Can I use Windex® on my countertops?

General

Where can I purchase Windex® products?: Windex® products are available in grocery, drug, hardware, and discount stores in the U.S.

Do Windex® bottles contain recycled plastic?: Yes, Windex® bottles are made from 50% post consumer recycled material. Windex bottles are also completely recyclable—look for the symbol on the bottom of the bottles. Please recycle.

What ingredients are in Windex® Glass and Multi-Surface Cleaners?: All but two Windex® Glass and Multi-Surface Cleaners contain detergents, solvents, fragrance, Ammonia-D®, and alcohol. They should not be used if ammonia is not recommended for use on surface. (Windex® Multi-Surface Vinegar and Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface do not contain ammonia. They are safe to use in these cases.)

How can I effectively use Windex® Glass and Multi-Surface Cleaners to avoid getting streaks or a "white/cloudy" film?: You do not want to use Windex® Glass or Multi-Surface Cleaners on very hot or cold surfaces because product may evaporate before wiping and cause streaking. Extra-absorbent paper towels work well for wiping up spills but can leave lint and film on glass or mirrored surfaces because they are treated. Do not use cloths that contain fabric softener. Also make sure there is not a film left on the surface from a previous cleaner.

Do I have to hold the Windex® container upright while spraying (product stopped dispensing)?: The pump may need re-priming—try a few short pumps. It may also be clogged. The pump can be rinsed in warm water.

Best On Glass

What can I do to get my windows and glass surfaces really clean?

Spray your favorite Windex® cleaner on windows or glass surfaces, and then wipe it off with untreated paper towels, newspaper, or lint-free cotton cloths for a streak-free shine.

Be sure to use enough of your favorite Windex® product to remove all the dirt. Change cleaning towels as they become soiled.

Tip: Old, clean cotton diapers are excellent for cleaning surfaces with Windex®.

Cleaning windows on a cloudy day works best. Sunlight can heat up windows causing sprays to dry before you can wipe them clean.

Can I use Windex® on all types of windows and mirrors?

On glass windows and mirrors, Windex® cleaners work great. They're fast and easy, and they cut right through dirt and grime. Just spray on Windex® and wipe it off for a streak-free shine.

If you plan to use Windex® on your tinted windows, test a small area first. Care of tinted windows may vary.

For all of you airplane and helicopter owners, we're sorry, but Windex® is not formulated to clean your LEXAN® windows.

When I clean my windows, it's a race to wipe up the spray before it hits the sills. Any tips for beating the drips?

If you are spraying a whole window at once, a general rule is the larger the area, the faster you move.

If you prefer a more leisurely pace, divide the window into four sections. Start at the top left, spray, and then wipe the product off with a lint-free cloth or untreated paper towel. You'll have plenty of time to catch the drips. Work your way clockwise around the whole window.

Can I use Windex® on my vehicle windows?: Yes, but it is best to clean automobile windows with Windex® cleaners when the surface is cool and out of direct sunlight whenever possible. You can use it on glass, chrome, stainless steel, plastic, and vinyl surfaces. You should avoid painted surfaces. On tinted windows, test in an inconspicuous spot first, since there are different qualities of tint.

What surfaces can I use Windex® Wipes on?: Windex® Wipes can be used throughout the house on windows, glass, computer keyboards, phones, diaper pails, playpens, door knobs, pet areas, kitchen appliances, countertops, faucets, sinks, cabinets, mirrors, toilets, showers, tubs and tiled walls. If you are unsure of the surface, test on an inconspicuous area first.

Are there surfaces I can't use Windex® Wipes on?: We don't recommend using Windex® Wipes on wood, cooking utensils, plates, glasses, or upholstery. Also, you should never use Windex® Wipes for personal hygiene or as baby wipes.

Can I use Windex® Wipes on my vehicle windows?: Yes, but we recommend cleaning automobile windows with Windex® Wipes when the surface is cool and out of direct sunlight. Besides glass, they are safe to use on chrome, stainless steel, plastic, and vinyl surfaces, but avoid painted surfaces. For tinted windows, we recommend using Windex® Multi-Surface Wipes instead.

