What is in Windex anyway?
I've used this cleaner in various forms for probably 20 years now in my home. I'm finally asking this simple question and when I look on the label, NOTHING! All I see that is important to me is Keep out of reach of children and pets in big bold letters. It has a nice GREEN sticker that says "Greenlist Ingredients" on it, but says for additional information, see their http://www.scjohnson.com/ web site. On the back label, it says "Questions? and the info to contact Helen Johnson @ SC Johnson & Sons".
Here is what the SC web site say is contained in the Multi-Surface cleaner:
"All but two Windex® Glass and Multi-Surface Cleaners contain detergents, solvents, fragrance, Ammonia-D®, and alcohol. They should not be used if ammonia is not recommended for use on surface. (Windex® Multi-Surface Vinegar and Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface do not contain ammonia. They are safe to use in these cases.)"
Additionally, they have a link to another one of their own sites,
http://www.whatsinsidescjohnson.com/en-us/products-by-brand/windex/windex-multi-surface-vinegar.aspx that I must say I was impressed with. It's a site where you can look up their products and see what they contain.
So here is the detail on what is in Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar Cleaner:
Carriers:
Isopropyl Alcohol
Propylene Glycol
Cleaning Agents:
2-Hexoxyethanol
Acetic Acid
Ethanolamine
Polyquart® Ampho 149
Wetting Agent:
Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate
Hmmmm...............what is all that? Where is the VINEGAR in the ingredient list- isn't that odd? Is one of these ingredients Vinegar called by another name? There is no ammonia, that's good. Nothing here that tells me it's a disinfectant or antibacterial or that it will do anything to kill germs, just clean surfaces. All I can tell you is that this list looks like chemicals/sythetics and if I don't know what it is, I need to keep researching.
Ive been using this product over the years not having given much thought to what was in it. Not unusual I suppose. What a shame, I know, but in my hustle, bustle world, I really thought it was my only option other than making a vinegar/water mix to use on windows and who knows what for countertops, stovetop, frig, etc.; what a hassle that seemed to me (making your own).
Since having recently become aquainted with essential oils, I'd heard that there IS a option and it's so simple, anyone can do it. Find simple recipes on line- they vary a bit, but here is mine- Get a nice sized empty/clean spray bottle about the size of a Windex bottle. Fill it with tap water, place about 10-12 drops of Pure theraputic grade Lemon Essential Oil and shake. Shake each time before using. Cleans like a charm! Works great on granite too. Plus, Pure Essential Lemon Oil from Doterra (my personal choice for ther purest oil on the market!) is antiseptic and anti-bacterial -much more than you'll get w/ Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar cleaner (the non-vinegar disinfectant version has ammonia...no thanks). And here's the bonus- no worries about what gets on the floor for you pets to walk in/lick, etc.
Now that I realize I can make my own basic cleaners for use around the house that are much cheaper AND safer for my family and pets- WHY NOT? That is my only question now~!
