The Best Glass Cleaners of 2021

The Best Glass Cleaners— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.

We all aspire to have clean windows and clean mirrors. Nothing can be more pesky than toothpaste spots above the sink or dirt in your line of sight while driving. It goes without saying, but having a good glass cleaner is the key to a good view.

There is more than one way to clean mirrors and windows, but regardless of your method, you’ll want a reliable glass cleaner that does the work so you don’t have to use as much elbow grease to achieve that streak-free shine. Like other cleaning products, there are several factors that separate the good glass cleaning agents from the great: efficacy, smell, ingredients, toxicity, and price.

After testing more than a dozen glass cleaners, our favorite is Biokleen Glass Cleaner (available at Amazon), an eco-friendly and mild-smelling powerhouse. We also love Chemical Guys Streak Free Window Clean Glass Cleaner (available at Amazon) as the best option for cleaning gunk from car windows, and our pick for best value goes to Invisible Glass Glass Cleaner (available at Amazon).

These are the best glass cleaners we tested, ranked in order:

  1. Biokleen Glass Cleaner
  2. Glass Plus Ammonia Free Glass Cleaner
  3. Hope's Perfect Glass
  4. Chemical Guys Streak Free Window Clean Glass Cleaner
  5. Force of Nature Multi-Purpose Cleaner
  6. Aunt Fannie's Glass & Window Vinegar Wash
  7. Invisible Glass Glass Cleaner
  8. Windex Original Glass Cleaner
  9. Windex Vinegar Glass Cleaner
  10. Sprayway Glass Cleaner
  11. Invisible Glass Aerosol Spray
  12. Zep Streak-Free Glass Cleaner
  13. Windex Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner
  14. Windex Foaming Glass Cleaner
  15. Zep Foaming Glass Cleaner
  16. Method Glass Cleaner
A person sprays a glass cleaner against a window
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

Eco-friendly, ammonia-free Biokleen glass cleaner leaves windows crystal clear, has an even spray, and no smell.

Best Overall
Biokleen Glass Cleaner

This eco-friendly glass cleaner leaves windows crystal clear. It has an even spray, no smell, and it removed the soap scum and jelly mixture we used in testing without smearing or streaking—even after drying, which most cleaners struggled to do.

Biokleen is non-toxic and it doesn’t contain ammonia, so it’s ideal for homes with children, pets, and those with allergies. Though the cleaner is colorless (almost looking like water) it produced highly effective cleaning in each test.

Since the official testing, I actually found myself using Biokleen around the house as my personal cleaner of choice, removing dirt, soil, dust, and water stains from my balcony windows.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly

  • Even spray

  • Minimal streaking

Cons

  • Not as many spray settings

A bottle of glass cleaner stands on a counter with a cleaning tool
Credit: Invisible Glass

Invisible Glass can be used widely, including on car windows, and the spray nozzle has several settings for different spray sizes.

Best Value
Invisible Glass Glass Cleaner

The Invisible Glass Glass Cleaner performed fairly averagely during testing, and it hits right in the middle of our pack of glass sprays. It is worth noting that Invisible Glass can be used widely, including on car windows, and the spray nozzle has several settings for different spray sizes.

This glass cleaner did leave behind obvious dry streaks after the mirror test, and it wasn’t able to fully remove the jelly mixture on the window, but if you're looking for a budget buy and only want to spend a couple of dollars to clean your not-totally-grimy windows, then Invisible Glass is your best bet.

Pros

  • No smell

  • Even spray

Cons

  • Some streaking

  • Doesn't cut through sticky grime

A person sprays a glass cleaner against a window
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

This tough Chemical Guys glass cleaner is a better-than-most challenger for gross gunk like bird poo and bug bodies on car windows.

Best for Car Windows
Chemical Guys Streak Free Window Clean Glass Cleaner

Chemical Guys makes a hard-working cleaner for bigger messes. The spray is wide and the spray nozzle turns to offer various streams, plus the cleaner’s droplets don’t run down the surface too quickly, which makes this cleaner a great option for exteriors and car windows.

