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10 best glass and window cleaners for a streak-free finish
Nobody should have to tolerate dirty fingerprints on their windows, grimy stains on their hob or stubborn watermarks on their shower screen and, luckily, you don’t have to either. Get the shiny, smear-free glass you deserve with one of our top glass cleaner picks for 2023.
By Hannah Wilson | Last updated Feb 8, 2023
There may be nothing more satisfying than cleaning a dirty mark off your window or a little handprint off a mirror, but while there are plenty of glass cleaners on the market, including budget options, eco-friendly sprays and special formulas for tackling tougher jobs such as oven hobs (working right alongside the best oven cleaners) and cars, it’s not always easy to get a streak-free finish.
In fact, use the wrong product and you could end up with more marks than you started with. The right glass cleaner and cloth, however, will remove dirt and smears from glass surfaces, windows and mirrors to leave them looking spotless. And with spring just around the corner, now is a great time to add to your best cleaning products arsenal to get a head start on the spring cleaning.
To help you choose the best glass and window cleaner for your needs, we thoroughly researched some of the biggest brands on the market. We spent hours comparing bestseller rankings and searching the Mumsnet forums, the largest online network of parents in the UK, as well as online consumer reviews to find honest feedback from real people who have tried and tested the very glass and window cleaners we recommend. Our Mumsnet users know a thing or twenty about the best products for the home (and everywhere else for that matter!) contributing to guide ranking the best freezers to the best tea towels.
Whatever surface you need to tackle, here are the 10 best glass cleaners to get that sparkling finish.
The best glass and window cleaners UK 2023: at a glance
1. Best overall glass cleaner: Windex Original Glass Cleaner
Price on writing: £11 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Liquid spray | Amount: 950ml | Scent: Unscented
What we love
- Multipurpose and cleans a variety of surfaces
- Streak-free finish
- Bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic
What to know
- Expensive
- Strong scent
What Mumsnet users say
“If you can find a glass cleaner with ammonia in it, try that. It works on nearly everything. Favourite brand is the American glass cleaner Windex.” (Rated by Mumsnet user aNewYorkerInLondon)
Our verdict
Windex has been cleaning glass since 1933 and is a trusted formula for getting a streak-free finish. The formula cuts through dirt and grease to eliminate smears and give glass a long-lasting shine.
As it’s an American product, Brits do have to pay a bit more to buy it, but Windex fans love how versatile it is, using it on everything from mirrors and showers to printer heads and trainers (yes, really). We also like that the Windex bottle has an easy-grip design and is made from 100% recycled plastic.
Due to Windex containing ammonia, the window spray does have a strong scent, and it can irritate your skin and eyes if they come in contact with it. So we recommend ventilating the area well and using rubber gloves and protective eyewear if you can. While you're in the mood for getting the kitchen spic and span, check out our guide to the best dishwashers and best dishwasher tablets according to Mumsnet users.
2. Best budget glass cleaner: Astonish Window and Glass Cleaner
Price on writing: From £1| Buy now from The Range
Key specs
Type: Liquid spray | Amount: 750ml | Scent: Eucalyptus and lemon
What we love
- Affordable
- Pet- and child-friendly
- Cruelty-free and vegan
What to know
- Not suitable for acid-sensitive surfaces or wood
- May not be streak-free
What Mumsnet users say
“Either Astonish or Stardrops glass cleaner or white vinegar spray.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user MikeUniformMike)
Our verdict
Found on the shelves of most budget home stores, Astonish is a trusty spray with a purse-friendly price tag. Instead of harsh chemicals, it uses vinegar to get surfaces smear- and dirt-free making it safer to use if you have children and pets around. But don’t be put off by vinegar as an ingredient as this window cleaner has a fresh eucalyptus and lemon scent.
The quick-drying formula can leave your windows and mirrors shining, and it’s cruelty-free and vegan-friendly to boot. Just make sure to avoid contact with acid-sensitive surfaces such as marble and limestone, and don’t use it on varnished, polished or unsealed wood.
Some reviewers have found that this cleaner occasionally leaves streaks, so we recommend spraying the surface and wiping the product off straight away with a lint-free cloth instead of letting it soak. If you're looking to make bigger changes to your kitchen this spring, don't miss our guides to the best fridge freezers.
