Introduction
A liquid glass cleaner is a ready-to-use surface cleaner formulated for streak-free cleaning of glass, mirrors, and shiny surfaces. It delivers a sparkling, residue-free finish with a pleasant lemon scent by using a balanced system of surfactants, solvents, and anti-streaking agents.
Formulating a high-performance glass cleaner involves optimizing cleaning power, clarity, evaporation rate, and user safety while ensuring cost-effectiveness and regulatory compliance for global markets such as the EU, ASEAN, and India.
Product Overview & Key Claims
A high-quality Lemon Shine Glass Cleaner is designed for domestic and institutional use. Its core functions include:
- Effective cleaning of glass and glossy surfaces
- Fast-drying formula for a streak-free finish
- Fresh lemon fragrance
- Safe for daily use on mirrors, windows, and windshields
Ingredient Analysis, Functional Roles, and Recommended Amounts
| INCI / Functional Name | Functional Role | Recommended Range (% w/w) |
| Aqua | Solvent base | 80.0 – 90.0 |
| Ionic Surfactant (e.g., Sodium Laureth Sulfate or SLES) | Surface tension reducer, soil removal | 1.0 – 3.0 |
| Anti-Streaking Agent (e.g., Ethanol or Isopropanol) | Fast evaporation, streak prevention | 3.0 – 8.0 |
| Coupling Agent (e.g., Butyl Glycol / 2-Butoxyethanol) | Solvent and solubilizer for grease & oils | 2.0 – 6.0 |
| Color | Aesthetic, brand identity | 0.01 – 0.05 |
| Fragrance (Lemon type) | Sensory enhancement | 0.1 – 0.3 |
Example Lab-Scale Formulation (100 g)
| Phase | Ingredient | % w/w | Amount (g) |
| A | Aqua (Purified Water) | 85.0 | 85.0 |
| A | Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES 28%) | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| A | 2-Butoxyethanol (Butyl Glycol) | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| A | Ethanol (95%) or Isopropyl Alcohol | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| B | Lemon Fragrance | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| B | Color (e.g., Acid Yellow 23, CI 19140) | 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Total | 100.0 | 100.0 |
Manufacturing Procedure
Equipment Needed:
- Stainless steel mixing tank (non-sparking)
- Overhead stirrer
- pH meter
- Conductivity meter (optional)
- Cold process manufacturing
Process Steps:
- Prepare Phase A:
- In a clean tank, charge Aqua under moderate stirring.
- Add 2-Butoxyethanol and Ethanol slowly. Stir for 5 minutes until homogeneous.
- Add Sodium Laureth Sulfate gradually with mixing to avoid foaming. Stir until uniform.
- Prepare Phase B:
- Add fragrance and color pre-diluted in a small amount of alcohol or glycol. Mix well.
- Final Adjustments:
- Check and adjust pH (typically pH 6.5 – 7.5).
- Filter through a fine mesh (~100 microns) for clarity.
- Fill into HDPE/PET bottles with spray heads.
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Appearance | Clear, colored liquid |
| Odor | Pleasant lemon fragrance |
| pH (25°C) | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Specific Gravity | 0.98 – 1.01 |
| Foaming | Low to moderate |
| Solubility | Fully water-soluble |
| Shelf Life | 24 months under ambient conditions |
Stability Testing Plan
| Test Type | Condition | Duration | Criteria |
| Physical Stability | 5°C, 25°C, 40°C, 50°C | 3 months | No phase separation or cloudiness |
| Freeze-Thaw Stability | -5°C to 40°C, 3 cycles | 3 days/cycle | Pass if appearance is unchanged |
| pH Monitoring | Room temperature | Monthly (3 mo) | Maintain 6.5–7.5 |
| Fragrance Stability | Room temperature | 3 months | No off-odor or color change |
| Microbiological Test | 25°C, ambient | Initial + 3 mo | Total plate count <100 cfu/ml |
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
| Ingredient | Safety Limitations |
| 2-Butoxyethanol | Use <6% to avoid irritation (per EU, US EPA) |
| Ethanol / IPA | Flammable; ensure safety labeling and storage |
| Sodium Laureth Sulfate | Can be drying at high levels; use mild concentrations |
| Fragrance | Should comply with IFRA standards |
| Colorants | Must be approved for household use (FD&C/CI grade) |
- Ensure labeling includes safety symbols (flammability, irritant if applicable).
- Follow EU Detergents Regulation (648/2004) and Indian BIS standards (IS 8540).
- Provide Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for export and regulatory submissions.
Packaging Recommendations
- Use PET or HDPE bottles with trigger/spray pumps.
- Opt for translucent packaging to showcase clarity, but protect from UV if alcohol-heavy.
- Add child-resistant closures for safety.
- Label with:
- INCI list / Composition
- Net quantity
- Batch & MFG/EXP date
- Warning: Flammable, Keep Away from Children
- Usage instructions & storage conditions
Formulation Tips & Alternatives
| Objective | Recommendation |
| Eco-friendly formula | Use bio-based solvents like D-limonene (≤1%) |
| Streak reduction | Optimize solvent-to-water ratio; avoid glycerin |
| Premium feel | Add non-ionic wetting agent like Decyl Glucoside (≤1%) |
| Cost reduction | Replace some alcohol with lower-cost solvents like isopropanol |
| Safer solvent option | Replace butyl glycol with Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether (PGBE) in EU-sensitive markets |
Conclusion
A Lemon Shine Liquid Glass Cleaner is a fast-evaporating, non-streaking, and pleasantly scented cleaning solution, suitable for both household and commercial use. By following this detailed formulation guide and adhering to regulatory and safety standards, formulators can create a market-ready product with strong performance and user appeal.
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