What do I do with Windex® Wipes when I am finished?: Do not place used Windex® Wipes back in the canister, wash them, reuse them, or flush them down the toilet. Simply throw the used wipes in the trash.

How can I keep Windex® Wipes from drying out?: To avoid moisture loss, always close the canister completely and store in a cool location between uses of Windex® Wipes.

Are Windex® Wipes recyclable?: No, Windex® Wipes are not recyclable, but the canister is recyclable.

How can I use Windex® Wipes effectively to avoid streaks?: Using Windex® Wipes on glass that is in direct sunlight or is hot to the touch may cause streaking and limit surface coverage.

Can I use Windex® Wipes as a baby wipe?: No. Windex® Wipes were developed for surface cleaning and not to be used for personal hygiene.

Best On Almost Everything

Can I use Windex® on my countertops?: Yes, it's great on countertops in the kitchen and bathroom. You can also use Windex® on the following surfaces: marble, granite, ceramic tile, enameled paint (appliances), stainless steel, chrome, tile, Corian®, fixtures, mirrors, countertops, Formica®, plastic, vinyl, glass,and white board (for removal of erasable markers).

Best Outside

About Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool

What is Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool?: The new, easy-to-use Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool gives your outdoor windows a streak-free shine in half the time (compared to typical use of paper towels and glass cleaning trigger product.). Windex knows that a clean home is important to families, so the product provides a simple, easy and effective solution to an otherwise daunting task. It combines a 4-ft pole with a water activated, soap-embedded cleaning pad (attached to the cleaning head with hook and loop fabric).

How is it different from Windex™ Outdoor Multi-Surface Concentrated Cleaner?: The Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool includes a pole and cleaning pad that allows you to wipe the windows clean, as well as remove stubborn dirt. The new tool is specifically designed for use on windows and other outdoor glass surfaces, whereas the Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner can be used as a spray and rinse cleaner on a variety of surfaces such as plastic and vinyl.

How does the Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool work?

Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool combines mechanical action with a concentrated formula and a garden hose to clean windows using a four-step process:

Attach Windex™ cleaning pad to the textured strips on the cleaning head.
Spray – Wet window and cleaning pad with garden hose.
Wipe – Immediately clean the window using the water on the window to activate the soap in the cleaning pad.
Rinse – Rinse entire window immediately to remove all suds. The formula's sheeting action rinses window to a streak-free shine, so there's no need to hand dry. Dispose of soiled pad when finished.

For best results, clean indoor windows with Windex® glass cleaner.

More detailed information about the product including a detailed demonstration can be found on here.

The product left streaks on my window. What can I do to prevent this?

If streaks occurred on first 1-2 windows, refer to #1 below.
If streaks occurred when using in hot temperatures or heavy direct sunlight, skip to #2.
If neither of the above is true, skip to #3.

The Windex® Sheeting Action Formula in the cleaning pad activates when the pad gets wet, however, it may take a few back-and-forth strokes before the formula begins to release in sufficient quantities to deliver a streak-free shine. If streaks occur on the first 1-2 windows, simply rewet the window and repeat the cleaning process. You will know that the cleaning formula is being released when you visibly notice the pad releasing a 'sudsy formula' onto the window.
A hot surface may disrupt the drying process. If streaks occur after using in hot temperatures or with direct sunlight, repeat the process when the window is not under direct sunlight.
If streaks occur during cleaning and cleaning pad is still available, repeat the cleaning process, including the rinse step. Begin to rinse at the top of the window and finish at the bottom of the window. Rinse thoroughly to promote best results.
If streaks are noticed once the cleaning pad no longer available, repeat the rinse step. Begin to rinse at the top of the window and finish at the bottom of the window. Rinse thoroughly to promote best results.
If Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One is used with extremely hard water (>350 ppm calculated as Calcium ion) streak free performance is likely to be diminished. The label disclaimer reads "Results may vary based on water quality."

