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The 9 Best Glass Cleaners of 2024

Achieve a spotless, streak-free finish

Invisible Glass Cleaner Spray on a green background

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

A high-quality glass cleaner can remove greasy fingerprints, smudges, and dirt, leaving behind a clear, streak-free finish on your windows or mirrors. But, not all glass cleaners are created equal; some products in stores and online are designed to tackle everyday household surfaces, while others are formulated for specific purposes, such as cleaning auto glass or wiping down tech screens. All tackle the unique messes that glass attracts and holds onto, though.

“Cleaning glass surfaces regularly is about more than making them look good,“ says Katie Berry, a member of The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board and an internationally recognized home cleaning expert. “Since glass expands and contracts in response to surrounding temperatures, grime that's left on the surface can work its way deeper into the glass and create a permanent haze."

Taking Berry's advice into account, we researched a number of glass cleaners from a variety of brands, evaluating products based on their type, ingredients, scent, and overall performance.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Invisible Glass Cleaner

Invisible Glass Glass Cleaner Spray

Amazon

What We Like
  • Sprays on finely and doesn’t drip

  • Doesn’t leave any residue behind 

What We Don't Like
  • Scent is a bit strong for some

  • May require some buffing to fully remove streaks

True to its name, Invisible Glass Cleaner Spray leaves glass surfaces looking so flawless that messes will look practically invisible when you're done cleaning. We think it's pretty impressive that this foaming formula removes smudges, fingerprints, smoke haze, and more. It’s also highly effective on tough stains like mud, bird droppings, and tape residue. Because it doesn’t contain any ammonia, it’s safe to use on tinted windows, auto glass, boats, and stainless steel appliances. 

It goes on as a fine mist, so you don’t have to worry about it dripping onto your window sill or floor. Plus, it doesn't contain any soaps, scents, or dyes that leave streaky residue behind. Keep in mind that Invisible is formulated with synthetic chemicals, however, and some people find the smell to be a bit strong and off-putting.

Still, it works like magic, leaving behind clean mirrors and spotless windows. Our tip? To fully remove streaks, whip out a microfiber cloth and do a little buffing—we think you'll be pleased with the results.

Type: Spray | Scent: Unscented

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Windex Glass & Window Spray

Windex Original Glass Cleaner

Amazon

What We Like
  • Popular, easy-to-find brand

  • Comes in a recycled plastic bottle

What We Don't Like
  • Strong smell

Known as a trusted brand, for good reason, Windex Glass & Window Spray is a highly effective formula and comes with a lower price tag. It can be used on a variety of household surfaces, including glass, windows, and mirrors. We love that it comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle, which is made from 100 percent recycled plastic.

This fast-acting formula starts working on fingerprints and smudges even before you wipe. Though, while Windex is a powerful option, know that it does contain ammonia and other chemicals, which means it has a pretty strong scent from the synthetic fragrances and dyes. As is the case with most glass cleaners, we suggest investing in a trusty microfiber cloth versus a paper towel before cleaning with this pick. The latter has a tendency to leave streaks and lint behind.

Type: Spray | Scent: Original

Best for Shower Doors

Rejuvenate Soap Scum Remover

Rejuvenate No Scrub Soap Scum Remover

Amazon

What We Like
  • Effective on soap scum

  • No-scrub formula

  • Can be used on multiple surfaces

What We Don't Like
  • Strong smell

  • Easier to use with a removable shower head

For tackling soap scum and other buildup in your shower, Rejuvenate No Scrub Soap Scum Remover is our top choice. This award-winning cleaning product is non-abrasive, so you won’t have to worry about it scratching delicate surfaces. Rejuvenate quickly dissolves hard water, rust, and other mineral residues, too, leaving glass looking shiny and streak-free. 

We think this hardworking cleaner is also incredibly easy to use. All you need to do is spray it on your shower in an even layer, let it sit for three minutes, and wipe it off. (A removable shower head will make it easier to rinse off.) Rejuvenate can also be used on ceramic tile, fiberglass, natural stone, plastic, chrome, and porcelain, allowing you to clean multiple bathroom surfaces in one swoop. Even though it’s advertised as unscented, we found the smell to be a bit overpowering when used in an enclosed shower, so be sure to give yourself proper ventilation when using this pick.