3. Best eco-friendly glass cleaner: Method Glass Cleaner Spray
Price on writing: £4 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Liquid spray | Amount: 828ml | Scent: Mint, eucalyptus and peppermint
What we love
- Uses plant-based, vegan-friendly ingredients
- Smells fresh and clean
What to know
- May leave streaks on windows or glass that’s really dirty
- May need to re-apply spray more than one to get results
What Mumsnet users say
“Method Glass Cleaner (bluish liquid) is amazing.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user TigerTulip)
Our verdict
Not only is this glass cleaner from Method better for the environment, but it also comes with a minty aroma, with undertones of eucalyptus leaves and peppermint that’ll leave your home smelling fresh and clean - without the scent of harsh chemicals.
It’s made with plant-based ingredients and is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, so you can clean most surfaces such as showers, windows and glass tables knowing you’re doing your bit for the planet. It's not only free from chemicals, which makes it safer for children and pets, but it also comes in a plastic bottle that’s 100% post-consumer recycled.
But because it only relies on natural ingredients, the Method Glass Cleaner might not be suitable for getting rid of particularly tough stains. Or you may find that you need to spray the product multiple times. While we're on the subject of environmentally-friendly solutions for the kitchen, don't miss our guide to the best vacuum sealers to reduce plastic waste.
4. Best glass hob cleaner: HG Hob Thorough Cleaner
Price on writing: £7 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Liquid | Amount: 250ml | Scent: Unscented
What we love
- Safe to use on induction, gas, glass and ceramic hobs
- Easy to apply
- Removes grease, grime, calcium and cooked-on food
What to know
- May remove oven markings
- Only suitable for cleaning oven hobs
- Expensive for the size of the bottle
What Mumsnet users say
“There’s an HG hob cleaner. I use that or a wet cloth depending on my mood.” (Rated by Mumsnet user RandomDent)
Our verdict
When it comes to cleaning oven hobs, wiping them with a standard cleaner may get rid of food stains but can leave behind unsightly smears. The Hob Thorough Cleaner by HG has been designed to clean and leave a protective shine.
The powerful formula safely removes grease, grime and food marks from induction, gas, glass and ceramic hobs. Simply apply with a cloth, wipe clean and polish to shine, and your hobs will be gleaming again in no time.
Despite this glass cleaner’s powerful chemicals, it has a pleasant aroma that will leave your kitchen looking and smelling clean. However, some reviewers have found that HG Thorough Cleaner caused their hob markings to fade, so remember to do a patch test on your hob before using this product.
5. Best car glass cleaner: Autoglym Fast Glass
Price on writing: £7 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Liquid spray | Amount: 560ml | Scent: Unscented
What we love
- Removes grime, sap, oil, grease and residue
- Suitable for all surfaces of the car
- Streak-free
What to know
- Need to clean large areas before applying
- May need to elbow grease for stubborn stains
- If used on treated paintwork, you need to re-seal and re-polish
What Mumsnet users say
“Would second Autoglym. Always impressed with their products.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user PinkJam)
Our verdict
Many domestic glass cleaners contain wax and silicone, which can have a dangerous smearing effect on windscreens in wet weather, but not Autoglym Fast Glass. As well as being free of wax and silicone, it’s also free from abrasives.
Your car may encounter its fair share of traffic film, grease, dust, bird droppings, oil and even insect remains, but with just a few sprays of Autoglym, you can wipe away any dirt and grime with a microfibre cloth. And to get that ultimate new-car shine, use a different microfibre cloth to buff the window. It’s recommended to clean large surfaces before using the spray to prevent smudging.
This versatile glass cleaner is suitable for cleaning windscreens, glass substitutes, plastics, paintwork, mirrors, your in-car screen and your sat nav equipment without leaving a greasy residue, making it ideal for a shiny car both inside and out.
