Katrina Rosales
Windex is a popular glass and surface cleaner that has been around for decades. The product has evolved over time, with the original formula being yellow and ammonia-based, while the current version is typically blue and offers a range of fragrances. While some people find the smell of ammonia pleasant, others prefer fragrance-free options, and Windex now offers a variety of scented and unscented products to cater to different preferences. The brand has also expanded its line to include different colours and fragrances such as ocean mist, lavender, and tea tree, as well as additives like vinegar, lemon, and orange juice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Ingredients | Detergents, solvents, fragrance, and sometimes ammonia |
| Original Colour | Yellow |
| Current Common Colour | Blue |
| Other Colours | Ocean fresh blue, sunshine lemon, and citrus orange |
| Fragrances | Spring bouquet, ocean mist, lavender, and tea tree |
| Additives | Vinegar, lemon, lime, or orange juice |
| Example Formula | 4.0% isopropyl alcohol, 1% ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, 0.1% sodium lauryl sulfate, calcium (Ca) 0.01%, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, 0.05% of 28% ammonia, 1% of a dye solution, and 0.01% perfume |
| Ammonia Content in 1989 | 5% |
| Other Products | Ammonia-free glass cleaner, vinegar glass cleaner, disinfectant cleaner multi-surface, disinfectant cleaner multi-surface with Glade® Rainshower®, multi-surface cleaner lavender, outdoor sprayer, and electronics wipes |
| Notes | Citrus, pine, mint, and kumquat |
| pH Level | Alkaline formula is more effective at removing grease |
| pH Adjusters | Monoisopropanolamine |
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What You'll Learn
Windex contains ammonia, which has a strong odour
Windex, an American brand of glass and hard-surface cleaner, contains ammonia, which has a strong odour. While the product is marketed in several fragrances, including spring bouquet, ocean mist, lavender, and tea tree, the presence of ammonia is likely to be the most prominent "note" in the original blue Windex formula. Ammonia, or ammonium hydroxide, is a common household cleaning agent that effectively removes dirt and adjusts pH levels to improve stability. However, it has a distinct and strong odour that some people may find unpleasant.
The inclusion of ammonia in Windex is not without purpose. Ammonia is a powerful ingredient that enhances the cleaning capabilities of the product. It helps to dissolve grease and grime, ensuring that surfaces are thoroughly cleaned. Additionally, ammonia has disinfectant properties, contributing to Windex's ability to eliminate germs and bacteria.
Despite the functional benefits of ammonia, its strong odour has prompted the development of alternative formulas. Recognising that some consumers prefer products with milder or no scents, Windex now offers a range of ammonia-free options. These alternatives, such as the Windex Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner, Windex Vinegar Glass Cleaner, and Windex Disinfectant Cleaner Multi-Surface, provide effective cleaning without the characteristic ammonia fragrance.
The original Windex formula, containing ammonia, was patented in 1969 by Melvin E. Stonebraker and Samuel P. Wise. This formula included 0.05% of a 28% ammonia solution, along with other ingredients like isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and a small percentage of perfume. Over the years, the Windex formula has evolved, and by 1989, it was recorded as a 5% ammonia solution.
While the presence of ammonia in Windex contributes to its effectiveness as a cleaning agent, it's important to recognise that not everyone appreciates its strong odour. For those sensitive to smells or seeking a more subtle fragrance, the availability of ammonia-free Windex products ensures that consumers have options to suit their preferences.
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Ammonium hydroxide is used to achieve the same cleaning results with less ammonia
Ammonium hydroxide, also known as ammonia water, ammoniacal liquor, ammonia liquor, aqua ammonia, aqueous ammonia, or simply ammonia, is a solution of ammonia in water. It is a colourless liquid with a distinct, bitter, suffocating odour and an acrid taste. Ammonium hydroxide can contain up to 30% pure ammonia, though household ammonia typically contains 5% to 10% ammonia.
Ammonium hydroxide is a common ingredient in cleaning solutions due to its ability to break down grime and stains from fats and oils, as well as its quick evaporation time, which helps to prevent streaking. It is often found in glass and hard-surface cleaners, such as Windex.
Windex is an American brand of glass and hard-surface cleaners that is now manufactured by S. C. Johnson. The original Windex was yellow, but it is now commonly blue, and varieties are marketed in several colours and fragrances, including spring bouquet, ocean mist, lavender, and tea tree. While the specific fragrance used in Windex is not publicly disclosed, it likely contains some amount of ammonia, as this is an ingredient in many glass cleaners and was historically used in Windex at concentrations of up to 5%.
Today, Windex offers several ammonia-free products, such as the Windex® Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner, which is recommended for use on car windows and tinted windows, mirrors, glass, chrome, stainless steel, plastic, and vinyl surfaces. Ammonium hydroxide, and by extension, ammonia, is still used in many other Windex products, such as the original blue Windex, to achieve effective cleaning results.
