I’m sure many of us have wondered over the years, “Why can’t I use my Windex on the windows in my car?” Killing two birds with one stone, and saving some money from buying two of the “same” product. Nick writes in:
Hello there. I’d like to know if there is any difference to household, glass cleaners and car detailing ones. Do household cleaners damage regular car glass. Do they contain abrasives and other harmfull ingredients? Do they damage trim and rubber around the windows. Than you so much for your time, I know these are a lot of questions, but I want to know if i have to invest in specialty glass cleaner or not.
Thank you in advance,
Best Regards
Nick Tzovlas
Hi Nick!
The short answer is, “Yes you should!” Not because I’m a salesman, either! After some thorough research, I’ve come to two very distinct differences in household glass cleaners, and car-specific glass cleaners:
1. Most household glass cleaners contain ammonia in them.
2. They streak!
What does ammonia mean for cars? Well, if you car has tinted windows, then the ammonia over time will break down the tint, causing it to peel. There has also been reports of excess fogging on the interior of windows from using ammonia based window cleaners.
The amount of streaking from Windex type cleaners is quite a lot in my personal experiences. One of the worst things to look at after spending so long detailing a car is to drive away with streaks in the windshield.
So then what’s the best cleaner?
Well, there is no “best.” Some like more than others, and it’s always based on personal opinion. For me, I personally love Meguiars Glass Cleaner . You dilute it 10:1, which means 128 oz gives you 1408 oz (11 gallons)! This glass cleaner will last you a life time. And at $20 for a whole gallon, it’s value that can’t be beat. If you pair this with two Detailed Image Glass Polishing towels, your glass will be clean, and streak free.
Why two towels? What I do is take one towel, and fold it in half twice (creating a square) and spray the glass cleaner directly on the towel (to prevent overspray), and clean one window at a time (or half a windshield). Then, with the second dry towel, I will buff the glass to make sure any last bit of minor streaking is removed. This is a sure-fire way to clean, streak free glass.
And, while you can’t use household cleaners on cars, there doesn’t seem to be any reason you can’t use less-harmful car glass cleaners in the house, extending your dollar even further!
Nick, and others who have been wondering, I hope this has answered your question!
Please add any comments or questions below. Thanks!