Sometimes, names can be self-descriptive. Example: glass cleaner. But other times, it pays to look beyond the label. Example: again, glass cleaner. This housekeeping essential isn’t just for making glass surfaces gleam. In fact, it can be an unassuming secret weaponing when it comes to a whole range of household tasks.
Below, learn all the unique ways you can use glass cleaner around your home (including how the pros use it). From kitchen appliances to your car, glass cleaner can tackle a surprising range of messes.
Dawn Arias-Spinelli, owner of Kleaner Image, professional cleaning company serving Jersey Shore homes
Whiteboards
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Whether you’re keeping track of appointments on a dry-erase board or teaching in the classroom, glass cleaner can take the place of a commercial whiteboard cleaner. Spray a little on the board and wipe away with a paper towel. It’s efficient, will remove stubborn smears, and doesn’t leave a film behind.
Hairspray Buildup
Hairspray can leave behind stubborn residue on countertops and vanities—but it’s no match for glass spray. “A quick spray on the affected area will dissolve the hairspray,” says professional cleaner Dawn Arias-Spinelli. Goodbye, stuck-on residue.
Kitchen Appliances
Glass cleaner can also serve as a degreaser around your kitchen, says Arias-Spinelli. Use it to shine up stainless steel (and erase fingerprints), as well as clear appliances and stovetops of grease splatters.
Car Dashboard and Steering Wheel
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Since glass cleaner can cut through the grease left behind by hands and fingerprints, it’ll do the job on steering wheels and car dashboards. Spray on, wipe away—and don’t forget the mirrors and windows while you’re at it!
Fix a Stuck Zipper
This is a nifty trick for fixing a stuck zipper! Glass cleaner can be used as a lubricant in the event of a zipper snagging along the teeth or fabric of a garment. Just apply to the zipper (avoiding getting any liquid on the fabric), and wipe away once it becomes free. You can try additional tips and tricks here.
Appliance Buttons and Dials
Try glass cleaner on buttons and dials on devices such as microwaves or keyboards. If you notice these looking grimy, dull, or like they’re caked with grease or residue, a quick wipe with a glass cleaner will shine them right up. Apply the cleaner to a paper towel or cloth first, then wipe away. (Never spray directly on devices.)
Sticker Adhesive
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Glass cleaners like Windex can be used to remove stubborn adhesive left behind by price tags and stickers. Spray on, leave for a few minutes, then peel and scrub away. (You can also try the other methods here.)
Jewelry
Need to make some jewelry sparkle? If you don’t have the correct supplies on hand, you can try using glass cleaner on gold, platinum, and diamond jewelry to remove tarnish, thanks to the ammonia in its formula.
Be sure not to soak the jewelry (just spray on, wipe away, and rinse well with water), and avoid using on other stones and metals, as it can be too harsh.
Door Knobs
While you would ideally use a cleaning agent with tested antibacterial features, glass cleaner can shine-up door knobs with ease. Use it in a pinch, or add it to your cleaning routine as a final polish.