This tough glass cleaner was able to remove the soap spots from the mirror and the jelly powder mixture from the window better than most of the other cleaners we tested. The jelly is a good mimic for gross gunk like bird poo and bug bodies.

Though the cleaner has a strong chemical smell, it barely makes wet streaks when cleaning and doesn’t leave any dry streaks behind. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty cleaner to tackle stickier and grimier messes, this glass cleaner won’t let you down.

Pros

  • Cuts through grime

  • Outdoor uses

Cons

  • Strong smell

  • Contains ammonia

How We Tested Glass Cleaners

The Tester

I’m Liv Birdsall, a freelance contributor for Reviewed. I’ve written plenty about cleaning, and I’m especially passionate about sustainable and eco-friendly products.

I like to clean, especially because having clean and organized spaces allows me to focus better and relax more. I also like clean windows because they look better (we all know it’s true!) and they let in more light, perfect for brightening my home and keeping my plant babes alive.

The Tests

A dirty window and a mirror are divided into quadrants with green tape
Credit: Reviewed / Liv Birdsall

We we tested glass cleaners, we divided up a mirror and a window into sections, created a stain, and then tried to wipe them clean.

Each glass cleaner went through two standardized tests in order to determine how well they sprayed, cleaned, and dried. In the first test, I sprayed a mix of soap and water onto a mirror (laid flat) and let it dry, resulting in a light soapy grime that needed to be cleaned off. I sprayed each glass cleaner three times onto the mixture and then wiped it off with a folded paper towel.

I repeated these steps with each cleaner, assessing the size and evenness of the spray, the presence of wet and dry streaks, and determining how well the cleaner removed the soap stains.

The second test was similar, but instead of soap and water, I mixed grape jelly and baby powder into a gooey paste and then smeared it on a window. I let it sit for about a minute and then sprayed glass cleaner three times and wiped it with a microfiber cloth.

In this test I was looking to see how quickly the cleaner dripped down the surface, if wet and dry streaks appeared, and how well the glass cleaner removed the sticky mixture.

What You Should Know About Buying Glass Cleaners

Here's Why Window Cleaning Is So Important

Cleaner windows help you see better, which can improve your living room view or your vision while driving.

Windows also tend to gather dust inside and dirt and pollen outside, so cleaning windows inside and out regularly can help improve the amount of light filtering into your home, as well as reduce allergens.

Natural light helps our plants grow and our moods stay lifted, so we recommend cleaning your windows weekly to brighten your space and clear off any buildup.

How Should You Clean Glass Surfaces?

Spray from an aerosol can is shown on a mirror in a circular pattern
Credit: Reviewed / Liv Birdsall

One of our data points was how well the glass cleaner sprayed onto the glass.

Before you buy a glass cleaner, you’ll want to think through how you’ll use it. Most glass cleaners are made for windows and mirrors, but some can be used on car windows, TV screens, and even stovetops. However, each glass cleaner comes with its own formula and instructions. Make sure to do your research before spraying throughout your home.

Most glass cleaners have ammonia, which has a strong scent but leaves windows clear with a streak-free finish, most of the time. If you have pets or children, you may opt for a more natural cleaner without ammonia, many of which use vinegar instead.

When it comes to television screens—or most tech screens for that matter—you absolutely want to avoid cleaners with alcohol or ammonia. This can rule out many glass cleaners, but a soft cloth with warm water can do the trick.

Things You Should Never Clean with Glass Cleaner

While glass is used in many products, not all glass should be cleaned with glass cleaner. Your glass stovetop is one of those items; read directions and care manuals before cleaning your glass stovetop, and never, ever use an ammonia-based glass cleaner on a hot stovetop. Opt for a stovetop cleaner made specifically for glass-top stoves.

