While small spots on carpets or fingerprints on walls may go unnoticed, a smeared, splattered, or streaked glass surface whether it’s a mirror or window can be very noticeable and irritating.
A good glass cleaner is essential in any cleaning kit, and it should be one that tackles grime quickly while being easy and tidy to use.
To determine which glass and window cleaners are the best, as well as to provide useful cleaning tips such as the common mistakes to avoid when cleaning your windows the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab evaluate multiple brands each year both in the Lab and at home.
In the Lab, we apply the cleaners to black glass panels that we’ve deliberately smeared with greasy fingerprints, lipstick marks, household dust, and other common stains (like toothpaste accidentally splattered on your bathroom mirror).
We measure how quickly each cleaner works, track how many passes it takes to fully clean the glass, and, after a set number of passes, assess how much residue or streaking remains.
We use black glass because it highlights streaks and smudges more clearly. In our latest round of tests, we wiped over 300 strokes! Here are the top-performing window and glass cleaners for 2022.
If you’re interested in more cleaning content, explore our guides to the best glass screen cleaners and the best stovetop cleaners, both glass and otherwise.
1. Invisible Glass Glass Cleaner
Pros
- Cuts through grime better than other glass cleaners
- Doesn’t drip
Cons
- Some reviewers find the scent a bit strong
Have you ever sprayed a glass cleaner and had to quickly grab a cloth or paper towels to prevent drips from landing on the sill or worse, the floor? With Invisible Glass, you don’t have to worry.
Our tests found that the fine mist applies evenly and sticks to the surface, so you won’t be chasing drips. It also performs well on tough stains like mud, bird droppings, and sticky tape residue left from putting up decorations.
Where to get it: Invisible Glass Glass Cleaner
We found the EZ-grip trigger comfortable to use, and when we used a microfiber cloth to buff the glass dry, the results were streak-free.
Type: Trigger spray aerosol
Size: 32 oz.
Scent: Yes
Cost per oz.: $0.13
2. Spic and Span Cinch Glass Cleaner
Pros
- Cuts through grease better than other glass cleaners
- Safe for use on granite and stainless steel
Cons
- Some reviewers find the scent a bit strong
When you cook often at home, grease splatters on the cooktop, oven, and microwave doors are almost inevitable.
While many glass cleaners struggle with heavy grease especially if it’s been stuck on for a while Cinch Glass Cleaner excelled in our Lab tests at cutting through it.
Our experts also appreciated that it can be used on multiple kitchen surfaces, including stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Originally launched as a multi-surface cleaner, Cinch was designed to tackle grease and clean glass without leaving streaks.
Where to get it: Spic and Span Cinch Glass Cleaner
While it’s now marketed solely as a glass cleaner, it still maintains its powerful grease-fighting ability. Some people report that it has a stronger scent than other brands, but we didn’t find it noticeable.
Type: Trigger spray liquid
Size: 32 oz.
Scent: Yes
Cost per oz.: $0.10
3. Safely Glass Cleaner
Pros
- Fresh, pleasant scent
- Wipes away quickly and easily
- Discreet packaging
Cons
- More expensive per ounce compared to some other brands
If a luxurious candle and an effective glass cleaner were to merge, the result would be this wonderfully fragrant product from Safely, a brand co-founded by Kris Jenner.
The cleaner contains ingredients like coconut oil and mineral salts, which help break down dirt and grime on glass surfaces with ease.
In our tests, we found it less drippy compared to other liquids when dispensed as a spray, and it can also be sprayed as a stream for more targeted applications.
Where to get it: Safely Glass Cleaner
It left our glass surfaces clean and streak-free with minimal wiping. The “Rise” scent of Safely is fresh, while the newer “Calm” variety has floral undertones.
Although this brand costs more than some other glass cleaners, our testers agreed it was worth the extra cost.
Type: Trigger spray liquid
Size: 18 oz.
Scent: Yes
Cost per oz.: $0.36
4. HOPE’S Perfect Glass Cleaner
Pros
- Cleans quickly and with less streaking than some other brands
- Safe for use on tinted windows
Cons
- More expensive per ounce compared to some other brands
HOPE’s Perfect Glass lives up to its name by making windows and glass surfaces shine with fewer strokes than other cleaners we tested.
The alcohol content in this product is the key it evaporates quickly, leaving no need for extra buffing and no streaks behind.
It’s also safe to use on glass screens of monitors, tablets, and phones, though it should be sprayed onto the cloth rather than directly onto the device.
Where to get it: HOPE’S Perfect Glass Cleaner
While HOPE’s Perfect Glass is priced slightly higher than some other options, the time and effort it saves, along with its versatility, make it a worthwhile choice.
Type: Trigger spray liquid
Size: 32 oz.
Scent: No
Cost per oz.: $0.41
5. Windex Pre-moistened Glass Wipes
Pros
- Portable
- Less messy than sprays
Cons
- Not suitable for use on granite or marble surfaces
- Less eco-friendly compared to a reusable cloth
When carrying a spray bottle isn’t practical, Windex Glass Cleaning Wipes offer a convenient alternative. Keep a pack in your car to quickly clean smudges from kids’ fingerprints or nose prints, and even bird droppings that unexpectedly appear on your windshield.
Our experts tested them both in the Lab and at home and found them especially effective for cleaning crystal light fixtures and the small glass panes of cabinets, as they don’t drip, and you won’t need to juggle a spray bottle and cloth while using a ladder.
Where to get it: Windex Pre-moistened Glass Wipes
However, Windex wipes are not recommended for use on granite or marble surfaces.
