Reviewing and Rating 8 Different Glass Cleaners- Which One Will Work Best?
With thousands of different glass cleaning brands available on the market, it can be super difficult to find the one that works best- especially when all of the brands each claim to be the best. Glass sprays, wipes, towels, you name it! All of the brands have the same end goal: to make you their customer. I want to save you time and money by helping you find the best glass cleaner for you and your home. In today’s blog post, I’m going to be reviewing and rating 8 different glass cleaners to help guide you in finding the perfect match.
How Most Glass Cleaners Work
Most glass cleaners (sprays, wipes, concentrates, etc.) contain three key ingredients that are vital to the efficacy of the product. These three ingredients are:
- Isopropanolamine
- Hexoxyethanol
- Ammonium Hydroxide (aka, ammonia)
Each key ingredient plays a different role in making a glass cleaner effective. I’ll spare you the chemistry behind why they help. But, I will touch on what each of them do. The isopropanolamine’s job is to dissolve dirt and grease. After the dirt and grease are dissolved, the hexoxyethanol takes over by loosening the contaminants away from the glass’ surface, making it wipeable. And (last but not least) the ammonium hydroxide (ammonia) is what creates that streak-free finish that everybody wants.
A short disclaimer: this is how most glass cleaners work- not all. Some have other, more natural ingredients that replace the need for isopropanolamine, hexoxyethanol, and ammonium hydroxide.
The Key to Clean Windows No Matter the Product
No matter what you choose to be the best glass cleaner for you and your home, you must use the product correctly for it to work. All glass surfaces should be cleaned using lint-free, microfiber cloth. Using lint-free, microfiber towels is vital if you want a streak-free finish.
The Best Glass Cleaner Rating System
All 8 of the glass cleaners that I tested will be rated on 5 different sell-points:
- Streaks
- Price
- Environmental effects
- Scent potency
- Muli-functioning
Each product has been tested on dirty mirrors, windows, sink faucets, and stovetops. The best rating a cleaning product can receive for a sell point is 5. The lowest it can get is a 1. The final score will be calculated by adding all 5 of the sell point scores for a glass cleaning product together. The glass cleaner with the highest number in the end will be declared the best glass cleaner.
*disclaimer- All of these ratings are based off of me and my experience in using these products. Other people’s opinions may differ. And, for that reason, I highly encourage you to pick the best glass cleaner for you. If you end up liking one of the other 8 that doesn’t become the overall winner, that’s totally okay! No matter what glass cleaning product you choose, they all will have their pros and cons. Alright. Enough said. Let’s get this rating started!
Finding the Best Glass Cleaner
Product #1- Norwex
This glass cleaning product works a bit differently than all of the rest. Instead of being a spray or a wipe, it’s actually a special microfiber cloth ( the “Baclock” cloth) and the Norwex “Window” cloth. The two cloths work together to create the shiniest, cleanest glass you’ll ever see. Instead of spraying any products onto the surface, all you do is simply wet the special microfiber cloth (the “Baclock” cloth). Then, you wring it out, and wipe the glass with it. While the glass is still wet from the Baclock cloth, you take the Window cloth and wipe the glass dry. It’s seriously magic! Not a speck, smudge, or streak is left behind! If you would like to learn more about the science behind these Norwex cloths, then feel free to check out this article on their website for more info: https://shopus.norwex.biz/en_US/customer/pages/microfiber-science
Norwex Rating Results:
Streaks: 5
The Norwex cloths left NO streaks whatsoever, and minimal effort was applied.
Price: 4
It felt funny to put a 5 because your initial expense will be a bit expensive. But, remember that these cloths will last you for years and years. They also replace the need to buy any sort of glass cleaning spray.
Environmental Effects: 5
Norwex contains NO harmful chemicals or dyes, and it reduces the amount of waste one cloth sale at a time.
Scent Potency: 5
The Norwex cloths have no scent at all. You can kiss the coughing and sneezing from glass cleaning sprays away with Norwex!