You’ll also want to avoid spraying glass cleaner on tech screens like your TV, desktop monitor, and laptop. Some screens need gentler cleaners, and you don’t want to damage the screen’s surface or color. If your screen can be cleaned with glass cleaner always spray directly onto a cloth and then wipe the screen.

Does Glass Cleaner Disinfect?

Generally, glass cleaners don’t kill germs. Some may have strong chemicals, like ammonia, but that doesn’t mean the surfaces are disinfected after use.

Of the cleaners we tested, only one—Force of Nature—actually kills germs, and it is because it is part of a cleaning system and offers multiple uses in one spray. If you want to disinfect windows, we recommend creating your own vinegar mixture or using an all-purpose spray before cleaning with glass cleaner.


Other Glass Cleaners We Tested

Glass Plus Glass Cleaner

This ammonia-free cleaner doesn’t have much of a smell. There is only one spray setting, but that spray is even and wide.

We really liked using Glass Plus and the fact that it leaves minimal streaks. I was especially impressed with its powerful cleaning of the jelly mixture on the window, so much so that I used it at the end of the day to clean my window of all the leftover powder and resulting stickiness.

Pros

  • Ammonia-free

  • Even spray

Cons

  • Only one spray setting

Hope's Perfect Glass

This all-around cleaner is great for indoor and outdoor use. It removed the soap stains and jelly mixture well, with minimal streaking after drying. The spray is even and the cleaner doesn’t drip too quickly down windows, making it easy to wipe it away without rushing.

This cleaner also has some nostalgic value for me. My dad exclusively uses Hope’s Perfect Glass for cleaning car windows, so a chunk of my childhood was spent hunched in the back row of our cars, minivans, and trucks over the years with a wad of newspaper and the black spray bottle in hand.

While performance is tops, it does have an ammonia scent, and it isn’t the best choice for use around pets and children.

Pros

  • Minimal streaking

  • Even spray

Cons

  • Contains ammonia

  • Strong smell

Force of Nature Multi-Purpose Cleaner (Starter Kit & 5 Capsules)

Force of Nature stands out from all the other cleaners we tested because it’s the only one that kills germs. It’s part of an eco-friendly cleaning system that you have to order, and then activate just before use by squeezing a provided vinegar packet into a bottle and electrolyzing it by using electricity.

One downside is that the mixture’s elements weaken over time, so you need to remake the cleaner every two to three weeks. However, while it’s working, it performs very well. It emits only a slight smell and its nozzle can widen and close to span a range of areas.

The glass-cleaning spray also doubles as an all-purpose cleaner that can tackle any mess in your home, even if you have small children and pets.

Pros

  • Kills germs, including COVID

  • Safe for humans

  • Part of a system

Cons

  • Expires quickly

  • Chlorine smell

Aunt Fannie’s Glass & Window Vinegar Wash

Many people swear by cleaning their home with natural products, using vinegar for cleaning countertops, shower tiles, and even windows. Aunt Fannie's Glass & Window Vinegar Wash is a pre-made vinegar mix that is specially formulated for glass, saving the time it would take to make your own cleaner.

We were satisfied to see the vinegar cut through the messes during the tests, though the droplets run quickly and the vinegar scent is strong. There were some wet streaks when wiping with the paper towel, and some resulting dry streaks.

Pros

  • Child safe

  • Natural ingredients

Cons

  • Vinegar smell

  • Some streaking

Windex Original Glass Cleaner

I was curious to see where the common household Windex Original Glass Cleaner ranked after our testing. It did well in categories like even spray and having a nozzle that offers several different types of streams. However, the cleaner wasn’t able to clean the mirror and window as well as other cleaners, including a handful of ammonia-free options.

Pros

  • Even spray

  • Various spray options

Cons

  • Contains ammonia

  • Drips quickly

  • Leaves some streaking

Windex Vinegar Glass Cleaner

Windex is a widely known glass cleaning brand, so we expected a lot from this vinegar version that aims to be safer and more environmentally friendly. As expected, it was able to remove the soap and jelly in both tests.