What is the reach of the cleaning pole?: Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool enables reach of up to 11 feet from the ground without a ladder. The handle includes a threaded end so that you can add your own extension pole (broom handle, paint pole) for additional reach.

How many windows will each Windex™ cleaning pad clean?: Each Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool cleaning pad has enough cleaner to clean 20 standard windows. (A standard window is defined as 30" x 40".)

Are the Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool cleaning pads recyclable?: Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool's pole and cleaning head is designed to be re-used year after year. The cleaning pad is not recyclable and should be disposed of after each cleaning session.

Is Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool safe to use other surfaces?

Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool was designed for use on external, non-tinted home windows. However, it is compatible on the following surfaces:

Aluminum
Light and dark colored brick
Latex and silicone caulk
Stained and painted wood (both oil based and latex)
Aluminum and vinyl siding
PVC and polyolefin

May discolor untreated wood and pressure treated wood. Test on an inconspicuous area.

Can you use the Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool on car windows?: The Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool is not recommended for automobiles.

Can you use the Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool on indoor windows?: For best results, clean indoor windows with the Windex® glass cleaner. The outdoor window cleaner requires the use of a hose, so it is not designed to be used on indoor windows.

Will Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool work on my window screens?: Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool was designed for use on external home glass surfaces; for best results, remove/raise screens before cleaning windows.

Will Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool cleaner damage plants?: Avoid dripping cleaning solution onto plants and if accidental contact is made, rinse the plants with water.

What does the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval mean on the Windex™ All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool?: Windex™ Outdoor All-In-One has undergone the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval testing and has earned use of the seal.

Where can I buy Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool?: The new Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool can be found in the glass cleaning section in most Food, Mass market, and Do-It- Yourself retailers as of February 2009. Retailers include Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe's and your local grocery or hardware store among others.

How often do I have to clean my windows with this, and do I have to use it more frequently depending on the weather?: To keep outdoor windows looking great, cleaning should be performed at least two times per year. Late spring and late fall are excellent times.

What are the product's ingredients?: Contains surfactants to aid in cleaning.

I've heard about a term called "window pain" or "Window Washing Avoidance Syndrome"? What is this?: "Window pain" and "Window Washing Avoidance Syndrome" are tongue-in-cheek phrases used to express people's general point of view on cleaning their outdoor windows. We found that the majority of people avoid cleaning outdoor windows because the time and effort it takes – and the results aren't always satisfying. That is why we believe it can be cured by the new Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool. It's the faster, easier way to get the job done, where you can achieve a clean, streak-free shine in half the time.

Will you be selling any other outdoor window cleaning products in this line?: Currently the Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One is the only outdoor cleaning tool we are selling. New products will be advertised on the www.windex.com website or look for them in your local store.

About Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner

How can I effectively use Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner to avoid getting streaks, water spots or a "white/cloudy" film?: Streaks can occur if you have hard water or low water pressure. Make sure you completely rinse suds. Do not allow product to dry before rinsing, rinse window from "top to bottom," and use Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner when temperature is above 55º F. If product is applied to eaves/siding above windows, product may drip down on windows.

Can I use Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner on my vehicle?: Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner is not recommended for automobiles.

Can I dilute Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner?: No. You should not dilute Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner.

Why does my hose keep detaching from the Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner bottle?: This can happen if your water pressure exceeds the normal home water pressure of 40-45 PSI. Also, the Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner hose connector could have been damaged during shipping.

Is it safe to get Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner on my plants/vegetation?: Yes. Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner will not harm plants, paint (water or oil base), or siding.

How do I keep the Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner container from leaking?: Please be assured that providing the best quality product to you is our primary goal. In the event of a leak, please make sure that the hose end is not damaged. If the problem persists, check the container as it may have been dropped either in the store or at home, which could result in a leak.

Is there a refill available for Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner?: No. The refill size was discontinued as of July 2000.

What ingredients are in Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner?: Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner is water based and contains surfactants.

Can I use Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner on windows, glass objects and other surfaces?: Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner is great on windows, patio furniture, playsets and toys.