Multi-Purposing: 5
These cloths can be used on almost anything. Mirrors, windows, sinks, stovetops, counters, walls… you name it, and Norwex can clean it.
Total Score: 24
Product #2- The Invisible Glass Spray
Out of all the sprays I’ve used, the Invisible Glass Spray has to be one of my top favorites for window and mirror cleaning. The scent isn’t unbearable, and it definitely lives up to its “glass so clean you’ll think it’s invisible” motto. This spray leaves no streaks and requires minimal elbow grease to work (a benefit that most of us can agree is a win).
The Invisible Glass Spray Rating Results
Streaks: 5
If streaks really bother you, then this is the glass cleaning spray you should consider buying. I’ve used it on many different glass surfaces, and it never leaves streaks. In fact, this is my entire family’s all-around favorite glass cleaning spray to stock for our home.
Price: 3
Compared to leading spray cleaner brands, The Invisible Glass Spray Cleaners is a bit on the pricey side. However, although it costs more than the others, it also produces a better clean. You definitely get what you pay for with this product!
Environmental Effects: 4
Considering this glass cleaner spray is not marketed for its eco-friendly features, it’s considerably more eco-friendly than leading competitors. Although the Invisible Glass Spray is not made with all-natural ingredients, it contains no ammonium hydroxide and is made in the USA.
Scent Potency: 3
The Invisible Glass Spray scent is neither potent nor odorless. If you don’t mind the faint smell of rubbing alcohol, then you’ll be totally fine with this window cleaner spray.
Multi-Purposing: 5
Invisible Glass works on any glass surface. Yes, that includes cars, tinted windows, stovetops, sinks, windows, mirrors, and much more!
Total Score: 20
Cleaning Product #3- Windex
Oh, yes. The glass cleaning spray that almost everybody has heard about or used before. When somebody thinks of glass cleaner, this is probably the brand that comes to mind. Just to give you an idea of how long Windex has been around, Windex was first introduced in 1936! Talk about impressive!
Windex Rating Results
Streaks: 2
Yikes! I know. But, honestly, I found that I really struggled– even with using a microfiber cloth to buff the glass afterward– to get rid of 100% of the streaks. In fact, it was impossible.
Price: 4
Although I wasn’t pleased with the streaks that Windex left, the price is definitely reasonable. Compared to most of the glass cleaners tested today, Windex was amongst the cheapest.
Environmental Effects: 2
Windex contains ammonia (unless you get the ammonia-free kind they carry). It also contains many other strong chemicals and produces waste. Therefore, Windex doesn’t win points for being environmentally friendly.
Scent Potency: 2
Back story behind this rating… the scent of Windex is actually so strong that my dad (who tends to have asthmatic-like symptoms when exposed to strong smells) actually had to go to the ER after being exposed to the smell of Windex for too long. He woke up that night in a weezing fit. And, my mom had to take him to the ER because he was struggling to breathe. I’m not trying to scare you away from using Windex, but please be cautious using it if you also have asthmatic-like symptoms.
Multi-Purposing: 3
Other than a home’s windows or mirrors, Windex doesn’t really work on much else.
Total Score: 13
Product #4- SprayAway Foaming Glass Cleaner
SprayAway foaming glass cleaner is the only foaming glass cleaner that I tested in this blog post. I must say, it is quite different than using regular spray. Instead of spraying a misting of product, it sprays a steady stream that foams immediately upon meeting the surface you aim it at. When you wipe it, everything feels a lot drier than when you use spray. If you have something really stuck to a glass surface, then I could see how the foam helps loosen and remove it.
SprayAway Foaming Glass Cleaner Rating Results
Streaks: 3
There were times when I could clean the glass without having any leftover streaks. However, it wasn’t consistent. I think this largely has to do with user error instead of product error. If you don’t spray the right amount in the right area, it will leave streaks.
