Leather is a luxurious and durable material that is often used in furniture, clothing, and accessories. However, many people may not be aware that using a common household cleaner like Windex on leather can actually cause damage.
Here Is Why Windex Is Bad For Leather
Windex is a product that is made for glass, not for leather! You should not use Windex for leather because it:
Stains the leather
Contains ingredients that can harm your leather
Can remove the top layer from the leather
From discoloration to cracking, using Windex on leather can have serious consequences. So, before you reach for that bottle of Windex, read on to learn why it’s important to choose the right cleaner for your leather items.
What Is The Full Ingredient List For Windex Showing Why Windex Has Very Negative Ingredients For Leather?
The full ingredient list of Windex can vary depending on the specific product and country of manufacture. However, according to the Windex website, the original blue formula of Windex contains the following ingredients:
Water
2-hexoxyethanol
Isopropanolamine
Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid
Sodium chloride
Fragrance
Dye
Ammonium hydroxide
Poloxamer 124
It is important to note that other Windex products, such as Windex Outdoor, Windex Multi-Surface, or Windex Electronics may have different ingredients list, and it is always recommended to check the label and instructions before use.
It’s also worth mentioning that Windex has changed its formula to be more environmentally friendly and less harsh, so you might find different ingredients lists for different versions of Windex.
Why Windex Is Bad For Leather
Stains Leather
Windex can stain leather because of its chemical ingredients, particularly the ammonia and alcohol. Ammonia can cause discoloration by breaking down the pigments in the leather, while alcohol can strip away the natural oils that protect the leather and cause discoloration.
The combination of these chemicals can also dry out the leather, making it more susceptible to staining. Additionally, Windex can also cause cracking, which can lead to further staining. When leather cracks, it exposes the inner layers to dirt and other stains, making it harder to clean.
Another factor to consider is that leather is a porous material, which means it can absorb liquids and stains easily. When Windex comes into contact with leather, it can seep into the pores and cause discoloration or staining that can be difficult or impossible to remove.
Ammonium Hydroxide Damages Leather
Ammonium hydroxide, also known as ammonia, is a common ingredient found in many household cleaning products, including Windex. When used on leather, it can cause a number of problems, including:
Drying out the leather: Ammonia can strip away the natural oils that keep the leather supple and flexible. This can cause the leather to dry out, crack and become brittle over time.
Discoloration: Ammonia can cause discoloration of the leather, by breaking down the pigments in the leather. This can lead to uneven coloring or faded areas on the leather.
Degradation of the leather: Ammonia can degrade the leather, breaking down the fibers and causing the leather to weaken over time.
Unpleasant smell: Ammonia can leave behind a strong, unpleasant smell on leather.
Shortening the lifespan of the leather item: Using ammonia on leather on a regular basis can shorten the lifespan of the leather item.
It is important to note that not all leathers are the same and some may react differently to Ammonium hydroxide, so it is important to test on a small inconspicuous area before cleaning a large surface. It is also always recommended to use a specialized leather cleaner that is designed to be gentle on the material, rather than using a household cleaner with ammonia in it.
Removes The Top Layer
Windex can remove the top layer of leather when applied because of its chemical ingredients, particularly the ammonia and alcohol. Ammonia can strip away the natural oils that protect the leather and cause discoloration, while alcohol can dry out the leather and cause it to crack. The combination of these chemicals can also remove the top protective layer of the leather, leaving the inner layers exposed.
The top layer of leather is known as the “finish” or “topcoat” and it serves as a protective barrier against dirt, stains, and other elements. When this layer is removed, the leather becomes more vulnerable to damage and staining. The solvents in Windex can dissolve the finish, causing the leather to lose its shine and become dull.
dditionally, leather is a porous material, which means it can absorb liquids and stains easily. When Windex comes into contact with leather, it can seep into the pores and remove the top layer of the leather, making it more susceptible to damage and staining.
Windex Is Actually Used For E.g Glass And Porous Surfaces (Not Leather)
Windex is used for cleaning glass surfaces because it contains ingredients that are specifically formulated to clean and remove dirt, grime, and streaks from glass surfaces. The key ingredient in Windex that makes it effective on glass surfaces is ammonia, which is a strong cleaning agent that can effectively remove dirt and grime. Additionally, Windex also contains surfactants which help to break up dirt and grime, making it easier to wipe off the surface.
Leather, on the other hand, is a natural material that requires special care and attention. It is not as durable as glass and can be easily damaged by harsh chemicals like ammonia. Leather needs to be conditioned and protected with oils to maintain its suppleness, flexibility and shine. Using Windex on leather can strip away the natural oils that keep the leather supple and flexible, dry out the leather and cause it to crack, discolour and shorten the lifespan of the leather item.
Windex is not intended for use on leather and it is important to use specialized leather cleaners that are designed to be gentle on the material, rather than using a household cleaner like Windex. These specialized leather cleaners are formulated to clean and condition leather without causing damage, and helps to maintain the natural oils and suppleness of the leather.
2-hexoxyethanol Is A Bag Ingredient For Leather
2-Hexoxyethanol is a solvent and a common ingredient found in many cleaning products, including Windex. While it is not as well known as some other chemicals, it has been found to have potential health and environmental concerns.
When used on leather, 2-Hexoxyethanol can cause the leather to dry out, crack, discolor, and degrade over time, shortening the lifespan of the leather item. It can strip away the natural oils that protect the leather, leaving it more vulnerable to damage and staining.
Additionally, 2-Hexoxyethanol is a skin irritant and can cause skin irritation, redness and itching upon contact, especially when used in high concentrations. It can also be harmful if inhaled, and can cause respiratory problems, headaches and nausea.
It is also classified as toxic to aquatic life and potentially harmful to the environment when released into the water.
For these reasons, it is recommended to avoid using products that contain 2-Hexoxyethanol, especially on leather items and opt for specialized leather cleaners that are designed to be gentle on the material and do not contain this chemical.