Type: Spray | Scent: Natural

Best for Mirrors

Hope's Perfect Glass Cleaner

Hope's Perfect Glass Cleaning Spray

Amazon

What We Like
  • Cleans with less strokes

  • Safe for use on electronic screens

  • Includes a microfiber cloth 

What We Don't Like
  • Not as effective when used with paper towels

Hope's Perfect Glass Cleaner outshines the competition when it comes to cleaning mirrors. It’s highly effective at removing toothpaste splatter, fingerprints, and smudges. Plus, the ammonia-free free formula is safe to use on a variety of other glass surfaces. Unlike other cleaners, it doesn’t leave behind any streaks or the haze you often see on mirrored surfaces, either.

Also, Hope’s requires fewer strokes to get the job done—just be sure to use a microfiber cloth. You can also use it on smartphones, tablets, televisions, and other electronics with a glass screen. Just be sure to spray it on a soft cloth rather than directly on your gadget. We noted that Hope’s glass cleaner is priced slightly higher than the competition, but we think the time and effort you'll save justifies the extra cost.

Type: Spray | Scent: Not listed

Best Eco-Friendly

Better Life Glass Cleaner

Better Life Naturally Smudge-Smacking Glass Cleaner

Amazon

What We Like
  • Ideal for routine glass cleaning

  • Biodegradable formula

  • Eco-conscious packaging 

What We Don't Like
  • Not as powerful as conventional cleaners

  • Microfiber cloth might be needed for tougher stains 

Free from solvents, dyes, ammonia, and other chemicals, Better Life Naturally Smudge-Smacking Glass Cleaner is an excellent choice for a glass cleaner if you're looking for something more eco-friendly. It contains plant-derived ingredients, which are safe to use around little ones and pets. According to the manufacturer, this formula breaks down two to five times faster than other leading glass cleaners. To further reduce its environmental impact, Better Life’s products are packaged using solar energy and made of recyclable materials.

Don't let its gentle formula fool you: this cleaner is powerful enough to remove smudges, and it’s effective on your average dirt and debris. Compared to conventional cleaners, Better Life may not perform as well on sticky residue and tough grime. And you’ll likely need a microfiber cloth and some elbow grease to tackle messier jobs. That said, we think Better Life's glass cleaner is a solid performer when it comes to routine maintenance on windows and mirrors.

Type: Spray | Scent: Not listed

Best for Cooktops

Weiman Glass Cook Top Cleaner Kit

Weiman Glass Cook Top Cleaner & Polish Kit

Amazon

What We Like
  • Effectively cleans without scratching surfaces

  • Removes burnt-on foods

  • Includes a scraper and scrubbing pad

What We Don't Like
  • Strong smell

Messy cooktop? Weiman's Cooktop and Stove Top Cleaner Kit is a must-have for glass cooktops and stovetops. It includes a cooktop cream, a scraper, and scrubbing pad with an easy-to-grip plastic handle to tackle stuck-on food, grease, and grime. The non-abrasive cream won’t damage surfaces, and it utilizes micro-bead technology to maximize its cleaning power. The manufacturer recommends buffing it with a paper towel for a streak-free shine. 

You should know that Weiman’s heavy-duty formula contains chemicals like polyethylene-polypropylene glycol and monosodium phosphate, so it’s not the best option if you prefer a natural product. With its chemical composition, it’s not surprising that this cleaner has a fairly strong smell. You may find it helpful to open a window or use your stovetop’s vent hood to eliminate fumes while cleaning.

Type: Cream | Scent: Not listed

Best Smelling

Koala Eco Glass Cleaner

Koala Eco Peppermint Essential Oil Glass Cleaner

Koala Eco

What We Like
  • Plant-based formula

  • Natural insect repellent

  • Eco-friendly packaging

What We Don't Like
  • Pricier than other options

Made with peppermint essential oil, this glass cleaner comes straight out of Australia and is one of our favorites on the market. But it’s not just the smell that has won us over. This plant-based, eco-friendly formula really works! It effectively cleans windows and other glass surfaces, leaving them streak-free and smelling delightfully clean. 

