available in all stores.

Arnest “Shine” is good not only for household use. Foam is also loved by car owners who use it to clean insect remains and greasy stains from car windows.

Features of washing wooden windows

Windows with wooden frames have to be washed more often than plastic ones, as they quickly get dirty and collect dust. Dirt easily gets stuck in cracks. Knowing the secrets of proper washing, you will effectively cope with the task!

So, what does a housewife need to remember? When applying solutions, do not overdo it with too much water. It is usually recommended not to wash frames, but to wipe them with a damp cloth or special wipes. Otherwise, the tree will swell. After treatment, the surfaces are wiped dry and excess moisture is removed.

The use of aggressive acidic agents and solvents is prohibited.

The best wet wipes for cleaning glass

Wet wipes are a convenient way to quickly clean mirrors and glass. After using them, there is no need to ventilate the room or wash the rag. This is the perfect way to remove a few fingerprints from a perfectly clean and shiny display in a store or home.

Faberlic - the best napkins for glass and mirrors

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

97%

buyers recommend this product

Faberlic – wet wipes for glass that can even remove old stubborn deposits and provide an anti-fog effect. The impregnated non-woven base holds its shape well. The smell is not too pronounced, and the napkin itself does not dry out for quite a long time: one piece is enough to clean 1-2 mirrors of a large area. There are no lint or streaks left on the surface.

Isopropanol and a complex of nonionic surfactants are responsible for the breakdown of contaminants. A reliable sticker on the packaging protects the wipes from drying out.

Pros:

• do not leave streaks or lint;
• effectively cleanses dirt;
• prevents fogging;
• convenient packaging.

Minuses:

• expensive (200 rubles for 30 pieces);
• difficult to buy in a regular store.

Faberlic products are not represented in hardware stores and are sold only in the company's offices or through a network of distributors.