Every house has a huge number of glass and mirror surfaces that a person interacts with every day. Dust, dirt and soap streaks not only impair the appearance of objects, but also interfere with the normal penetration of light through windows. Therefore, the housewives have the question of how to choose a product that can easily clean glass and mirrors, give them shine and protect them from dust and fine debris for a long time. The main selection criteria are discussed in detail in this article.
Content
Depending on the composition of the detergent, it is able to fight different types of dirt. To understand which substance is better to buy, you should pay attention to the base.
It is the most common substance found in most glass cleaners. Products with such an element have a specific aroma that cannot be eliminated by chemical fragrances.
Isopropyl alcohol has good dissolving properties, so it can be used to easily remove both light dirt and fresh grease on glass surfaces.
Such a base contains inexpensive detergent products, it is easy to use. Household products that contain isopropyl alcohol in their composition do not need to be additionally washed off with water, since the substance evaporates quickly, and the components themselves do not leave streaks on glasses and mirrors.
However, budget isopropyl-based cleaners do not do well on old greasy stains, paint marks, and other stubborn stains.
Benzyl alcohol is another component of cleaning products. Often, such products additionally contain foaming agents that more effectively deal with any contamination. When using these products, you do not need to make efforts to remove stains, and the substances do not leave streaks and soap deposits on the glass.
Detergents with benzyl alcohol have a strong odor that disappears with use and are quite expensive.
Since ancient times, ammonia has been used as a cleaning product for glass surfaces.It used to be mixed with a soapy water that was used to wash dirty windows and mirrors. Now this substance is actively used in factories for the production of household chemicals.
Ammonia copes well with heavy dirt without leaving strong streaks on mirrored surfaces. Also, this substance gives the glass a glossy shine and quickly evaporates from its surface.
The disadvantages of this base include a pungent and difficult to remove ammonia odor, which most people cannot tolerate.
In recent years, means for washing glasses and mirrors, containing plant surface-active substances (surfactants), have become increasingly popular. They are made from plant materials and are completely biodegradable.
Household chemicals containing such substances effectively fight pollution, do not have a strong unpleasant odor and do not cause allergic reactions. Often, such compositions contain products from network companies.
It should be borne in mind that funds with such a composition are quite expensive. However, their price is justified by economical consumption and high quality.
Manufacturers use a variety of additional components to improve the functionality and performance of glass cleaners. These substances include:
To quickly and efficiently clean the glass doors of the shower stall and mirrors in the bathroom, you should choose products that contain acids. They effectively break down the alkaline compounds that make up soap and lime deposits. However, it should be borne in mind that such components cannot be used to clean metal surfaces.
Light dirt and a thin layer of limescale can be removed with multipurpose products. It is enough to spray them on the required areas and leave for 15 minutes, and then remove with a napkin. Such substances are often used to clean tiles and sanitary ware.
Not every glass cleaner can be used to clean frosted surfaces and glass with a darkening film. Frosted glasses have slight roughness on their surface, therefore, dirt must be removed from them with extreme caution to avoid damage.
Basically, for such glasses and mirrors, substances based on surfactants or alcohol are used. They easily remove simple stains, and their formulations gently affect unusual surfaces.
But to remove old and greasy dirt, it is necessary to use only those cleaning agents that contain ethyl alcohol. Fresh stains from these glasses can be easily removed with dishwashing detergent.
Video-examination of detergents:
There is a wide range of household chemicals on the market, which are designed for glass care. Among them there are several products that have already managed to win a lot of positive reviews from consumers due to their quality and effectiveness. Below is a rating of the best manufacturers and detergents for cleaning windows and mirrors in 2024 in this segment and information on how much it costs to purchase them.
The liquid is a blue professional detergent. Concentrated liquids are produced in large volumes - 5 liters. The substance easily copes with grease, plaque and other stubborn dirt on all types of glass surfaces, including stained glass and plexiglass. In its composition, Aqualon does not contain alcohol, gives the glass a shine, leaving no streaks.
The average price is 369 rubles.
The product represents the segment of ECO substances for cleaning glass surfaces. It contains only natural ingredients, no petrochemical products, chlorine and phosphates. Removes impurities due to vegetable surfactants and ethyl alcohol. The manufacturer recommends using AlmaWin Glas & Fenster spray not only for cleaning mirrors and windows, but also for plastic items, tiles and monitors.
The average price is 480 rubles.
This product is designed to remove all types of dirt. It can be applied not only to glass surfaces, but also to ceramics, stainless steel, plastic and wood. The volume of the product is 750 ml.
The average price is 85 rubles.
The most affordable product in the rating. This spray with isopropyl alcohol in the composition effectively fights against old and difficult stains, for example, greasy stains on all glass surfaces, as well as porcelain and tiles. It works immediately after application, does not leave streaks and gives shine. Available in volumes of 500 and 750 ml.
The average price is 45 rubles.
This cleaning agent effectively fights dirt on all types of surfaces, leaving a fresh scent after use. Ecover Multi-Action Spray does not need to be rinsed off as it does not leave streaks on glass surfaces. The manufacturer notes that the product is completely safe not only for humans, since inhalation of this substance is not harmful to health, but also to the environment. It is based on vegetable surfactants. The spray volume is 500 ml.
The average price is 384 rubles.
Molecola has not only cleansing but also disinfecting properties. The components of the spray effectively remove any dirt in the bathroom, and with constant use can prevent the formation of mold. The product is available in a volume of 500 ml.
The average price is 166 rubles.
It is a green or pink liquid, which is intended exclusively for cleaning glass and mirrors.Available in spray format with berry and neutral aromas. The main substance in this product is ammonia, which easily fights various contaminants without leaving streaks. During use, the manufacturer recommends the use of personal protective equipment. Available in a volume of 500 ml.
The average price is 180 rubles.
The product belongs to the segment of professional household chemicals and is positioned as a substance for the maintenance of chandeliers. It does not need to be washed off the surface thanks to a special technology that dissolves dirt and drops from the cleaned surface. Thus, scratches and streaks do not remain on glass and crystal.
Average price - 407 rubles
Another product that represents environmentally friendly cleaning products for all types of glass surfaces, including plastic windows. The spray consists of a transparent liquid with a spray gun that operates in two modes. All components of Synergetic are natural, therefore the product is safe for health. The fragrance of the product is floral, unobtrusive. It does not need to be washed off, it is enough to remove it from the surface with a dry cloth.
The average price is 88 rubles.
Ecover Window & Glass Cleaner is the most popular glass cleaner among eco-friendly household products. The components easily remove all types of dirt. The composition does not contain synthetic fragrances, and the product itself is made in the format of liquid foam, which cleans surfaces more effectively. The product is available in a volume of 500 ml.
The average price is 339 rubles.
When deciding which company products are better to buy. you should carefully study the composition of the substance, characteristics, precautions for use, as well as for what materials it is intended. People prone to allergic reactions should approach this issue with extreme caution, and not just look at the popularity of cleaning products in order to avoid unpleasant consequences for their body.