What is Windex’s/Ammonia’s primary use?
Windex is generally known for removing stains and dirt from people’s windows and glasses. It is originally known for this, but now, Windex has expanded and moved on to cleaning nearly everything like spills and other messes.
Ammonia is mainly used as fertilizer for crops. Ammonia also serves as a starting material for many important nitrogen compounds.
How does it work?
Windex’s most important ingredient is ammonia. The correct amount of this powerful chemical reacts with the dirt and grime and removes it from the glass. The dirt can then be cleaned up with something like a paper towel. Windex also contains Ethylene which is an acidic compound that kills germs and bacteria. Water helps to balance the pH level and dilutes ammonia and other ingredients.
Other Uses
Windex has many different products that complete different tasks. Windex divides their many products into four different broad categories:
- Best on Glass
- Best on Almost Everything
- Best Outside
- Best on Electronics
The first category is what Windex is known for. Cleaning glass is mainly what Windex does. Many products serve this function including the classic spray, aerosol can and glass wipes.
Fig. 9 Windex Glass Cleaners (Windex, n.d)
The second category is for cleaning just about anything. It is specialized so that you can spray it on just about any surface without harming it. The different products in this category vary in fragrance.
Fig. 10 Windex All Surface Cleaner (Windex, n.d)
The third group works for cleaning windows or glass outside. It also works to clean your patio. There is a cleaning tool and a spray that is available in this category.
Fig. 11 Windex Outside Products (Windex, n.d)
Finally, the last category mainly focuses on cleaning electronics such as smartphones or computer screens. It consists of chemicals that do not harm or damage the screens. There are only wipes available in this category as expected.
Fig.12 Windex Electronic Wipes (Windex, n.d)
Windex also has some other uses that may not correlate to cleaning windows or glasses:
This video shows six different ways Windex can be utilized other than what it is mainly intended for. (HouseholdHacker, 2014)
Windex - Ammonia 