Type: Pre-moistened wipes
Size: 25 wipes
Scent: Yes
Cost per wipe: $0.18
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6. Brandless Refillable Glass Cleaner Starter Kit
Pros
- Reduces plastic packaging
- Light, refreshing cucumber scent
- Great value
Cons
- Only available online
Winner of Good Housekeeping’s Sustainable Packaging Award, the Brandless Refillable Glass Cleaner Starter Kit helps reduce single-use plastic bottles.
While it is only available for purchase online, the kit includes a 32-ounce refillable trigger spray bottle and a packet of concentrated glass cleaner.
To use, simply place the packet into the bottle, add water, shake it up, and you’ll have your own glass cleaner. Since it’s shipped without water, it also helps reduce shipping-related environmental impact.
When you’re running low, just buy a refill that includes two packets, and reuse the bottle.
Where to get it: Brandless Refillable Glass Cleaner Starter Kit
We found that the packets dissolved and mixed quickly and effectively removed grease and grime, leaving surfaces shiny and streak-free. We also appreciated that the solution didn’t separate, unlike some other concentrates we’ve tried.
Type: Trigger spray liquid
Size: 32 oz.
Scent: Yes
Cost per oz.: $0.19
7. E-Cloth Window Cleaning Kit
Pros
- Cleans with just water
- Reusable
- Cleans and polishes
- Large size
Cons
- May need several cloths to clean many windows
This two-pack of microfiber cloths from E-Cloth allows you to clean and shine windows using just water.
In a recent test, our Lab experts were impressed by how quickly and effectively they cleaned a rain-soaked glass door, drying and cleaning it faster than any other cloths we’ve tested, all without any glass cleaning formula!
Start by dampening the waffle weave cloth to remove dirt and grime. Its large size offers ample cleaning area, but be sure to frequently turn the cloth and rinse and wring it out as it collects dirt for the best results.
Where to get it: E-Cloth Window Cleaning Kit
Afterward, use the smooth weave cloth to polish and shine the glass. The cloths performed excellently in washing and drying tests and are backed by E-Cloth to last up to 100 washes, though laundering in hot water is recommended.
Type: Microfiber cloths
Size: 2 cloths
Scent: None
Cost per use: N/A
8. Windex Outdoor All-In-One Glass and Window Cleaner Tool Starter Kit
Pros
- Reaches windows as high as 10 to 11 feet
- Easy to assemble and use
Cons
- Replacement pad needs to be purchased after about 20 uses
- Windows may not dry completely streak-free
Cleaning second-story and hard-to-reach windows is made easier without a ladder, thanks to the Windex Outdoor All-In-One Glass and Window Cleaner Tool Starter Kit.
Simply dampen the windows and the cleaning pad with a hose, then attach the pad to the pole and wipe down the windows.
Our tests found that the water-activated cleaner in the pad effectively broke down and dissolved dirt and grime from the outdoors. After cleaning, just rinse the window again with the garden hose and let it air dry.
The pole extends up to four feet, which allows you to reach windows that are about 10 to 11 feet high, depending on your height.
In our tests, we were able to clean a tricky, hard-to-reach garden window and reach over bushes to clean a bay window, all without using a ladder.
Where to get it: Windex Outdoor All-In-One Glass and Window Cleaner Tool Starter Kit
While windows cleaned with this kit may not look as polished as those cleaned by hand, it does a great job of removing heavy grime, making it a convenient option for a quick window refresh.
Each cleaning pad is rated to clean about 20 windows before needing replacement, and the kit only includes one pad.
Type: Cleaning pads and pole
Size: 1 pole and pad
Scent: No
Cost per oz.: N/A
9. Windex Multisurface Disinfectant Cleaner
Pros
- Kills bacteria and viruses
- Usable on various surfaces beyond just glass
Cons
- May require extra buffing on glass to remove streaks
For those looking to simplify their cleaning routine, Windex Multisurface Disinfectant Cleaner is as close to a one-size-fits-all product as you can get.
While it effectively cleans glass and mirrors, it also works well on chrome fixtures, glass cooktops, bathroom tile, shower doors, and more, as it contains stronger grease- and grime-cutting ingredients than typical window cleaners.
Like other disinfecting products, this version of Windex requires you to leave it on hard, non-porous surfaces for 10 seconds to sanitize them and for 10 minutes to disinfect, killing germs such as viruses and bacteria.
Where to get it: Windex Multisurface Disinfectant Cleaner
You can use it in the kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere you need a deeper clean. It has a citrus scent and, while it cleans effectively, you may need to buff it a bit extra on glass windows, doors, and mirrors to fully remove streaks.
Type: Trigger spray liquid
Size: 28 oz.
Scent: Yes
Cost per oz.: 15 cents
How We Test Window and Glass Cleaners
We test a wide variety of surface cleaning products every year, from all-purpose cleaners to specialized products like stainless steel cleaners and glass/window cleaners. We even test safe DIY cleaners in our lab.
We assess glass and window cleaners in several key ways. First, we smear black glass test panels with greasy fingerprints, a mixture of dust and grease, and lipstick marks.
We use black glass because it’s easier to spot any film or streaks left behind after cleaning. We then apply a measured amount of glass cleaner and wipe it with a set number of strokes, scoring how thoroughly it cleans.
Lastly, we fully clean the glass and count how many passes are required for each cleaner to get the glass spotless.
Next, we spray cleaner on a greasy lipstick mark and time how quickly the cleaner dissolves the lipstick.
To ensure consistency, we control the pressure applied with each pass using weights and identical paper towels for each cleaner. (Of course, we recommend using microfiber cloths at home for better results!)
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