10 Things I Never Should Have Cleaned With Windex -And You Shouldn’t Either

We’ve all been there, reaching for that trusty bottle of Windex to tackle just about any cleaning job. It’s almost a reflex—see a mess, grab the spray.

But through my own mistakes, I’ve realized that this do-it-all cleaner isn’t always the hero it promises to be. There are certain things around your house that just don’t react well to it, and I’ve learned this the hard way.

To spare you the same mistakes, I’ve put together a list of ten items that should steer clear of Windex. This way, you can keep your belongings in top shape without learning the hard way.

Antique or Delicate Glassware

Learning how to properly care for my antique glassware was a journey that started with a mistake. Using harsh glass cleaners on these delicate pieces, especially those with intricate etchings or painted details, can do more harm than good, causing permanent damage.

The safer route? Gently hand-wash these precious items with mild soap and water. This method cleans effectively without jeopardizing the intricate designs or the glass’s integrity.

Painted Surfaces

Once, I made the mistake of using glass cleaner on my painted coffee table, not realizing that its abrasive components can wear down paint over time. This isn’t just true for furniture but also for your car’s exterior and even the walls of your home.

Now, I stick to cleaning products that are specifically formulated for painted surfaces. These cleaners are gentler and help maintain the paint’s longevity and vibrant appearance, so you won’t have to touch up as often.

Leather Furniture

I’ve made the mistake of cleaning leather furniture with Windex before, and believe me, it’s not something you want to repeat. The ammonia and alcohol in Windex can seriously damage the leather’s delicate surface by stripping away its natural oils. This leads to the leather cracking, fading, and aging way before its time.

Instead, I’ve learned to use cleaners and conditioners specifically made for leather. These products help maintain the softness and durability of the leather, nourishing and protecting it without causing any harm.

Laminate Countertops or Glass Stovetops

Using Windex on laminate countertops or glass stovetops can be a costly error, as I’ve discovered. The abrasive chemicals in Windex can easily scratch and dull these surfaces, leaving marks that are tough to get rid of.

To avoid this, I now use a gentle cleaner specifically designed for laminate or glass. This switch has helped me maintain the pristine appearance of these surfaces, ensuring they stay shiny and free from unnecessary wear and tear.

Copper

Take it from someone who learned the hard way: keep Windex away from your copper items. The alcohol in Windex can tarnish the beautiful natural patina that copper develops, leading to permanent discoloration.

Instead, just use plain water and a soft microfiber cloth for cleaning. Gently buff your copper pots, pans, or trays with the cloth. This method preserves the copper’s luster without risking damage.

Home Windows

I’ve tried various methods to get crystal clear windows, but here’s the best approach I’ve discovered: forget about chemical sprays and go for a squeegee and Dawn dish soap combo. Just add a tiny squirt of Dawn to a bucket of water, grab a scrubby pad to loosen up the dirt, and then take your squeegee to it.

Start at the top of the window and use smooth vertical or horizontal sweeps to get that squeaky clean finish. Wipe the squeegee blade with a cloth after each sweep to keep it clean for extra shine. This method cuts through grime without leaving any streaks or residue behind.

Stainless Steel

Let me save you from a mistake I made: avoid using Windex on your stainless steel appliances. The issue is that the chemical composition of Windex can react unpredictably with different stainless steel finishes, potentially ruining that sleek look we all love.

Instead, I’ve switched to Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish. It’s specifically designed for stainless steel and does a fantastic job of cleaning and polishing without the risks of damage.

TV or Computer Screens

Here’s a tip I wish I knew earlier: steer clear of using traditional Windex on your TV or computer screens. The harsh chemicals can actually warp the plastic components of the screen, including any tint layers. I’ve found that a simple damp cloth can do the trick for light dusting.

For something a bit more tailored, Windex Electronic Wipes are a safer alternative. If your screen needs a deeper clean, a little isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth works wonders. Just remember to gently wipe the screen; pushing too hard can damage these delicate surfaces.

Plexiglass

It’s a common slip-up to grab Windex when you’re cleaning artwork framed with plexiglass, but standard Windex contains ammonia, which can seriously damage the plexiglass. A safer bet is to use a bit of soap mixed with water. Just apply it with a soft microfiber cloth—like those Quickie General Purpose ones. Gently clean the surface and make sure to dry it thoroughly afterward.

For a commercial solution, you might consider an ammonia-free glass cleaner which is much gentler on these types of surfaces.

Shower Doors

From my own mishaps, I’ve learned that Windex isn’t the hero we need for tackling soap scum on glass shower doors. It just doesn’t cut through the grime. Instead, try using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser along with some Dow Scrubbing Bubbles or even a bit of vinegar.

This combo gets into the nitty-gritty of soap scum, leaving your shower doors sparkling clean without the streaks or residue that ordinary glass cleaners might leave behind. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for your bathroom cleaning routine!