10 Items You Shouldn’t Clean With Window Cleaner (Even Though It Seems Possible)

Many housewives use window cleaner when they need to remove dust, smudges and fingerprints from the screen of a plasma display, smartphone or computer monitor. But using it is a bad idea: the ammonia and alcohol it contains can damage LCD screens and ruin the anti-reflective coating.

What to replace: It’s best to wipe sensitive electronics with a dry microfiber cloth – this is usually enough. If the glass is very dirty, you should use a special screen cleaner.

It doesn’t matter what exactly is made of stainless steel – a stove, a sink, a refrigerator or a kettle: you cannot use window cleaner to clean such objects. Ammonia is an extremely corrosive ingredient: regular use can lead to corrosion.

What to replace: Mix a little dishwashing liquid with warm water, dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution and rub the stain with the grain to avoid leaving streaks.

Is your countertop made of granite, marble or other natural stone? Keep window cleaner away: due to its acidity, it can dull the surface or even corrode it, leaving small pits.

What to replace: the best option is a mild soapy solution. Dip a microfiber cloth in it, wipe the counter, remove any remaining product with a cloth dampened with clean water, then dry with a towel.

Ammonia is a very caustic cleaner and can damage the finish of wood and painted cabinets. If your kitchen units have glass inserts, you can use window cleaning fluid to clean them, but you should be careful not to get any on the shelves and doors.

What to replace: all you need is a damp microfiber cloth with a drop of dish soap. Wipe down your cabinets once a week and they will look new for years.

It would seem why not – after all, even in name, it is glass! But in terms of composition, these two materials are not even cousins: plexiglass (also called polymethyl methacrylate) is a polymer. Ammonia can damage it, making the surface dull and cloudy.

What to replace: all with the same microfiber cloth and dish soap. You can also use alcohol or disinfectant wipes with it, just make sure they aren’t harsh. (For example, paper towels can leave scratches on Plexiglas.)

Did you know that the glass used to make cars is different from the glass used to make windows? That is why the first one must be washed with a special product, otherwise it risks becoming covered with scratches and stains.

What to replace: The best remedy is distilled water: pour it into a spray bottle, spray the windshield, then wipe it. Need something more powerful? Mix distilled water and alcohol in equal proportions, spray the solution on a microfiber cloth and wipe the surface with it.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a sofa or a pair of boots: you can’t clean leather with window cleaner. The alcohol that is part of its composition will dry out the surface, which will eventually lead to the appearance of cracks.

What to replace: special liquids or wipes – these usually contain oils that will help the skin stay elastic.

The cooktop is another surface that housewives often clean by mistake with window cleaner. But ammonia is contraindicated – it can cover the glass with scratches or stains that you cannot remove.

What to replace: spray the stove with 9% white vinegar using a spray bottle, sprinkle it with baking soda, place a cloth soaked in hot water on it after wringing it out well. Wait 15 minutes then remove the dirt with a microfiber cloth.

Contrary to logic, window cleaner is not suitable for glass showers. The point is not that they are made of a special material, but rather of the dirt that accumulates in them. Ammonia dissolves grease well, but it doesn’t remove stains left by hard water as effectively, and the substance can damage grout or metal parts of the cabin.

What to replace: mix 9% white vinegar and water (preferably distilled) in a 1:2 ratio, spray the solution on the walls, wait five minutes, then wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth.

Window cleaner is ideal for regular mirrors, but it can damage cheap, lightweight plastic ones: ammonia will destroy the material over time and black spots or streaks will appear on the surface.

What to replace: as is the case with plexiglass, microfiber cloth and soap solution.

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