The Best Glass Cleaners of 2023

You'll be wowed by our best pick for a spotless, streak-free finish

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The Spruce / Lecia Landis

Cleaning windows, television screens, and mirrors around the house seems like a time-consuming chore. To make the job a little easier, a top-quality glass cleaner can remove greasy fingerprints, smudges, and dirt, leaving behind a clear, streak-free finish. Some products are designed to tackle everyday household surfaces like mirrors and windows, while others are specially formulated for specific purposes, such as cleaning auto glass or wiping down tech screens. “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 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.

After going through countless insights, we landed on a few noteworthy options, including one for your cooktop and another that works as a foam. Read on to find out our very best pick!

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Invisible Glass Glass Cleaner Spray

4.7
Invisible Glass Cleaner and Window Spray

Amazon

What We Like
  • Streak-free

  • Affordably priced

  • 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, this cleaner leaves glass surfaces looking so flawless that it’ll look practically invisible. We think it's pretty impressive that this powerful 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. 

Invisible comes in a 32 ounce spray bottle island and is reasonably priced. 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.

Price at time of publish: $12

Type: Spray | Amount: 32 ounces | Scent: Unscented | Dimensions: 4.72 x 3.15 x 11.81 inches

Best Budget

Windex Original Glass Cleaner

Windex Glass and Window Cleaner Spray

Amazon

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

  • Effectively cleans glass

  • Leaves behind a clear, streak-free shine

What We Don't Like
  • Strong scent

  • Contains synthetic chemicals

Known as a trusted brand, for good reason, Windex Glass Cleaner is a highly effective formula and comes with an affordable 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, 23-ounce spray bottle, which is made from 100 percent recycled plastic. This fast-acting formula starts working on fingerprints and smudges, even before you wipe. Best of all, it leaves behind a streak-free shine. 

While Windex is a powerful and economical 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. The latter has a tendency to leave streaks and lint behind

Price at time of publish: $4

Type: Spray | Amount: 23 ounces | Scent: Original | Dimensions: 2.41 x 4.03 x 10.7 inches

Best Smelling

Koala Eco Peppermint Essential Oil Glass Cleaner

Koala Eco Peppermint Essential Oil Glass Cleaner

Koala Eco

What We Like
  • Plant-based formula

  • Natural insect repellent

  • Doesn’t leave streaks

  • 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 toxic chemicals. It also works as a natural insect repellent, which is great if you live in a muggy environment where bugs are a problem. 

While we recognize that Koala Eco 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! Plus, we can't deny we also love that the product comes from a family-run business.

Price at time of publish: $11

Type: Spray | Amount: 16.9 or 24 ounces | Scent: Peppermint | Dimensions: Not listed

Best for Mirrors

Hope's Perfect Glass Cleaning Spray

HOPE'S Perfect Glass Cleaner Spray

Amazon

What We Like
  • Cleans with less strokes

  • Highly effective on mirrors

  • Safe for use on electronic screens

  • Includes a microfiber cloth 

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

  • Slightly pricier than other options

Mirror, mirror, on the wall. Which cleaner out wins them all? Easy. 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.

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. 

Price at time of publish: $16

Type: Spray | Amount: 32 ounces | Scent: Not listed | Dimensions: 4.5 x 3.6 x 9.8 inches

Best for Cooktops

Weiman Glass Cook Top Cleaner and Polish 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

  • Leaves a streak-free shine

What We Don't Like
  • Strong smell

  • Pricey

Messy cooktop? This comprehensive cleaning kit from Weiman 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. And while this brand is significantly pricier than other options on our list, its triple cleaning action leaves cooktops spotless and sparkling clean. 

Price at time of publish: $19

Type: Cream | Amount: 10 ounces | Scent: Not listed | Dimensions: 6.21 x 3.1 x 7.82 inches

Best for Shower Doors

Rejuvenate No Scrub Soap Scum Remover

4.8
Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover

Amazon

What We Like
  • Effective on soap scum

  • No-scrub formula

  • Can be used on multiple surfaces

  • Ultra-clear, streak-free finish

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, this glass cleaner from Rejuvenate is our top choice. This award-winning cleaning product is non-abrasive, so you won’t have to worry about it scratching delicate surfaces. It will also appeal to consumers who prefer a non-toxic formula. Rejuvenate quickly dissolves hard water, rust, and other mineral residues, 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. And even though it’s advertised as unscented, we found the smell to be a bit overpowering when used in an enclosed shower. 