Because peppermint has antimicrobial properties, you can eliminate bacteria and deodorize your home without chemicals. It also works as an insect repellent, which is great if you live in a muggy environment where bugs are a problem. While we recognize that Koala Eco Glass Cleaner is slightly more expensive compared to other brands, we think the pleasant smell is definitely worth the cost. The invigorating scent alone makes you want to clean almost everything.

Type: Spray | Scent: Peppermint

Best Wipes

MiracleWipes for Glass

MiracleWipes for Glass

Amazon

What We Like
  • Portable and convenient

  • Light, refreshing scent

  • Won’t leave lint on the glass

What We Don't Like
  • Tends to leave streaks

  • Microfiber towel may be needed to absorb excess liquid

Whenever you need a quick, hassle-free touchup, MiracleWipes come in handy. The ammonia-free formula is safe to use on mirrors, windows, auto glass, and a variety of other surfaces. MiracleWipes are pre-moistened for convenience, and they are lightly scented for a more refreshing clean. Expect these wipes to effectively remove fingerprints and other pesky smudges, while delivering a lint-free finish. Just know these wipes have a tendency to leave some streaks.

The resealable container allows the wipes to be easily dispensed, and you can simply toss them away when you’re finished. According to reports, the wipes release a generous amount of cleaning product. Depending on the task, you might need a microfiber towel to absorb the excess liquid. But the saturated wipes sure make it easier to remove stuck-on debris and other stubborn stains. We think these would be pretty useful in the car—the small container is perfect to take on the go.

Type: Wipes | Scent: Fresh scent

Best Foam

Sprayway Glass Cleaner

Sprayway World's Best Glass Cleaner

Amazon

What We Like
  • Clings to vertical surfaces without dripping

What We Don't Like
  • Unpleasant chemical scent

  • Some reports of defective nozzles

This versatile foaming glass cleaner works wonders on windows and mirrors, but it can also be used on a variety of other surfaces including chrome, enamel, stone, and tile. Because it doesn’t contain ammonia, it's safe to use on manufacturer-tinted windows. Sprayway Glass Cleaner comes in an aerosol can and, once applied, the thick foam clings to vertical surfaces like windows. Unlike liquid formulas, it won't drip onto floors, windowsills, or furniture.

The only major downside is that the smell, which is dubbed "fresh" is fairly strong and unpleasant, according to reports. That shouldn't come as a big surprise, however, because Sprayway is chemically formulated for heavy cleaning.

Type: Foam | Scent: Fresh

Final Verdict

The best glass cleaner is Invisible Glass Spray Cleaner because it is easy to use and powerful enough to tackle grime. If you’re looking for a gentler, eco-friendly formula, Better Life Glass Cleaner is made with plant-derived ingredients and delivers excellent results. Both of these liquid glass cleaners work best when paired with a microfiber cleaning cloth. 

What to Look for in a Glass Cleaner

Type

There are three main types of glass cleaners, and each has their own pros and cons that you'll want to consider before adding one to your cart.

  • Liquid: This is the most popular option on the market because it is easy to use and comes in handy for a variety of tasks. Most liquid glass cleaners come in spray bottles for convenient application. Some products can be applied directly to a surface. If you’re applying a liquid cleaner to a vertical glass surface, you can spray it onto a microfiber cloth to prevent it from dripping onto the floor or furniture below. The vast majority of the cleaners on our list, including our best overall pick, the Invisible Glass Cleaner Spray, are liquid formulas.
  • Foam: These cleaners typically come in an aerosol can, and the formula is often a lot stronger to tackle tough grime. Because foam coats more evenly and clings to vertical surfaces, it’s less messy to use than a liquid cleaner. It’s also more effective at penetrating dirt, while eliminating the hassle of puddles and drips. We have one foam cleaner on our list, the Sprayway Glass Cleaner (our best foam pick).
  • Wipes: These are a handy single-use option, but not best choice for the environment. Some other disadvantages to wipes is that they tend to leave more streaks and are often pricier than other options. You can’t beat their handy, use-and-toss convenience, however. Our top choice for wipes, the MiracleWipes for Glass, come in portable packaging so you can easily store them in your car or take them on the go.

