The essentials in 30 seconds
The best glass cleaner is less about the brand than the method. Pilkington, a glass manufacturer, lists proprietary glass cleaners, vinegar-based cleaners (which it says have generally given a clean, streak-free surface), a mix of one part clear vinegar to one to ten parts water, or washing-up liquid in very low concentration (10 to 15 drops in 3 to 4 gallons). The method matters more: flood the glass with solution to lift the grit, rub with a clean, lint-free cloth, dry with a lint-free towel or squeegee, and stop wiping while a thin film of moisture remains to avoid streaks. Never use razor blades or metal scrapers on tempered or coated glass. If a product contains ammonia, never mix it with bleach.
- Glass dust is abrasive: too little liquid and too much pressure can scratch.
- Streaks are re-deposited dirt and detergent, not a faulty cleaner.
- Rinse with distilled water for a perfect finish.
How to choose the best glass cleaner
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01
Suitable for your glass
Coated, self-cleaning or anti-reflective glass may have its own rules; check the window or glass maker's instructions.
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02
Gentle chemistry
Pilkington warns that alkaline solutions and some acids can damage glass; mild cleaners are enough for routine cleaning.
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Streak-free formula
Vinegar-based cleaners have generally performed well in Pilkington's experience.
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Easy to use generously
You need plenty of solution, so a spray you can apply liberally or a bucket mix is practical.
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Safer ingredients
Labels such as the US EPA Safer Choice label mean every ingredient has been reviewed.
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Cost
A home-made vinegar or detergent mix is on Pilkington's list.
Glass cleaners compared
| Solution | How | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proprietary glass cleaner | As the label directs | Listed for routine cleaning |
| Vinegar-based glass cleaner | Spray generously | Generally gives a clean, streak-free surface |
| Vinegar and water | 1 part clear vinegar to 1–10 parts clean water | Home mix on the list |
| Washing-up liquid | 10–15 drops per 3–4 gallons of water | Low concentration; more leaves streaks |
| Distilled water | Final rinse before the solution dries | For a perfect finish |
| Solvents (denatured alcohol, acetone) | Spot cleaning only, on a cloth | Keep off seals, frames and paint |
The best way to clean glass without streaks
Pilkington's routine:
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01
Flood
Wet the glass thoroughly with spray or a cloth soaked in solution, to lift grit. Be generous.
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02
Rub
Use a clean, lint-free towel or cloth to dissolve the dirt.
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Dry
Wipe with a dry, clean, lint-free towel or squeegee; do not let a metal squeegee holder touch the glass.
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Stop early
Stop wiping while a uniform thin film of moisture is left; it evaporates clean.
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Rinse if needed
For very critical viewing, rinse with distilled water before the solution dries.
For heavy dirt, hose or spray it off first, to flush away grit without scratching. For sticky marks such as grease, tape adhesive, crayon or paint rub-off, Pilkington allows spot cleaning with organic solvents (such as denatured alcohol or acetone) or a gentle, one-off very fine abrasive, followed by a rinse. More on adhesive: remove sticker residue.
Tempered, coated and other glass
- Tempered and heat-strengthened glass and coated glass: no razor blades or metal scrapers; Pilkington says they leave fine scratches visible in full sunlight.
- Plain, uncoated, annealed glass: a new safety razor blade, flat edge only, can remove paint drops.
- Fireplace glass: use a fireplace glass cleaner instead; see fireplace glass cleaner.
- Eyeglasses: a different job; see how to clean eyeglasses.
Best glass cleaner: frequently asked questions
What is the best cleaner for glass?
A mild cleaner used generously: a proprietary or vinegar-based glass cleaner, a vinegar and water mix, or a few drops of washing-up liquid in water, as a glass manufacturer recommends.
What is the best way to clean glass without streaks?
Flood the glass with solution, rub with a lint-free cloth, dry with a lint-free towel or squeegee and stop while a thin film of moisture remains.
Is vinegar good for cleaning glass?
Yes. Pilkington lists one part clear vinegar to one to ten parts water, and says vinegar-based cleaners have generally given a streak-free result.
Can I use a razor blade on glass?
Only on plain, uncoated, annealed glass, with the flat edge of a new blade. Never on tempered, heat-strengthened or coated glass.
Why does my glass streak?
Streaks are dirt and detergent redeposited when there is too much dirt and too little solution. Use more liquid, less detergent and a clean cloth.
Sources
Glass manufacturer, health department and EPA information, checked on 2 November 2026 (02/11/2026).
- Pilkington North America · ATS-144 Manual washing of clear and tinted glass (PDF) ↗Alkaline solutions and some acids damage glass; abrasive dust; dilute washing-up liquid; recommended glass cleaners and vinegar mix; flood, rub, dry, stop with a thin film; distilled water rinse; spot cleaning with solvents; razor blades only on uncoated annealed glass.
- Washington State Department of Health · Dangers of mixing bleach with cleaners ↗Bleach and ammonia give off chloramines; bleach and acids such as vinegar give off chlorine gas; read labels.
- US EPA · Learn about the Safer Choice label ↗Label for cleaning products with safer chemical ingredients; every ingredient reviewed; performance and pH also reviewed.
Streaks every time?
Use more solution and less detergent, a clean lint-free cloth, and stop wiping while the glass is still just damp.