While it is a good cleaner, parts of the experience could be improved. The droplets ran down the window’s surface so quickly, it made it hard to wipe them up in time. The spray also splashed back onto my hand at times, which left me smelling like vinegar for hours.

Pros

  • Even spray

  • Ammonia-free

Cons

  • Strong vinegar smell

  • Drips quickly

Sprayway Glass Cleaner

This foam cleaner proved to be less effective than liquid products. For one, the foam sprays all in one location. While this could be great for spot treatments, it also means you have to spread it around and scrub more. The foam just isn’t as even.

On the plus side, the thicker foam consistency keeps the cleaner from dripping down surfaces.

Pros

  • Foamy

  • Ammonia-free

Cons

  • Some streaking

  • Too much product at once

Invisible Glass Aerosol Spray

Having a concentrated foam can be handy for larger surfaces or exterior windows, but it can also be too much glass cleaner than is needed. It was harder to wipe up with a single cloth or paper towel, which can make chores last longer and be more wasteful.

The Invisible Glass Aerosol Spray cleaned the mirror well, but left a significant amount of wet and dry streaks when using a microfiber cloth on the window.

Pros

  • Foamy

  • Doesn't drip

  • Good for car windows

Cons

  • Concentrated spray

  • Not safe for kids or pets

  • Leaves streaks

Zep Streak-Free Glass Cleaner

Zep Streak-Free Glass Cleaner worked fine enough, but it wasn’t great at leaving windows clear. It removed the soap spots easily, but left dry streaks on the mirror. It didn’t clean the jelly very well, and there were many noticeable streaks after wiping.

The liquid has ammonia, which you can smell, and the droplets run very quickly. You have to really be on your game and ready to scrub the windows right away. Overall, we’d opt for a different brand that’s better on grime.

Pros

  • Even spray

Cons

  • Streaking

  • Ammonia smell

  • Unwieldy spray

Windex Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner

Though this cleaner is ammonia-free, it still has a pungent smell. And it unfortunately doesn’t make up for that in other ways.

Unlike other Windex formulas, the cleaner struggled to clean the jelly off the window, which suggests that it wouldn’t be great on tougher messes. The cleaner also left streaks behind with both the paper towel and microfiber cloth.

Pros

  • Ammonia free

Cons

  • Streaking

  • Strong smell

  • Drips quickly

Zep Foaming Glass Cleaner

Like it’s liquid spray counterpart, the Zep Foaming Glass Cleaner failed to remove the jelly and powder mixture from the window, leaving streaks behind.

This foam version has an even spray, though it’s a heavy spray all in one location due to the nozzle. The foam does not drip, so it doesn’t rush you while cleaning. But there are better cleaners—including foam cleaners—on this list.

Pros

  • Product foams

  • Doesn't drip

Cons

  • Concentrated spray

  • Not safe for children or pets

  • Streaks

Windex Foaming Glass Cleaner

The Windex Foaming Glass Cleaner scored the lowest of the Windex varieties, mainly due to the lack of spray options and the excessive amount of foam that comes out with each press of the nozzle.

The foam left streaks on the window and mirror, which means you’ll have to wipe it down again. It also has a strong smell.

Pros

  • Foams

  • Doesn't drip

Cons

  • Concentrated spray

  • Not safe for children or pets

  • Streaking

Method Glass Cleaner

Method Glass Cleaner is watery and smells like mouthwash. The cleaner scored low in most tests because of its watery nature: The droplets ran quickly, they left streaks behind, and it wasn’t the best at removing either of the mixtures during testing.

We’ll give it points for its ammonia-free formula, but there are better options that will clean more effectively.

Pros

  • Minty smell

  • Even spray

Cons

  • Drips when sprayed

  • Streaking

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