Remember the favorite catchphrase of the rollicking patriarch in My Big Fat Greek Wedding?
“Put some Windex on it!”
He insisted that there were untapped Windex uses just waiting to be discovered.
Turns out, he may have been on to something. Windex is an incredibly useful product. Most of us have no clue that we’ve been missing out for years.
After all, Windex is best known as the sparkling blue cleaning product that polishes windows and mirrors without leaving streaks.
However, much like pickle juice, this common household product hides secret uses that are under-appreciated by the general public.
Sure, it might make your windows shiny, but did you know that you can also use it on your upholstery, your jewelry, and even your skin? That’s right, your favorite cleaning product might also be your secret to ageless beauty. When’s the last time a household product did that for you?
The myriad Windex uses out there are pretty impressive, and it’s about time we all learn to appreciate them and put them to use!
Scroll through below to learn why it’s time to make like Papa Portokalos and put some Windex on it!
What Is Windex?
Windex is a cleaning product that is best known for its ability to clean glass and shiny surfaces without leaving streaks or cloudy smears.
The original Windex formula was largely made of ammonia and ethyl alcohol.
Today, the updated formula contains ammonia, alcohol, detergents, solvents, fragrance, and that signature blue tint.
These ingredients make it useful for all kinds of everyday problems!
Windex Use #1: Lift Stains From Upholstery
Got a smudge or a stain on your upholstered couch or carpet? Don’t worry!
As soon as you notice the stain, blot what you can with a damp rag. Do not rub the stain.
Then, spray clear (not blue!) Windex on the stain until saturated, and blot gently with a clean dry rag to lift the stain up and out of the fibers.
Windex Use #2: Get Rid Of Perfume Smells
You accidentally sprayed on way too much perfume last week, and now you can’t get it out of your favorite top. Laundry detergent doesn’t seem to make a dent.
If you’re dealing with a strong substance that is designed to leave a “sticky” smell behind, the ammonia in Windex might be a saving grace.
Soak the garment in a tub with a mixture of three parts warm water and one part clear Windex, then rinse with cool water and run through a normal laundry cycle.
This tip can also help with cigarette smoke, lingering body odor, and other unwanted smells.
Windex Use #3: Spot-Treat Acne
Do not — we repeat, do not — start splashing Windex on your face like it’s a toner that will clear out your pores for good.
This stuff is a heavy-duty household cleaner and can cause serious damage if it gets in your eyes or on your skin in large concentrations.
However, lots of people swear up and down that it’s the best spot treatment for super-stubborn pimples.
If you decide to give it a shot, mix a few drops of Windex into distilled water. Dip a cotton swap in the mixture, then apply it only to the trouble spot.
Windex Use #4: Keep Bugs At Bay
Even the cleanest kitchen occasionally attracts some unwanted guests. Ants are a particular nuisance because they come in hordes and invite all their friends.
If you spot a line of ants sneaking into your kitchen, try spraying them down with Windex to kill them. You can also try tracking the line back to the colony to kill the queen ant.
Using Windex will banish the bugs, and it’s healthier on humans than hardcore pesticides.
Windex Use #5: Slip Off A Tight Ring
It’s really easy to get a ring stuck on your finger, especially when it’s warm out or you wear the ring all the time.
Next time it happens, take a deep breath and reach for the Windex.
Unlike other ring-removal systems (like soap or butter) Windex is lubricating without being slippery. It also temporarily makes your skin lose a bit of inflammation, so you’ll be able to grip the ring while you slip it off.
Windex Use #6: Unstick A Zipper
It’s really easy to yank a zipper just a little bit too enthusiastically, causing the teeth to get caught in the surrounding fabric. Fortunately, it’s usually pretty simple to dislodge.
For a trickier jam, try spraying some Windex on the teeth of the affected area and tugging gently on the pull.
The lubricating properties of the cleaning product will help the teeth slide free and won’t leave a goopy residue like petroleum jelly or soap would.
Windex Use #7: Cut Through Tough Grease
You whipped up a delicious meal, but didn’t notice that the grease was burning on the bottom. Now you’re stuck with a hard-baked crust of grease that just won’t budge.
Try filling the pan with a solution of Windex and hot water and letting it soak for 30 minutes. Spray Windex directly on the impacted area and scrub loose with a sponge.
Make sure to wash the pan thoroughly again with hot water and dish soap before using to avoid ingesting any Windex.
Windex Use #8: Soothe A Sting
Summertime is a lot of fun, but all those backyard barbecues and camping trips lead to a serious spike in insect bites.
If you have an itchy bug bite and it’s driving you nuts, Windex can be a great solution in a pinch.
Use a pure-ammonia product like AfterBite if you can access it, though if it’s an emergency, a dash of Windex on the impacted area will quiet that itch right down.
Windex Use #9: Make Jewelry Sparkle
If you have silver or gold jewelry that’s looking a bit tarnished, give it a quick Windex bath to give it back its sparkle.
Let the jewelry soak 30 seconds, then scrub down with a soft, clean toothbrush.
Plated jewelry, costume jewelry, and porous gemstones like turquoise, pearls, and emeralds will not respond well.
Windex Use #10: Clean Just About Anything!
Windex is primarily designed to clean windows and other glass, but it can also be used as an all-purpose cleaner in an emergency.
The ammonia solution in the cleaner can help eliminate germs and scrub up messes in just about any scenario if you don’t have access to an all-purpose cleaner.
The one exception is countertops. Windex can cause damage on porous counters like those made of marble.
How many of these Windex tricks did you know about? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to SHARE these handy tips.