Glass Cleaners - with or without Ammonia?

[mattl]

Rarely use commercial glass cleaner, but like to have some on hand for a quick cleanup.  Noticed the Windex I picked up indicates it's ammonia free.  What is the supposed benefit of ammonia free formulations?

 

When I do my windows I use a bucket with warm water, a bit of ammonia and a drop of Dawn dish washing detergent,   wash the windows with a sponge and squeegee them off.  I'm cleaning the glass shelves and such in my china cabinet and there I usually use glass cleaner as it's quicker.  Did a google search and did not find a clear accurate discussion on the topic, thoughts?

 

[luxflairguy]

Having been in the housecleaning biz for too many years, I've tried many cleaners and while Windex is good, "Sprayaway" in the spray can works the best.  I love it and have used it for years.  No streaks and easy to use.  It's really good for interior car windows as it cuts the film left from vinyl interiors.  Most grocery and hardware stores carry it.

 

[yogitunes]

well, they never really covered up the smell of the ammonia....

and that was a big thing with certain individuals who have this "sensitive" nose....that only translated into a BIG PITA!!!...

the next alternative on the market was products with vinegar.....

you never want to use an ammonia type product for something like cleaning an aquarium....any proximity is toxic to fish...

there are also items you will never use an ammonia or ethyl alcohol type cleaner on... computer screens, touch screen/pad devices, LCD and flat screen TV's....simple 50/50 mix of distilled water and white vinegar are safest...

manufacturers are just trying to create a do-it-all product....it will clean, and yet safe for most materials...

 

[panthera]

Nothing cleans as well as ammonia/alcohol/denat.water with

Just a drop of dawn.

Nothing.

Yeah, it stinks for like 10 seconds, who cares? Some people are just hysterical. Me, I prefer clean.

 

 

[kb0nes]

Ammonia please is my preference. It seems to cut greases and oils just that much better. It does stink, but the adage is "the worse something smells the better it works". This applies to cleaners, glues, paint etc. I told a friend this adage once and he said that was why his ex wife worked so well (rimshot)

Typically I just buy bulk bottles of good ole blue Windex. I use it on everything. Years ago I worked at a place that bought an aerosol can glass cleaner that was Zep brand, it was probably the best performing glass cleaner I ever used. Too expensive and I do what I can to avoid the environmental impact of using aerosol cans.

It probably isn't the best idea to use ammonia containing cleaners on plastics like LCD panels, but I have done it since I first had LCD's to clean and never seen any issues. Touchscreen devices like phones and tablets are glass, so I wouldn't worry there. Worst case it it could degrade the Oleophobic coatings. Course with technology products, 5 years is about all you need before you recycle it anyhow!

 

[gusherb]

I like the Windex with ammonia, and I will add even more ammonia to the bottle that is kept in the kitchen cabinet. It really packs a punch and cuts grease very well like that.

 

[abcomatic]

What do all of you think about Sparkle? Happy window washing. Gary

 

[ea56]

I like the clear formula Windex with white vinegar. It really cuts grease and leaves a nice shine. I especially like using it to clean the control panel on my electric stove. To me it leaves no film, while the original blue formula can sometimes leave a film.
Eddie

 

[mattl]

I have been using the Windex ammonia free the past week, and it seems to be ok.  Just surprised me when I glanced at the bottle and saw that.  Sprayaway looks interesting, might give it a try.

 

Now, my next project is to find replacement nubs to fit on the spring loaded clips that hold the glass in my china cabinet.  They are about the size of a small pencil eraser, and are quickly disintegrating.  I had bought an 8" square sheet of rubber from the plumbing dept at Lowe's and cut it up last year, but it's a pain because they are loose, the original nubs slipped on the end of the spring.  I only wash the glass once a year so it's no big deal, but I'd love to find a source.

 

[panthera]

If you can't find a source

Would that make your own vinyl grip stuff work? Dip-it? I think that's what it's called.

 

[askolover]

The best glass cleaner I've ever used was way back when I worked in a windshield factory....it was something called Spartan vinegar glass cleaner. It was mixed with a little ethanol in the spray bottles to cut down on soapiness, but it would cut any film off those windshields! I make my own here with vinegar, some dawn, and a little alcohol. Works!

 

[mattl]

Panthera, interesting idea.  I'll have to explore that.

 

Wow, it sounds like everyone has their own version of window cleaning solutions.  Any thoughts on adding a little Rain-X to the solution when doing outside windows?  I've heard from time to time it helps them stay clean longer.  Anyone try that?

 

[mayken4now]

To clean my shower glass, no door, just glass panels in my bathroom showers, a used bounce or any dryer sheet with a little water, rinse and spotless.  Then here comes the Rain-X trick.  Yes, it does stay cleaner longer.  

 

Think I might try the Sprayaway...............

 

[washman]

+1 to luxflairguy I've used Sprayaway for years with fantastic results.

 

[kb0nes]

I had to look up the Zep product we used to use. Zep 40 stuck in my mind and a Google search shows the can that I remembered (it was nearly 20 years ago). I would have sworn that it was Zep 40 Glass Cleaner but it is now labeled as a "multi-surface' cleaner.

At some point the powers that be stopped buying the ZEP 40 and bought the Sprayway product by the case at a local janitorial store. I remember that the Sprayway cleaner didn't seem to perform as well at the Zep 40. Looking as the MSDS for both it seems that neither has any ammonia in it, just Butyl's and alcohol.

We didn't use the Sprayway long we changed over to a 1 gal - makes 5 gallons concentrate and trigger spray bottles. It seemed just like standard Windex to complete with the ammonia smell. It was well cheaper and worked as well or better then the aerosol.

 

[yogitunes]

way before RainX ever came out.....I used to use regular car wax on glass, and then buff off.....it would make the water bead across the windshield just from the air currents, without using the wipers....

but then you moved on to regular windows, glass top tables, oven door glass....even the appliances themselves got a coating of wax, made cleaning so much easier and down to minimum effort...

apply wax and buff off to your tiles in the shower....water and soap scum just bead right off....

 

[gusherb]

I figured that out when I accidentally got wax on my windshield and buffed it out. No need for Rain X! Speaking of which, I never waxed my car this year so water isn't beading off the windshield...

 

[ea56]

There used to be a product called Glass Wax that my Mom always used to clean the windows. It was a pink liquid and just like car wax you applied a thin coating, let it dry to a haze and then wiped it off. At Christmas time the can used to come with holiday stencils so you could add food coloring to the Glass Wax and apply it to the stencil on the window and you had your windows decorated for the holidays. Then after Christmas you just wiped of the design and you had a clean window.
Eddie[this post was last edited: 11/23/2016-19:32]

 

[circlew]

Spartan Chemical makes all sorts of glass cleaners, including one with vinegar as Greg mentioned. I've never used this product, but have used a couple other of their products, and been pleased.

Concentrated Window Cleaner | Spartan Chemical

Concentrated Window Cleaner is the economical solution for window and glass cleaning. With a dilution of 1:20, one quart makes five gallons. The formula has a pleasant floral fragrance and is boosted with distilled vinegar for added cleaning. No rinsing is required and there is no filming or...

www.spartanchemical.com