6. Best glass and mirror cleaner: Nilco Nilglass H3 Glass and Mirror Cleaner
Price on writing: From £12 (for 5L refill) | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Liquid | Amount: Five litres | Scent: Unscented
What we love
- Easy to use
- Suitable for most types of glass
- Five-litre refill offers great value for money
- Variety of sizes to choose from
What to know
- Need a spray bottle to use the refill pack
- Can’t use in direct sunlight
- Must be removed before it dries to avoid streaks
What Mumsnet users say
“Nilglass for glass and mirrors. Nothing compares to how excellent this product is.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Roselilly36)
Our verdict
Designed with professional window cleaners in mind, Nilco Nilgass H3 promises to be a failsafe glass and mirror cleaner for smear-free results. It’s suitable for most types of glass, including shower screens and glass tables, and all water-resistant hard surfaces so you can use it both around your home and to clean your car.
As the formula is so powerful, you only need to spray a small amount and, once you've covered the glass with a light spray, you need to wipe it away with a lint-free cloth and buff it until it's dry. For more stubborn stains, you can leave the spray to soak for a few minutes before wiping it away, but be careful not to leave it on too long as it may cause streaking.
Nilglass is available to buy in 500ml or one-litre trigger spray bottles as well as a five-litre refill, which will save you money and reduce your waste. But if you don’t already have a trigger spray bottle, Nilco offers a one-litre spray bottle and five-litre refill bundle too. Don't miss our guide to the best dish racks for more ways to spruce up your kitchen in 2023.
7. Best shower glass cleaner: Viakal Limescale Remover Spray
Price on writing: £3 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Liquid spray | Amount: 500ml | Scent: Unscented
What we love
- Easy to use
- Removes limescale, dirt and makes bathroom surfaces sparkle
- Works on a multitude of surfaces, including glass doors, ceramic sinks, taps, toilets, bathtubs, chrome, stainless steel and shower walls
What to know
- Strong chemical smell
- Only for bathroom and kitchen use
- Not suitable for use on hot, damaged or acid-sensitive surfaces, enamelled metals, household appliances or natural stone
What Mumsnet users say
"It's the only product I swear by to get water marks off my shower door! We live in a very hard water area and the limescale is shocking. I use it on the bathroom sink and taps, shower heads - anywhere we get hard water marks and limescale. It's brilliant stuff." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user MaggieMagpie357)
Our verdict
While not specifically a glass cleaner, Viakal’s Limescale Remover Spray is very effective at getting rid of limescale and pesky watermarks on your shower screen.
Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch is a fan and uses it on all the shiny areas of her bathroom, such as taps, plugs and shower heads. Simply spray it on, scrub the surface with a non-scratch scourer to remove any stains and leave to soak for 20 minutes. Then rinse and buff with a clean microfibre cloth.
Viakal also helps to prevent limescale build-up but does have a strong chemical smell, so make sure to open your windows when cleaning. Alternatively, for a fresher, less chemically aroma, you may prefer Viakal Fresh, which is the same Viakal cleaner but scented with Febreze.
8. Best glass cleaner for house windows: HG Glass and Mirror Spray
Price on writing: £2.50 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Liquid spray | Amount: 500ml | Scent: Unscented
What we love
- Affordable
- Suitable for cleaning all windows and mirrors
- Minimal wiping and fast-drying formula
What to know
- Must wear protective gloves and eyewear
- Strong chemical smell
What Mumsnet users say
“I just discovered a product called HG. Game-changer!” (Rated by Mumsnet user Notsurenow43)
Our verdict
HG has a whole range of products for cleaning your home, from mould removers to toilet cleaners. Their Glass and Mirror Spray is a great low-price option for tackling dirt and grease on all glass surfaces inside and outside of your home.
This versatile 500ml bottle is particularly useful for getting rid of a build-up of soap residue on shower screens, and wiping smears off glass tables and dirty fingerprints off mirrors to give you that much-desired streak-free finish. It can also clean windows, doors, car interiors, glass cabinets, conservatories, sheds and bi-fold doors.
It’s easy to use as all you need to do is spray the surface and wipe it away with a dry, clean cloth or kitchen roll. You don’t need to wait around either as this fast-drying product gets to work in less than five minutes. However, you will need to wear protective gloves and eyewear when using it and to ventilate the area well. For more ways to spruce up your home, don't miss our guide to the best placemats and best kitchen bins.
