Windex not the same as Glass Cleaner? Bad for the Stainless?

[ideaXfactory]

So I decided to do a simple ph test on Windex myself...

Windex has long been used synonymously in slang with Glass Cleaner, but it's important to recognize that it is a very strong cleaner that typically contain ammonia.

It was also so strongly alkaline - reading off the scale. Also off the scale reading on PH.

But I was surprised to see what is considered an unsafe level of lead, and also high Manganese and Copper. I suppose you are not drinking it here, still plenty of skin contact and vapors...

Yes it is a strong cleaner, but clearly it's not ph neutral, and also Ammonia is known to be damaging to Stainless Steel, especially if used repeatedly.

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[Crissa]

So I decided to do a simple ph test on Windex myself...

Windex has long been used synonymously in slang with Glass Cleaner, but it's important to recognize that it is a very strong cleaner that typically contain ammonia.

It was also so strongly alkaline - reading off the scale. Also off the scale reading on PH.

But I was surprised to see what is considered an unsafe level of lead, and also high Manganese and Copper. I suppose you are not drinking it here, still plenty of skin contact and vapors...

Yes it is a strong cleaner, but clearly it's not ph neutral, and also Ammonia is known to be damaging to Stainless Steel, especially if used repeatedly.

Are you sure the colorant isn't messing with your results?

But yes, most glass cleaners are alkaline, because in combination with oil, the oil becomes soap.

Alkalines are less good for steel, as oxidizers are alkaline. Acids aren't great, but stainless mildly resists them - but that'll remove patina.

-Crissa

 

[ideaXfactory]

Are you sure the colorant isn't messing with your results?

Nope not sure, but chlorine and 6-7 of light colored tests are all reading fine.

 

[ideaXfactory]

In terms of Safety concerns, I did find this online:

Ammonium Hydroxide found in the cleaner can cause severe eye and skin irritation when you accidentally spray yourself. Along with these symptoms, you might also have coughing, sore throat, and hard breathing. If the cleanser gets in your eyes, you’ll endure burns, redness, and blurred vision.

Propylene glycol: Your liver, brain, and kidneys may be at risk if exposed to this component in Windex for an extended period. If someone in your family has asthma, it can also set it off.

Swallowing the cleaner: If you happen to swallow the cleaner accidentally, you might experience irritation in your throat, windpipe, and lungs. You might also experience stomach pains. However, this is a short-term effect caused by ammonia and other chemicals. Repeated exposure will lead to permanent damage in those areas.

Safety Precautions While Using Windex

Most people will continue to use Windex because it is an efficient cleaner. However, it would be wise to be aware of and take safety measures when using. You should take the following safety precautions, which are highlighted below:

Wearing safety glasses will prevent Windex from getting into your eyes.
Never apply ammonia to just any surface. Make sure the surface you’re putting Windex on won’t get scratched.
To prevent the release of chloramine, a harmful gas that can lead to respiratory problems, do not combine Windex and bleach.
If there is any contact with your skin or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water immediately. Get medical help if irritation doesn’t go away.
Keep Windex out of children’s reach in closed cabinets or other places they cannot access.
Because the containers for Windex are plastic, you should keep them away from heat sources.

 

[Crissa]

Propylene glycol is just a surfactant. It's pH neutral generally.

Ammonium Hydroxide is a base (alkaline) it's a pH over 11.

Your thread implies a question, but I can't figure it out.

-Crissa

 

[ideaXfactory]

Your thread implies a question, but I can't figure it out.

Surprised that seems obtuse to someone that seems literate...

Anyway, do/would you use Windex on your Cybertruck glass? Do you think it's fine to also use the ammonia Windex brand on Stainless Steel?

I think it's fine to use a ph neutral glass cleaner, but I wouldn't use Windex myself.

That is consistent with the manual, in that it says to only use ph neutral products.

Franz himself said (in an interview) to not use Windex on the Cybertruck glass, as it might damage it.

 

[Woodrick]

So I decided to do a simple ph test on Windex myself...

Windex has long been used synonymously in slang with Glass Cleaner, but it's important to recognize that it is a very strong cleaner that typically contain ammonia.

It was also so strongly alkaline - reading off the scale. Also off the scale reading on PH.

But I was surprised to see what is considered an unsafe level of lead, and also high Manganese and Copper. I suppose you are not drinking it here, still plenty of skin contact and vapors...

Yes it is a strong cleaner, but clearly it's not ph neutral, and also Ammonia is known to be damaging to Stainless Steel, especially if used repeatedly.

Why do you expect a glass cleaner to be pH neutral? Most cleaners are either a base or acid, that's how they do their job.
Heck even water isn't pH neutral.

BTW, you do know that the earth is radioactive don't you?

 

[Kahpernicus]

Can't compare a formula to a generic term.

Glass cleaner can mean different things based on use case.

 

[countryboy]

The amount of ammonium hydroxide in Windex is minimal. While continuous exposure to strong mixtures (20%+) can cause corrosion (304 is rated "good" and 316 is "excellent" resistance for NH4OH production equipment), you are not really going to hurt the SS with Windex, especially if you're wiping it off. But you should see what NH4OH does to aluminum! Some foil and Draino in a bottle of water with a balloon on top is interesting... well anyways, don't spill THAT on your CT, unless you have a YT channel and want to share.

 

[SlegMD]

Concentrations matter

 

[Cybergirl]

I've been using Optimum's ONR to clean my CT. It comes as a concentrate (1oz per 2 gallons of water). One $19 bottle with make 64 gallons of cleaner. It removes finger prints on the stainless steel completely. It seems to resist new finger prints, as well. I use it to clean the whole truck inside and out using microfiber cloths.

 

[elyliu]

I've been using Optimum's ONR to clean my CT. It comes as a concentrate (1oz per 2 gallons of water). One $19 bottle with make 64 gallons of cleaner. It removes finger prints on the stainless steel completely. It seems to resist new finger prints, as well. I use it to clean the whole truck inside and out using microfiber cloths.

I just got a bottle of ONR. Thanks

 

[cybertruckgg]

I saw some content on YT not long ago by a Cybertruck owner that swore by Sprayway Glass Cleaner which is ammonia free. Bought several cans, seesms great for cleaning glass, although now it's looking almost certain that I'm going to wrap my Cybertruck, so most likely won't even need it for the panels themselves.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sprayway-Glass-Cleaner-Aerosol-19-Oz/19662711

For inside windshield detailing there's a Adam's Polishes product called "Brillian Glaze" that can be used for a pristine finish. I use it on another vehicle, no streaks or haze at all.

 

[scottf200]

a) Previous discussed site on windex on stainless steel.
b) ammonia free alternative discussed before.
c) Optimum No Rinse / ONR has been discussed before. search link for it

Can You Use Windex on Stainless Steel?		https://houseandhomeonline.com/can-you-use-windex-on-stainless-steel/
Invisible Glass	Windex alternative (ammonia free)	https://invisibleglass.com/			Amazon:	https://www.amazon.com/stores/InvisibleGlass/page/4A5C8860-150E-4E84-A7E0-7AC9D59542E5
Sprayway Glass Cleaner	Windex alternative (ammonia free)	https://spraywayretail.com/product-category/glass-cleaners/			Amazon:	https://www.amazon.com/Sprayway-Glass-Cleaner-Aerosol-19/dp/B07895GYGW	Walmart:	https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sprayway-Glass-Cleaner-Aerosol-19-Oz/19662711

 

[Woodrick]

Just go to the source.

Cleaning (tesla.com)

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