Price: 3
I only had other spray glass cleaners to compare SprayAway foaming glass cleaner spray to. So, compared to other spray cleaners, it sits in the middle price-wise. But, it is a foaming glass cleaner, so I feel like that could definitely contribute to the price point.
Environmental Effects: 3
Although SprayAway is ammonia-free, it still contains quite a few chemicals. It also comes in a metal spray can with a plastic lid. Therefore, it sits in the middle when it comes to being eco-friendly.
Scent Potency: 3
SprayAway Foaming Glass Cleaner doesn’t have an unbearable smell. However, the smell it does have is unique. I can’t quite explain it. But, just know that it does produce a scent that may be unpleasant to some noses.
Multi-Functioning: 2
I wouldn’t really use this product on anything except windows and mirrors.
Total Score: 14
Product #5 Method Glass Cleaner Spray
Method Glass Cleaner Spray is an eco, pet, and child-friendly product. It’s ammonia-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, dye-free, and free from phthalates and sulfates. In other words, it’s a cleaning spray with fewer chemicals than any of its competitors. There are lots of different scent options, and it won’t make you cough or sneeze as bad as some of the other brands.
Method Glass Cleaner Spray Rating Results
Streaks: 4
The Method Glass Cleaner Spray does a pretty good job of leaving a streak-free finish. However, if the glass or mirror is really dirty, it does leave a couple of streaks behind. However, after a second clean with the product, all was shiny!
Price: 5
Considering that this cleaner contains less than half of the chemicals you’ll see in other glass cleaning sprays, the price is super reasonable.
Environmental Effects: 5
The method spray is cruelty-free, non-toxic, and pet/child safe. It’s a win-win situation for sure!
Scent Potency: 4
Unlike Windex or SprayAway, Method Glass Cleaner Spray doesn’t burn the nose hairs. There are a lot of different scent options, and most of them smell pretty nice. My personal favorite is the mint. It smells super refreshing and clean!
Multi-Functional: 5
Because it’s non-toxic and pet/child safe, you can pretty much spray this cleaner wherever you want to.
Total Score: 23
Product #6- Glass Plus
Glass Plus is somewhere in the middle for me. I’m going to be honest, I really haven’t used it nearly as much as any of the other window cleaners. But, in the times that I have and did use it, I was quite pleased with the results. It didn’t leave any streaks, didn’t burn my nose, and got the job done! It’s definitely a close runner-up to Invisible Glass.
Glass Plus Rating Results
Streaks: 4
For the most part, Glass Plus leaves a streak-less shine. However, if there’s a lot of debris and buildup on the surface you’re cleaning, then you’ll most likely need to go in for a second spray/wipe.
Price: 3
Glass Plus is neither super expensive nor super cheap. It sits in the middle. However, it’s biodegradable, ammonia-free, and contains 9 extra ounces of product than your average Windex bottle does.
Environmental Effects: 4
Since it’s ammonia-free and biodegradable, I feel like I can comfortably give Glass Plus a 4 out of 5. The only downfall is that it’s not reusable.
Scent Potency: 3
Like most ammonia-free window cleaners that aren’t unscented, Glass Plus has a slight smell. The smell of Glass Plus Window Cleaner isn’t intolerable, but it can be strong if sprayed in close quarters.
Multi-Functioning: 4
Although I don’t personally use Glass Plus on a day-to-day basis, I will say– it is quite a multi-functional spray. I’ve used it on windows, mirrors, faucets, a stovetop, and even a stainless steel garbage can. All of which were left with a streak-free shine.
Total Score: 18
Product #7- Sparkle
The first time I used Sparkle glass cleaner spray, I was not disappointed. Sparkle Glass Cleaner makes glass, well, you guessed it- sparkle. Although it’s not my everyday go-to, it gets the job done in no time. And, it should definitely be a glass cleaner spray option to consider.