Price at time of publish: $10

Type: Spray | Amount: 24 ounces | Scent: Unscented | Dimensions: 2 x 4 x 11 inches 

Best Wipes

MiracleWipes for Glass Clean & Refresh

MiracleWipes for Glass

Amazon

What We Like
  • Effectively clean multiple surfaces

  • Portable and convenient

  • Ammonia-free

  • Light, refreshing scent

  • Won’t leave lint on the glass

What We Don't Like
  • Tend to leave streaks

  • Microfiber towel may be needed to absorb excess liquid

MiracleWipes come in handy whenever you need a quick, hassle-free touchup. 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.

Price at time of publish: $10

Type: Wipes | Amount: 30 or 60 wipes | Scent: Fresh scent | Dimensions: 3.25 x 3.25 x 8 inches

Best Eco-Friendly or Best Natural

Better Life Naturally Smudge-Smacking Glass Cleaner

Better Life Natural Streak Free Glass Cleaner

Amazon

What We Like
  • Ideal for routine glass cleaning

  • Contains natural ingredients

  • 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 is an excellent choice for a natural glass cleaner. 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. This set consists of two 32-ounce bottles, and one has a sprayer for convenient application. 

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 like windows and mirrors. 

Price at time of publish: $14 

Type: Spray | Amount: 32 ounces | Scent: Not listed | Dimensions: 3.54 x 9.84 x 3.15 inches

Best for Cars

Rain-X 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner + Rain Repellent

Rain-x Glass Cleaner + Rain Repellent

Walmart

What We Like
  • Improves driving visibility

  • Repels rain

  • Prevents snow, ice, and other hazards from sticking to windows

  • Easy to apply

What We Don't Like
  • Limited to use on auto glass

  • A few complaints of leftover residue

Rain-X 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner removes all of the road hazards that dirty your car windows and hinder visibility, including road spray, bugs, and water residue. It also contains a repellant that encourages water to bead and roll off the window. Rain-X also prevents sleet, snow, and ice from sticking to the glass. Expect this formula to be safe to use on tinted windows and deliver a spotless, streak-free shine.

We love that this spray is extremely easy to use: All you need to do is spray it on your windows, and wipe it clean with a towel. No buffing or elbow grease is required. After using this product, you should wait an hour before exposing it to rain and other elements. Please note that Rain-X is intended for exterior glass only; it should not be used on the paint or plastic surfaces of your vehicle.

Price at time of publish: $7  

Type: Spray | Amount: 23 ounces | Scent: Not listed | Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.4 x 11 inches

Best for Tech Screens

WHOOSH! Screen Cleaner Kit

Whoosh! Screen Shine Refillable 16.9 oz. Screen Cleaning Kit

Whoosh

What We Like
  • Safe for all electronic screens and eyeglasses

  • Refillable cartridges reduce waste

  • Kit includes two microfiber cloths

  • Odorless formula

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

  • A few reports of haze and discoloration

Whoosh! is specially formulated to clean electronic screens, so it’s safe to use on laptops, smartphones, tablets, and more. It also comes in handy for cleaning eyeglasses, and it doesn’t contain any acids that could ruin the glass coatings. This cleaning kit includes a 16 ounce spray bottle and two microfiber cloths (6 x 6 inches and 14 x 14 inches). To reduce plastic waste, the manufacturer refillable cartridges that you can purchase in lieu of a new bottle.  

Another major advantage to this formula is that it is odorless, which is great news for anyone sensitive to smells. Plus, it doesn’t contain any ingredients that will scratch, etch, or damage your screen. Whoosh! is incredibly easy to use. All you need to do is spray some of the solution directly onto the cloth and carefully wipe the screen. We read a handful of reports that say it leaves haze on computer screens, but the reviews are overwhelmingly positive on the whole.

