Buzz
It seems the father in My Big Fat Greek Wedding was onto something. Windex isn’t just for achieving streak-free windows—it has a variety of other practical applications. (Just avoid spraying it directly on your skin, as that part of his advice was off the mark.)
Whether it’s sliding heavy furniture with ease, unsticking stubborn zippers, polishing jewelry, or keeping bugs at bay, this affordable $4 cleaner proves to be a versatile tool for countless household tasks.
Easing the movement of bulky appliances and furniture
When you’re struggling to shift a refrigerator or a hefty sofa to a new spot, a generous spray of clear Windex (avoid the blue-dyed variety) in front of the object’s base can work wonders. The solution creates a slippery surface, allowing you to glide the appliance or furniture effortlessly. (For wooden floors, opt for the ammonia-free formula to prevent any potential damage.)
Eliminate grease in your kitchen
Range hoods, exhaust fans, microwaves, and the area around your stove often accumulate stubborn grease from cooking oils. Apply Windex to these greasy surfaces and let it sit for 10 minutes, allowing the ammonia and rubbing alcohol to break down the grime. Afterward, simply wipe it clean. (For best results, consider rinsing with soap and water afterward.)
Polish your jewelry
While many online jewelry-cleaning hacks are dismissed by jewelers as potentially harmful, Windex is widely regarded as safe for certain gems, according to numerous fine jewelry websites. As Leaf.tv notes, “Windex is suitable for cleaning gold, silver, diamonds, and hard gemstones. However, avoid using it on emeralds, coral, opals, pearls, amber, or turquoise.” Spray it on and gently scrub with an old toothbrush, then rinse with warm, soapy water. Alternatively, The Knot recommends mixing equal parts Windex and hydrogen peroxide, soaking the jewelry for 10-15 minutes, and rinsing thoroughly.
Bring a dry-erase board back to its original shine
Anyone who has used a dry-erase board for an extended period (or has a child who uses one daily) knows that erasers often leave behind stubborn streaks. When a damp cloth isn’t enough, a quick spray of Windex can effortlessly remove those dark marks with a microfiber cloth or paper towel, ensuring your whiteboard truly lives up to its name.
Keep insects at bay
It’s not just humans who find the smell of ammonia unpleasant. According to reports, certain household pests, such as ants, are also repelled by its scent. Try spraying Windex around the edges of doors and windows, which are common entry points for these unwanted visitors.
Eliminate stains from clothing
Windex can be effective in tackling tough stains from foods like tomato sauce, ketchup, and red wine (but only on durable fabrics—avoid using it on silk or delicate materials). According to The Kitchn, “lightly spray the stain with Windex, let it sit for up to 20 minutes, then gently blot with a clean cloth and rinse with cool water. Afterward, wash the garment as usual.” Be sure to use only clear Windex for this purpose—avoid the blue variant.
Refresh your outdoor furniture
When your outdoor furniture made of aluminum, plastic, or glass starts showing signs of wear, Windex can restore its fresh, clean appearance. Simply spray it on, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and wipe it down. Alternatively, as The Penny Hoarder suggests, you can “enhance your cleaning routine with the Windex Outdoor Concentrated Cleaner, a 32-ounce spray bottle that connects to a hose ($27.66). This tool allows you to clean aluminum siding, brick, and windows without needing a ladder.”
Unstick a stubborn zipper
The lubricating properties of Windex, which help move heavy furniture, can also be used to free a stuck zipper. Spray it on, let it sit briefly to lubricate the zipper teeth, and then try zipping again.
Handle toilet bowls, faucets, and bathtubs with ease
Instead of juggling multiple cleaning products in your bathroom, Windex can handle it all—mirrors, shower doors, toilets, and bathtubs. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows, spray the cleaner, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub. It’s also great for removing water spots from metal faucets and restoring their shine.
Refresh your car’s interior
Why rely on Armor All when Windex can do the job? As Bob Vila explains, “Windex is an excellent cleaner for your car’s interior, effectively removing grime from windows, dashboards, steering wheels, and upholstery. Its non-greasy formula ensures surfaces won’t become slippery, and it’s safe for faux wood and upholstery.” While it may discolor genuine leather (though most car interiors aren’t made of real leather—check your manufacturer’s details), it’s perfect for cleaning windows, mirrors, and even exterior bugs and tree sap. (Its effectiveness on bird poop remains untested, but we’re optimistic.)
