It may seem obvious to some, but to others, truly a housekeeping hack; Windex can clean so much more than windows and glass. This spray is made of surfactants, solvents, and ammonium, which helps the cleaner effectively tackle grime and grease while leaving minimal wet streaks. Although this makes Windex ideal for glass products, it can do much more than polish French doors and clear toothpaste smudges off of mirrors.
Remove grease stains from clothes
Windex can remove oily smudges on windows — and on clothing. “Windex is effective for degreasing because of its two main cleaning components,” explains Alessandro Gazzo, cleaning expert from Emily’s Maids, to Homes and Gardens. “The first are surfactants, which can be thought of as the active cleaning ingredients in dish soap or hand soap. These mix the grease with water, so it sticks to your cleaning cloth or sponge.” The same method can be used for food-splattered clothes. Using clear, ammonia-free Windex (the blue version can discolor the fabric) lightly spray the stains and let it sit for up to 20 minutes. Then blot the stain with a clean cloth, rinse it, and wash the garment as usual.
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Clean tile and grout
The secondary ingredients in Windex are alcohols, which help dissolve and evaporate oils. This can make it an effective cleaner for kitchen backsplashes and shower tiles. Simply spray the area and wipe it down with a cloth or sponge. If there are particularly tough stains or residue, use a scrub brush or toothbrush. You can also touch up tile floors with Windex if you don’t have the time to prepare a mop and bucket. Remember to use ammonia-free Windex if the tiles are made from natural stones to prevent discoloration, says Better Homes and Gardens.
Wash countertops, cabinets, and drawers
The ammonia in regular Windex plays an important role in its effectiveness. Not only is it a powerful solvent that can quickly combat greasy residues, but it also evaporates quickly, which leaves few streaks and doesn’t require much rinsing. This is why it’s also a great choice for cleaning the outside of kitchen cabinets and drawers. It can also effectively clean off countertops. (For counters made of natural stone like quartz, marble, or granite, use ammonia-free Windex.)
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Shine jewelry
If you don’t have jewelry cleaner on hand, you can use Windex to shine up dull jewelry, specifically pieces with metal and gemstones. (Don’t use it on copper or on delicate gems like pearls, emeralds, or opals.) In a small dish, combine two cups of Windex with a few drops of Dawn dish soap. Heat the concoction in the microwave for a minute, then soak the jewelry for about 10 to 15 minutes. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to scrub off any remaining dirt or residue. Remember to rinse the pieces before wearing.
Clean car windows
Don’t stop at cleaning the windows in your home. Use during car washes, or for quick touch-ups. Car windows are magnets for dirt, whether it’s fingerprint smudges the inside or streak of dust and dirt on the outside. Simply spray the windows and wipe with a microfiber cloth in circular motions. Then use another cloth to dry it. For tinted windows, use ammonia-free Windex.
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Clean whiteboards
Whiteboards, also known as dry erase boards, can get smudged over time despite the efforts of an eraser or cloth. Fortunately, you can restore the board to its former flawless white by spraying it with Windex, recommends the Kitchn. Let the solution set for about five minutes then wipe it off. You can fill a small spray bottle and keep it next to the board for easy and quick cleans.
Clean patio furniture
Outdoor chairs, tables, and benches can get extremely dirty easily, especially during a dusty, rainy, or barbecue season. When you relax on your patio with a hot drink and a good book, the last thing you want is gray streaks on the back of your clothes and skin. So, clean the furniture with Windex, then wipe down with a damp cloth. However, never use regular Windex on wood furniture, since it can dry out the material and cause cracks.
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