In addition to its use in cleaning products, ammonium hydroxide also has applications in creating ammoniated straw to address winter cattle feed shortages, darkening wood in furniture, purifying wastewater, and preparing new fish tanks for fish by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria.
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Windex's original fragrance was yellow
Windex, the American brand of glass and hard-surface cleaner, was originally yellow in colour. The product was first sold in glass containers, but later switched to plastic. The original Windex formula contained 0.05% ammonia, which has a strong odour.
While the exact fragrance notes of the original Windex formula are not publicly available, it is likely that the product had a strong ammonia scent. Some people enjoy the smell of ammonia, while others find it unpleasant. However, it is worth noting that modern Windex products have been formulated to use less ammonia, achieving the same cleaning results.
In addition to ammonia, the original Windex formula may have also contained other ingredients with distinct fragrances. These could include ethylene glycol n-hexyl ether, a solvent commonly found in rust removers and hard surface cleaners, or monoisopropanolamine, a pH adjuster found in grease removers and glass cleaners.
Today, Windex is commonly blue in colour and is marketed in a variety of fragrances, including spring bouquet, ocean mist, lavender, and tea tree. These fragrances are achieved through the use of additives such as vinegar, lemon, lime, or orange juice. While the original Windex fragrance may have been predominantly ammonia-scented due to its high ammonia content, the modern Windex products offer a range of pleasant fragrances to enhance the cleaning experience.
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Windex now comes in a variety of fragrances, including spring bouquet and ocean mist
Windex is a popular American brand of glass and hard-surface cleaner. The original Windex was yellow, but today it is commonly available in blue. Over the years, Windex has expanded its product line to include a range of colours and fragrances to cater to diverse consumer preferences.
The brand now offers several varieties of Windex, including different colours such as ocean fresh blue, sunshine lemon, and citrus orange. In addition to these colour options, Windex also provides a selection of fragrances like spring bouquet and ocean mist, allowing users to freshen their spaces while cleaning.
The spring bouquet fragrance likely evokes a sense of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass, reminiscent of a leisurely walk through a park on a crisp spring morning. On the other hand, the ocean mist fragrance probably captures the essence of crashing waves and the crispness of a seaside breeze, bringing a touch of coastal freshness to any room.
These fragrances are achieved through a combination of carefully selected ingredients. While the specific formulas are not publicly available, Windex products typically contain detergents, solvents, and fragrances, with some varieties containing ammonia. The fragrances are designed to complement the cleaning experience, providing a pleasant aroma that enhances the overall appeal of the product.
For those who are sensitive to fragrances or prefer a more neutral cleaning experience, Windex also offers fragrance-free options, ensuring that everyone can find a suitable variant for their needs.
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Windex also offers fragrance-free options
Windex is a popular glass and surface cleaner that is well-known for its original blue colour. While the product typically contains fragrances, Windex also offers fragrance-free options for those who are sensitive to smells or prefer unscented cleaning products.
The Windex Glass and More Cleaner is a fragrance-free option available in a 13.8-ounce, two-pack format. It is designed to be used on various surfaces, including internal and external windows, and it provides streak-free cleaning performance. Customers who have used this product praise its effectiveness, especially compared to the traditional Windex spray bottle, which some find can leave streaks or a film on surfaces.
In addition to the fragrance-free option, Windex also offers a range of scented varieties. The original Windex formula is known for its prominent ammonia scent, which some people find unpleasant. However, Windex has introduced alternative fragrances to cater to different preferences. These fragrances include spring bouquet, ocean mist, lavender, and tea tree.
It's important to note that while some people may enjoy the smell of ammonia, it can be absorbed into fabrics and surfaces, lingering for an extended period. To address this concern, Windex has developed formulas that use ammonium hydroxide in combination with other ingredients to achieve effective cleaning results while reducing the amount of ammonia required. This approach helps minimise the strong ammonia odour while still providing the desired cleaning performance.
Overall, Windex offers a range of options for consumers, including those seeking fragrance-free alternatives. The availability of unscented and reduced-ammonia formulas ensures that individuals sensitive to smells or preferring unscented products can still enjoy the cleaning power of Windex without the added fragrance.
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Frequently asked questions
Windex is commonly associated with ammonia, which has a strong smell. However, Windex also offers a range of scented varieties, including spring bouquet, ocean mist, lavender, and tea tree.
Windex contains detergents, solvents, and in some cases, ammonia. Other ingredients include ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, sodium lauryl sulfate, and calcium.
Yes, Windex offers fragrance-free options for those sensitive to smells.
Windex offers a variety of scented products, including Windex® Multi-Surface Cleaner Lavender and Windex® Disinfectant Cleaner Multi-Surface with Glade® Rainshower®.
