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Windex is probably one of those cleaners you reach for without thinking twice. It has a familiar place under the kitchen sink, usually waiting to tackle fingerprints on windows and smudges on mirrors. But its uses can stretch beyond glass.
From sticky residue and crayon marks to greasy surfaces and everyday household messes, Windex can come in handy for a range of cleaning jobs. Just keep in mind that the product formula can vary, so check the label before using it on a new surface.
Here are 16 practical ways to put that bottle of Windex to work around your home.
Remove Crayon Marks
Kids can turn a perfectly clean wall into their own art gallery in a matter of minutes. If crayons end up where they shouldn’t, Windex may help with the cleanup.
Spray a small amount onto a clean cloth rather than soaking the wall. Gently rub the crayon marks until they begin to disappear. Follow with a damp cloth to remove any leftover cleaner.
Test a small hidden area first, particularly on painted walls, since some finishes may react differently.
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Clean Countertops
Windex can be useful for wiping down certain countertop surfaces, including some sealed materials and laminate. It’s an easy option for removing fingerprints, crumbs, and everyday grime.
Before using it on stone surfaces such as granite or marble, check the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. Some countertop materials require cleaners made for that particular surface.
Remove Sticky Residue
Few things are more annoying than peeling off a sticker only to be left with a patch of gummy residue.
Spray a small amount of Windex over the sticky area and let it sit briefly. Wipe it away with a cloth or paper towel, repeating the process if needed. For delicate surfaces, test the cleaner in an inconspicuous spot first.
Tackle Carpet Stains
Spilled drinks and food can leave an ugly mark on the carpet. Windex may help with some surface stains, but it’s best to test it on an out-of-sight section first.
Blot up as much of the spill as possible. Apply a small amount of Windex to a cloth rather than saturating the carpet, then gently dab the stain. Finish by blotting with a clean, damp cloth and allow the area to dry.
For stubborn or delicate carpet, use a cleaner made for the specific carpet fiber.
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Freshen Up Jewelry
Some jewelry can benefit from a gentle cleaning, but Windex isn’t appropriate for every type of stone or metal.
For pieces that are compatible with the product, apply a small amount to a soft cloth and gently wipe away dirt and fingerprints. Rinse with clean water if the item’s care instructions allow it, then dry with a soft cloth.
Skip Windex on porous gemstones, pearls, and jewelry with delicate finishes unless the manufacturer says it’s safe.
Clean Bathroom Fixtures
Faucets and other bathroom fixtures collect fingerprints, water spots, and everyday grime.
Spray Windex onto a cloth and wipe the fixture clean rather than soaking the surface. Buff it with a dry cloth afterward for a cleaner finish. For heavy mineral deposits, you may need a product made specifically for hard-water buildup.
Reduce Bathroom Mirror Fog
A foggy mirror after a hot shower is a familiar annoyance. Cleaning the mirror regularly can help remove the film that makes fogging look worse.
Spray Windex onto the cloth rather than directly around the edges of the mirror, then wipe the glass until it’s clean and dry. This can leave the surface clearer, although it isn’t a substitute for a dedicated anti-fog treatment.
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Clean a Greasy Stovetop
Cooking can leave behind a layer of grease that makes the stovetop look dirty even after you’ve wiped it down.
Let the surface cool completely, then spray a small amount of Windex onto a cloth or the surface if the product label permits it. Wipe away the grease and follow with a clean, damp cloth.
Always check your stovetop manufacturer’s instructions before using glass cleaner, particularly on specialty finishes.
Remove Water Marks From Wood
Water rings on furniture can be tricky, and this is one job where caution matters.
Rather than spraying Windex directly onto wood, check the furniture manufacturer’s care instructions first. If the finish allows it, put a tiny amount on a soft cloth and gently wipe the affected area.
For valuable, antique, unfinished, or delicate wood furniture, use a cleaner made for that finish instead.
Clean Electronics Carefully
Phones, keyboards, remotes, and other electronics collect fingerprints and dust all day long. Windex may seem like an easy solution, but spraying it directly onto electronics can cause damage.
Turn the device off and apply an appropriate electronics cleaner to a microfiber cloth if the manufacturer permits it. Never spray liquid directly onto a screen, keyboard, charging port, or other openings.
Freshen Ceramic Tile Floors
Ceramic tile can collect dust, footprints, and cooking grime, especially in kitchens and entryways.
A small amount of Windex may work for spot cleaning or certain tile surfaces. Check the product label and flooring manufacturer’s instructions before using it across an entire floor. Avoid leaving excess liquid sitting on grout, since repeated moisture can cause problems.
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Remove Soap Scum
Shower doors and bathroom tiles can develop a cloudy layer of soap residue over time.
Spray Windex onto the surface, let it sit briefly, then wipe with a sponge or microfiber cloth. Rinse the area well and dry it afterward.
For thick buildup, a bathroom cleaner made for soap scum may work better.
Clean Up Small Paint Splatters
Painting a room can leave little drops and splatters in places you didn’t expect.
For small amounts of water-based paint on compatible hard surfaces such as glass, mirrors, laminate, or some luxury vinyl flooring, Windex may help loosen the mess. Spray the area, let it sit briefly, then wipe it away.
Don’t use this method on surfaces that could be damaged by the cleaner, and be especially careful with painted or finished surfaces.
Help With Freezer Frost
A frosty freezer can make it harder to organize and use the available space. Windex isn’t a replacement for proper freezer defrosting, but it can be useful for cleaning the interior after the ice has been removed.
Unplug the freezer and follow the manufacturer’s defrosting instructions. Once the ice is gone and the surfaces are dry, use an appropriate cleaner and wipe everything down before returning the food.
Avoid spraying household glass cleaner around food or onto surfaces where residue could come into contact with food.
Clean a Whiteboard
Whiteboards can develop a stubborn film from dry-erase markers, especially after months of regular use.
Spray a small amount of Windex onto a cloth and wipe the board clean. Follow with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture.
If your whiteboard manufacturer recommends a particular cleaner, stick with those instructions to protect the surface.
Clean Your Car’s Interior
The inside of a car collects dust, fingerprints, smudges, and plenty of mystery grime.
Windex can be useful for some hard interior surfaces and glass. Spray it onto a microfiber cloth rather than directly onto dashboards, buttons, vents, or electronic controls. For leather, screens, and specialty materials, use a cleaner made for that surface.
A quick wipe of the windows, cupholders, and other compatible surfaces can make the interior feel much cleaner without needing a whole collection of products.
Windex can be handy beyond the windows, but it isn’t a universal cleaner. Checking the label and the care instructions for the surface you’re cleaning can prevent a quick cleanup from turning into an expensive repair.
