Windows are an integral part of a car and are there for specific purposes. Car windows help to keep car occupants safe from harsh weather condition, and also makes it nearly impossible for the car to be stolen by thieves.
Car windows are usually made of laminated or tempered glass and best cleaned with a cleaning solution consisting of 50% water, and 50% alcohol.
Since an equal percentage of water and alcohol are needed in a suitable window cleaner, can you use Windex on car windows?
Windex ammonia-free glass cleaner can be used to clean car windows and the windshield.
Windex is a great window cleaner made up of water, Isopropanol amine, and other chemicals. It is highly suited for cleaning windows because it cleans deeply without leaving any stains, leaving the window sparkling clean.
What is Windex?
Windex is a water-soluble cleaner suitable for cleaning glasses and other hard surfaces. Its major components are water and Isopropanol.
The presence of Isopropanol also known as Isopropyl alcohol makes it easy to remove dirt without leaving stains. Even though Windex can be used on hard surfaces, it shouldn’t be used on wood.
What is Windex Used for?
Windex is a cleaner majorly used to remove dirt on car windows, however, its uses have extended beyond that. It is now also be used to clean out the dirt inside the car, the dashboard, etc.
You can use Windex to cleanse greasy surfaces in the kitchen, countertops, front porch, and crystal glassware. Ensure that the glasswares are crystal as the use of Windex on colored wares can result in fainted colors.
It serves as an effective insect repellant. Spray Windex in corners and areas in the house to keep the insects away. Also works fine in cleaning household appliances.
Can You Use Windex on Car Windows?
Yes, Windex can be used on car windows. However, it shouldn’t be used on some windows, because of the ammonia present in Windex it shouldn’t be used on tinted windows.
It can even be used to clean tinted car windows but you must ensure you are using the Windex ammonia-free glass cleaner.
Ammonia is a harsh chemical that can lead to fading or breaking in the tint. Even though it shouldn’t be used on the inside of the window, it can be used outside. It is safe to use Windex on cars with tinted windows from the manufacturer.
All chemicals that makeup Windex cleaner make it safe to use on car windows, both outside and on the inside. It can clean deeply, removing stubborn stains on the window without leaving smudgy stains behind.
Is it Safe to Use Windex on Car Windows?
The answer to this depends on the type of window. Generally, it is safe to use Windex on car windows but not on tinted car windows, although it can be used to clean the outer part of tinted glass.
If the car window was tinted by the manufacturer it is said to be safe to use index than when it was done by a third party.
It isn’t advisable to use Windex on the windshield as the ammonia present could damage the windshield wiper blade and also the washer spray of the windshield. If Windex must be used on the windshield let it be the one free of alcohol.
What Happens if You Use Windex on Car Windows?
Using Windex that is free of Ammonia on your car window isn’t a bad thing, but one that contains ammonia is a different thing.
Ammonia in Windex has been used on a car window, especially the windshield causing streaks to appear on it. Other damages can also be caused to parts of the car like the rubber of the windshield wiper blade.
In the case where Windex containing ammonia mistakenly spills on the car paints, it can cause the paint job to start peeling.
How to Clean Car Windows with Windex?
When cleaning a car window with Windex there are ways and things to use in order not to leave dirt smeared on the window afterward.
It is always better to use a microfiber cloth rather than just any piece of cloth or tissue available, using any cloth other than microfiber could leave streaks of tissue and dirt behind.
Before you start cleaning ensure that the car isn’t parked where the sun will be in direct contact with it, and be sure to dust off any dust or dirt on the window.
Spray a small quantity of Windex on the window at a time and wipe clean with the microfiber cloth. It is better to spray only the part of the window you are ready to clean and proceed from there. Spraying more than you can clean at once will only leave dried streaks on the window.
More effort will have to be used on parts of the window with stubborn stains, in case of more stubborn stains you may have to let Windex stay for much longer before cleaning.
A fresh microfiber should be used to clean off the spray in order to get a clean surface.
Once you’re done, then you can proceed to clean the interior of the car, but instead of spraying directly on the window, Windex should be sprayed on the cloth in order to avoid damage to the car seats.
Pros of Cleaning Car Windows with Windex
Some of the advantages of using Windex in cleaning your car window are stated below:
- Low Cost of Purchase: Windex are as cheap as they come, it is one of the cheapest out there. You get to save costs when you buy Windex.
- It Does not Leave Smudge Behind: Using Windex without ammonia doesn’t leave smudge or dirt behind after you’re done cleaning. All you get is a sparkling clean window.
- It is Very Easy to Use: It is very easy to use Windex on your car window as there are no special requirements or methods for usage.
Cons of Cleaning Car Windows with Windex
There are certain disadvantages related to the use of Windex on your car window, some of which are;
- It can Cause Damage to Other Car Parts: Using Windex with ammonia can cause a car paint job to fade with it get in contact, it also damages leather materials inside the car because of its harsh nature
- It can Lead to Fading and Breaking in a Tinted Window: Windex isn’t nice on tinted windows because it causes them to break and fade over time.
Conclusion
Windex should only be used on car windows and not the body, using Windex on the car paint can strip off the paint because of some harsh chemicals present in it.
When cleaning with Windex keep your car out of the sun’s glare to prevent the solution from drying up quickly. When it dries up before you can wipe the area clean it leaves streaks on the window.