9. Best foam glass cleaner: House Mate Foam Mirror and Glass Cleaner
Price: £3 | Buy now from Lakeland
Key specs
Type: Sprayable foam | Amount: 400ml | Scent: Unscented
What we love
- Easy to use with no drips
- Smear and streak-free
- Suitable for all glass surfaces
What to know
- Need to wipe off immediately to prevent smears
- Chemical odour
Our verdict
With House Mate Foaming Mirror and Glass Cleaner, you don’t have to worry about wiping away drip marks or unnecessary waste. Unlike water-based products, the foam sticks to the glass to get working on any stains, smears or dirt immediately.
It works on all glass surfaces, including windows, car windows, mirrors, glass shelves, glass tables shower screens and induction hobs.
To get a shining and sparkling surface, spray the foam on then wipe it off with a lint-free cloth. While using the cleaner, ensure the area is well-ventilated as it does have a strong chemical smell.
10. Best glass cleaner wipes: E-Cloth Glass and Polishing Cloth
Price on writing: £13 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Fabric | Amount: Four-pack | Scent: Unscented
What we love
- Easy to use, and all you need is water to get your glass shiny
- Environmentally-friendly
- Washable and reusable
- Comes with a three-year (or 300-wash) guarantee
What to know
- Material is quite thin
- May not work on very dirty or grimy glass
What Mumsnet users say
“Buy an E-Cloth. They are fab and then all you need is water to clean with.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user newcupcake)
Our verdict
If you don’t like using chemicals, an E-Cloth is a very effective alternative. Using masses of microfibres, it removes dirt and streaks from glass surfaces with only water. For tough stains, you can also use these E-Cloths with one of the above glass cleaners, simply spray the glass and wipe the residue away.
The cloth absorbs moisture and over 99% of bacteria to leave your mirrors, windows, chrome and other surfaces looking clean and smudge-free. Afterwards, you simply throw it in the washing machine and reuse once dry.
There’s no plastic or paper waste, and it’ll be much nicer on your bank balance too. This pack also comes with four cloths and a three-year or 300-wash guarantee if you find it’s not doing its job properly.
Unfortunately, the material is quite thin, which means you need to make sure you have a good grip of the cloth, otherwise you might end up with more smears than you started with.
What do professionals clean glass with?
A professional window cleaner will always get your windows shining again, but once you have the right tools it’s fairly easy to do yourself too. Choosing the right day is key though – while a sunny day will reveal any hidden smears and dirt, it’s better to clean your windows on a cloudy day as the sun could dry your windows too quickly.
1. Clean
Prepare your cleaning solution - many window cleaners swear by dishwasher liquid, such as Fairy Washing Up Liquid. For exterior windows, you can add approximately a teaspoon to some cold water in a bucket (for interior windows, use a spray bottle). Avoid making too many soap suds and use a sponge or scrubber (professionals also use squeegees) to clean your windows, making sure to squeeze out any excess water. Work in an ‘S’ pattern around the glass until it’s clean.
2. Dry
Once all the dirt and dust has been removed, use a rubber squeegee to wipe the glass until it’s dry, moving it horizontally across the window to push the water down. In between wipes, use a microfibre cloth or towel to clean the blade and repeat until all the water has gone.
3. Polish
To finish, a professional window cleaner will always polish the glass. To do this, simply use a clean microfibre cloth to wipe the edges of the window and clean the glass of any smears.
What is the best way to clean glass without streaks?
Whether you’re cleaning a glass window, shower screen, table or cabinet, there are certain steps you need to take to avoid streaks and smears.
But what are streaks? Streaks are residue that is left behind. This is why most professional window cleaners choose to clean windows on mild, cloudy days instead of warm, sunny ones because the sun evaporates the window cleaner quicker and causes streaks to appear. Streaks also appear on the glass when you use too much liquid or don’t successfully remove all of it.
To avoid streaky glass when using window or glass cleaners, we recommend you follow our step-by-step guide:
1. Choose your glass cleaner carefully
There’s a vast selection of glass cleaners available. Some are multipurpose, while others are specific for certain types of glass (such as car windows).