Ingredients

Most commercial glass cleaners contain chemicals in order to effectively eliminate grease, dirt, and bacteria. Those that contain ammonia, dyes, or synthetic fragrances can irritate skin and the respiratory system, and could be harmful to your eyes. To take precaution, chemical-based glass cleaners should be used in a well-ventilated room, and you can also wear gloves to protect your hands.

There are some greener, eco-friendly options available, too, which utilize plant-derived ingredients for a gentler clean. An eco-friendly glass cleaner should work well enough for routine cleanups, but it might not be as effective on heavy-duty grease, grime, and bacteria. Our top choice for an eco-friendly solution, the Better Life Natural Streak Free Glass Cleaner, is highly effective on multiple glass surfaces.

FAQ
  • Can you use glass cleaner on a TV?

    You can only use certain glass cleaners on electronics. Screen wipes specifically formulated to clean electronics are the best option. Always check the list of ingredients first, as some contain abrasive chemicals that can damage items like television screens. If you use a glass cleaner labeled safe for use on a TV, never spray it directly onto the screen. Instead, apply it to a microfiber cloth and use the cloth to wipe the TV.

  • What are the benefits of purchasing a glass cleaner, rather than DIYing a solution?

    “If you're short on storage space, having one cleaning product takes up less room than storing different household ingredients needed to whip up a homemade cleaner,” says Katie Berry, a member of The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board and internationally recognized home cleaning expert.

  • Does glass cleaner sanitize the surface?

    Some glass cleaners also sanitize surfaces. Thoroughly read through the ingredients listed on the packaging, or refer to the product page on the brand's website to find out if your pick has these capabilities. Berry notes that products with ammonia or alcohol have sanitizing abilities. "Plant-based glass cleaners do not contain these and are not suitable for sanitizing."

    If you use glass cleaner to sanitize any area that is used for food preparation or cooking, make sure to rinse the surface well. The Environmental Working Group provides a guide to cleaning products to help consumers make an informed decision.

  • Are paper towels good for cleaning glass?

    Well, you can technically use paper towels to clean glass, but they tend to leave lint and streaks behind. Microfiber cloths are the most effective (and reusable) option in our opinion. Surprisingly, one of the best ways to clean glass is also to use old newspapers, which won't leave streaks behind and are a great way to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

  • Is there a good technique for cleaning glass?

    According to Berry, “A squeegee does the best job getting glass clean, but be sure to wipe the blade between each stroke.” If you’re cleaning windows outside, Berry recommends sweeping them first to remove any debris. She also recommends washing windows in the cooler parts of the day because hot glass may cause the cleaner to evaporate too quickly to effectively remove grime.

The Checkout Counter

Before you check out, consider these products you may also need.

  1. Unger Large Professional-Grade Microfiber Cloth Towels: Microfiber towels are a necessity for cleaning windows and mirrors in our experience. They'll give you a streak-free clean, and won't leave fuzz or dust behind that paper towels might.
  2. HIWARE All-Purpose Shower Squeegee: A squeegee will help dry your shower more efficiently, so you'll deal with fewer water spots and hard water stains long-term. You still want to keep a glass cleaner on hand, but a squeegee will help extend the time in between deep cleans.
  3. Mr. Clean Small Reusable Latex Gloves: It's always a good idea to protect yourself if you're using strong cleaning agents or chemicals, and we like this glove set in particular since the gloves are durable and reusable.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Sage McHugh, a freelancer writer who has been writing about and testing cleaning products for The Spruce since 2019. For this roundup, she considered dozens of cleaners, carefully evaluating their type, ingredients, scent, and overall performance.

Our Experts:

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