Sparkle Rating Results
Streaks: 5
No streaks or smears were left behind! Minimal elbow grease was required to get the grime off, and it left all of the surfaces sparkling.
Price: 4
Sparkle Glass Cleaner Spray is about the same price as its competitors. And, the best part? You’re getting what you pay for!
Environmental Effects: 3
Although Sparkle is ammonia-free, it’s not biodegradable like Glass Plus. Therefore, I feel like that knocks it down to a 3 instead of a 4.
Scent Potency: 3
The Sparkle Glass Cleaner Spray has a clean, sterile smell. I didn’t find the smell to be too strong after using it a few times, but I could see how extended exposure to the scent could start to be bothersome.
Multi-Functioning: 4
Windows, shower doors, mirrors, sinks, sink faucets, countertops, refrigerators… basically anything that’s glass. However, unlike the Invisible Glass, I don’t think I would use Sparkle on tinted windows.
Total Score: 19
Cleaning Product #8- Invisible Glass Wipes
Sometimes you don’t have both glass cleaning spray and a microfiber cloth on hand. Whether you’re traveling in your car, in an RV, or you’re in need of an all-in-one solution, the Invisible Glass Wipes are the best glass cleaner option for you.
Invisible Glass Wipes Rating Results
Streaks: 4
The Invisible Glass Wipes leave no streaks or smudges behind. But, you’ll most likely need more than one wipe if the glass is super dirty.
Price: 4
The Invisible Glass Wipes are super affordable for the convenience they give. The other bonus is that you won’t have to buy any microfiber cloths!
Environmental Effects: 3
The Invisible Glass Wipes are ammonia-free (like all Invisible Glass Products) and made in the USA. However, they do add a small amount to the landfills, as both the wipes and the container that stores them are disposable.
Scent: 3.5
The smell that the Invisible Glass Wipes give off is the exact same smell that the Invisible Glass Spray does. That said, the scent is not as overpowering as the Invisible Glass Spray. No scent is sprayed into the air. You’re simply wiping the glass with a wipe.
Multi-Functioning: 4
The Invisible Glass Wipes can be used on any tinted or untinted windows, mirrors, shower doors, stainless steel appliances, stovetops, and much more! Keep a container of these guys under the seats in your car, and enjoy the convenience of having clean glass wherever you go!
Total Score: 18.5
Picking the Best Glass Cleaner
Alright, now it’s time to tally the results to find out what the best glass cleaner is. Here are all of the 8 products’ final scores listed in order from largest to smallest:
- Norwex- 24
- Method- 23
- Invisible Glass Spray- 20
- Sparkle- 19
- Invisible Glass Wipes- 18.5
- Glass Plus- 18
- SprayAway- 14
- Windex- 13
Because I love the top three glass cleaners that won for different reasons, I’m going to list why they’re each my favorite:
Norwex
The Norwex cloths are the best overall for sure! They provide a streakless, shiny finish on pretty much any surface you use them on. They don’t have any scent that leaves you coughing, and they’re safe to use around kids/pets. On top of it all, they’re reusable. So, you can wet, wipe, wash, and repeat!
Method Glass Cleaning Spray
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, non-toxic glass cleaner spray, then this is the best glass cleaner fo you. It’s multi-functional, doesn’t have that strong chemical smell, and leaves your home smelling fresh and clean. Therefore, I feel like Method Glass Cleaner Spray wins the award for the best eco-friendly glass cleaner spray option.
The Invisible Glass Spray
Out of all of the glass cleaner sprays tested in this blog post, the Invisible Glass Spray is the best glass cleaner for a streak-free shine. I’ve used this spray over and over again on many different surfaces and variations of dirt. It never fails to leave that beautiful shine that we all strive for.
Conclusion
Shew! That was quite the adventure! I hope this blog post helps you find the best glass cleaner for you and your home. Life is too short to have dirty windows and dirty mirrors. So, it’s time to make them shine! Ready to clean some glass?
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