We recommend you choose a glass cleaner with either ammonia or isopropyl alcohol in it as these ingredients prevent streaks. Alternatively, you can make your own glass cleaner using white vinegar.
2. Spray the glass with your cleaner
Use a spray bottle and lightly cover the glass with your cleaning solution. Start at the top of the glass and work your way down, ensuring all of the glass is covered in the cleaner.
Avoid using too much glass cleaner as this may lead to streaks. If needs be, you can always apply more later.
3. Scrub the glass with a microfibre cloth
Using a microfibre cloth, start scrubbing the cleaning solution into the glass. Work your way from one corner to the other and then move the cloth down and scrub from side to side again. Keep scrubbing from side to side and moving down the glass, until you’ve wiped all sections of it.
If you prefer to, you can use a squeegee or even newspaper instead of a microfibre cloth. But don’t use paper towels as these will leave behind lint and streaks.
4. Buff the glass with a dry microfibre cloth
There are bound to be small spots that you’ve missed, so take a step back and examine any imperfections on the glass then scrub the stain in a circular motion using a clean microfibre cloth. Repeat the buffing process for each spot that you’ve missed.
If the glass still looks streaky or dirty, re-apply the cleaning solution then scrub and buff until the stains are gone.
Top tip: If you’re shining a mirror or glass with stubborn marks on it, such as hairspray or toothpaste, and have followed the above steps, you can remove the stains with isopropyl alcohol. Simply pour some isopropyl alcohol onto a cotton pad and dab or scrub at the stain until it’s gone.
How do I choose the best glass cleaner?
The first thing to consider when choosing the best glass cleaner is what you need it for. Do you want a glass cleaner that works on multiple surfaces or only specific ones? For example, if you’re cleaning an oven hob then you’ll want the HG Hob Thorough Cleaner, which is designed specifically for hobs. Whereas, if you want a glass cleaner for multiple surfaces then the Astonish Window and Glass Cleaner is ideal.
Looking at the ingredients is another way to choose the best glass cleaner for your surfaces. Some people prefer to use products with ammonia in it, such as Windex Original, as this helps to prevent streaks and makes glass shiny, but it can also smell strongly and irritate your skin and eyes.
Other people prefer to use glass cleaners that use less harsh chemicals such as hexoxyethanol, isopropanolamine or sodium laureth sulphate. You can also find glass cleaners that are chemical-free, such as the Method Glass Cleaner.
You might also want to think about the scent before you choose the best glass cleaner. Natural ingredient glass cleaners often contain scents such as mint and eucalyptus, and you can also find ones that have added scents, such as Viakal Fresh.
Most chemical-based glass cleaners are unscented, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have an aroma, which may smell strongly and require good ventilation.
What is the best product to clean glass?
We think Windex Original is the most effective glass cleaner, as it’s versatile and can clean mirrors, showers and even printer heads. Although it’s not the cheapest, it’s highly rated - and it’s easy to see why. This streak-eliminating formula effortlessly cuts through dirt and grease to give a lasting shine.
What is the best homemade window cleaner?
A popular homemade solution uses white vinegar to clean glass. Add two tablespoons of vinegar to water either in a bucket or a spray bottle then use a lint-free cloth to rub the mixture onto the glass and a second clean cloth to dry it and remove any smears.
The solution may smell for a while but shouldn’t last long. But be careful though as it can discolour some materials, such as wood. For very dirty windows, you can also add ammonia, but make sure you wear gloves. Instead of using a cloth, newspapers can also be effective at getting rid of smears.
How we chose our recommendations
Fingertip-stained glass and dirt-smeared windows are not only unsightly but can increase allergens and encourage mould to grow in your home, which is why choosing an effective glass cleaner is vital.
To ensure we were bringing you the very best glass cleaner recommendations, we scoured Mumsnet forums to see which products were highly-rated by families who have tried and tested them in their own homes.
By relying on honest and unbiased recommendations from real people, we were then able to conduct in-depth research on each product, including the product’s efficiency at removing stains, ease of use and pros and cons. We also widened our search and compared consumer feedback on retailer websites, such as Amazon, to get a clearer picture of which glass cleaners were most effective.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.