Price at time of publish: $15

Type: Spray | Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Unscented | Dimensions: 3.54 x 9.84 x 3.15 inches

Best Foam

Sprayway World's Best Glass Cleaner

Sprayway World's Best Glass Cleaner

Amazon

What We Like
  • Affordably priced

  • Highly effective on glass

  • Can be used on multiple surfaces

  • 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, stainless, enamel, stone, and tile. Because it doesn’t contain ammonia, it's safe to use on manufacturer-tinted windows. Sprayway comes in an aerosol can and, once applied, the thick foam clings to vertical surfaces. Unlike liquid formulas, it won't drip onto floors, windowsills, or furniture.  

Sprayway is sold in a two-pack and each can contains 19 ounces of powerful foam, giving you plenty of bang for your buck. The only major downside is that the smell is fairly strong and unpleasant. That shouldn't come as a big surprise, however, because Sprayway is chemically formulated for heavy cleaning. We read some reports of products arriving with the spray nozzle broken or damaged, so be sure to review the return policy before purchasing. 

Price at time of publish: $13

Type: Foam | Amount: 19 ounces | Scent: Fresh scent | Dimensions: 9.84 x 5.83 x 2.95 inches

Final Verdict

Invisible Glass Spray Cleaner earns our top spot because it is easy to use, highly effective on glass, and powerful enough to tackle tough grime. If you’re looking for a gentler, eco-friendly formula, Better Life Natural Streak Free Glass Cleaner is made with plant-derived ingredients and delivers excellent results on glass surfaces. Both of these liquid glass cleaners work best when paired with a microfiber cleaning cloth. 

What to Look for in a Glass Cleaner

Use

There are three main types of glass cleaners–liquid, foam, and wipes–and each has its pros and cons. 

Liquid glass cleaner 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. 

Foam glass cleaners typically come in an aerosol can, and the formula is often a lot stronger to tackle tough grunge. Because foam coats more evenly and clings to vertical surfaces, it’s less messy than a liquid cleaner. It’s also more effective at penetrating dirt, while eliminating the hassle of puddles and drips.  

Glass cleaning wipes are a handy single-use option, though they’re not the best choice for the environment. These work best for quick touch-ups, but they’re generally not as effective at tackling as liquid and foam cleaners. Some other disadvantages to wipes is that they tend to leave more streaks and are often costlier than other options. You can’t beat their use-and-toss convenience, however. Our top choice for wipes, 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 for eyes. To take precaution, chemical-based glass cleaners should be used in a well-ventilated room, and you can also don gloves to protect your hands.

There are some greener, eco-friendly options available, too, which utilize plant-derived ingredients for a gentler clean. A non-toxic 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, Better Life Natural Streak Free Glass Cleaner, is an all-natural formula that’s highly effective on multiple glass surfaces.

Scent

Glass cleaners that contain dyes and synthetic chemicals tend to have a stronger and less pleasant scent. Products that derive their scent from natural ingredients, such as pine, eucalyptus, or peppermint are often more appealing. Of course, an unscented glass cleaner is the best solution for people sensitive to smells. Our top choice for tech screens, Whoosh! Screen Shine Pro, is the only odorless option on our list.

Other Cleaning Tools (i.e. microfiber towels or a squeegee)

To achieve a streak-free shine, many glass cleaners work best in conjunction with a microfiber towel. Unlike paper towels, these top-notch cleaners won’t leave lint behind on the glass. Microfiber towels also help to absorb excess cleaner.  Our top choice for mirrors, Hope’s Perfect Glass Cleaner Spray, includes a microfiber cloth for your convenience.

FAQ
  • Can you use glass cleaner on a TV?

    You can only use certain glass cleaners on electronics. Still, you should 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 it to wipe the TV. Screen wipes specifically formulated to clean electronics are always the best option.

  • 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 by killing bacteria and viruses. Thoroughly read through the ingredients listed on the packaging, or refer to the product page on the brand's website. 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 use paper towels to clean glass, but they tend to leave lint and streaks behind. Microfiber cloths are the most effective (and reusable) option. Surprisingly, one of the best ways to clean glass is to use old newspapers, which won't leave streaks 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.



Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Sage McHugh, who has been writing about and testing cleaning products for The Spruce since 2019. For this roundup, she considered dozens of glass cleaners, carefully evaluating their type, ingredients, scent, and overall performance. To come up with her list, she also researched hundreds of customer reviews and write-ups from third-party websites and consulted Katie Berry, a member of The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board and an internationally recognized home cleaning expert.

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