Windex is a very powerful cleanser that does the work of making glass shine and does wonders to your car windscreen to give you better visibility when driving. Because it makes the windscreen shine better, you may be tempted to also use Windex to clean the body of your car and wonder if you can use Windex on your car paint.
Well, the answer is No. You cannot use Windex on your car paint. As effective as Windex is on your windscreen, it is too harsh and can cause damage to the paint on your car.
Why you should not use Windex on car paint
- Windex will strip the paint away from the car causing the paint to start chipping and falling off
- Windex removes the wax from your car’s paint, removing its protection and leaving it susceptible to damage
- Windex is specifically designed for glass car windows and not car paint
- Windex will accelerate oxidation and UV damage on your car paint
- Car paint is always delicate and sensitive, so the use of the slightest chemical in Windex will cause damage.
- Windex exposes your car paint to acid rain, chemical falls, and UV radiation
- Windex has Ammonia in it that will cause damage to your car’s topcoat
- Windex has Isopropyl Alcohol in it
What to do if you accidentally use Windex on your car paint
If you mistakenly sprayed Windex on your car paint, it is very important to wash it off with car soap and water immediately to remove any trace of the Windex left.
You can also use a clay bar to polish the spot and then apply car wax to restore the paint.
If the damage done to the car by the Windex is severe, you have to take your car for repainting
Best cleaners to use on your car paint
You can use clean water and soap to clean the exterior of your car. That is the simplest way of safely cleaning your car. However, some safe products are designed for cleaning car paint
- Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Super Suds
This car cleaner washes your car and makes it look like an automatic car wash with a foam lance and pressure washer as it lifts dirt particles from the surface of the car. You can get as much foam as you need from this cleanser and it leaves your car with an amazing smell.
- Meguiar’s G17748 Ultimate Wash and Wax
This is a two-in-one product that waxes and washed your car. It is very smooth on your car paint compared to other car washes and does the waxing and washing at the same time.
- Chemical Guys Honeydew Snow Foam Car Wash Soap and Cleanser
This car wash soap and cleanser is safe for your car paint and also all the exterior surfaces of your car which means it can be used to clean the car paint and also the windows and windscreen. It has a melon-like fragrance and foams very well.
- Rain-X Spot-free car wash
Rain-X just like its name washes your car spot-free and doesn’t even need drying when you are done, but you can still use a dry towel to dry the water left on the surface of the car.
- Adam’s Car wash shampoo
This car wash shampoo has a slickness and amazing scent to make your car smell nice, you can use this car wash shampoo as a simple hand wash, foam gun, or a foam lance to wash your car beautifully without harming the paint
Items you can find at home that can be used to clean your car
Even without going to the store, there are a lot of household items you can use to clean your car. Below are some of the best choice cleansers, you can use on the body of your car.
- Dawn Dish soap
- Baking soda (best for cleaning car mats)
- Vinegar (best for car seats)
- Toothpaste (best used for headlights)
- Cornstarch
Conclusion
You must always be careful as to what you use on your car paint. Windex is very dangerous to the paints of your car and you should avoid it getting to the paint at all costs.
You can use quality store-bought car cleansers and a bucket of water to wash the exterior of your car to make it look shiny and new.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can I use an Ammonia-free Windex on my car?
Answer: Although the Ammonia-free Windex does not have many chemicals in it, it is still not advisable to use it on your car paint.
Question 2: Can Windex remove wax from my car?
Answer: Yes, it can, by spraying Windex on your car you can remove the wax but it would cause damage to your paint. It is advisable to use a clay bar o rub the car down to remove wax from the car.
Question 3: Where can I use Windex in my car?
Answer: You can use Windex to clean your windows, windscreen, headlights, mirrors, plastic and vinyl surfaces in your car