Glass cleaners with an ammonia base are particularly effective for cleaning grease (including animal fats and vegetable oils), grime, dirt, and fingerprints. Ammonia dries quickly to help prevent streaks and residue that might attract dirt or dust. Ammonia-based glass cleaners are used throughout industrial, commercial, and residential facilities to clean windows, glass, doors, and equipment.

Ammonia-free glass cleaners are formulated for surfaces that could be damaged by ammonia including tinted automobile windows, window tints, seals, vinyl, and interiors. Ammonia-free formulas are effective against grease and grime without the strong ammonia scent.