Who Owns Windex?
Windex is owned by S.C. Johnson & Son, a privately held American multinational cleaning products company. S.C. Johnson is privately owned by the Johnson family and headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin, USA.
Parent Company
S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Acquired
1993
Status
Private
Headquarters
Racine, Wisconsin, USA
Who Owns Windex?
- Parent Company: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 1993
- Company Type: Privately Held
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Windex | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Wholly owned |
History of Windex
- Founded: 1933
- Founders: Harry Drackett
- Acquired by S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.: 1993
Windex was first introduced in 1933 by Harry Drackett, a Philadelphia entrepreneur who developed a glass cleaner formula. The original product was sold in glass bottles and marketed as a fast-acting, streak-free glass cleaner. The distinctive blue color was added to make the product more visible and appealing to consumers. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Windex gained popularity for its effectiveness on windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces. The brand was acquired by Drackett's company, which later became part of S.C. Johnson in 1993 when S.C. Johnson acquired Drackett's household products division. Key milestones include the introduction of the Windex Wipes in 2005, expansion into multi-surface cleaners, and the development of ammonia-free formulas. Recent years have seen Windex focus on eco-friendly formulations, concentrated products, and expanded product lines including kitchen and bathroom cleaners.
About S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Who owns S.C. Johnson?
S.C. Johnson is privately held by the Johnson family. Fisk Johnson serves as Chairman and CEO, representing the fifth generation of family leadership. The company has remained private throughout its 138-year history.
What brands does S.C. Johnson own?
S.C. Johnson owns Windex, Ziploc, Glade, Raid, OFF!, Pledge, Scrubbing Bubbles, Shout, Mr. Muscle, and many other household consumer brands.
Is S.C. Johnson publicly traded?
No, S.C. Johnson is privately held by the Johnson family and is not publicly traded.
When was S.C. Johnson founded?
S.C. Johnson was founded in 1886 by Samuel Curtis Johnson Sr. in Racine, Wisconsin.
What is S.C. Johnson's most famous brand?
S.C. Johnson owns several globally recognized brands. Windex (glass cleaner), Ziploc (storage bags), Glade (air fresheners), and Raid (insect control) are among the most widely recognized.
- Founded: 1886
- Headquarters: Racine, Wisconsin, USA
- Company Type: Privately Held
Where Is Windex Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Racine, Wisconsin, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia
Brands Owned by S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
- Ziploc - American brand of re-sealable zipper storage bags and containers owned by S.C. J...
Windex Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Strong brand recognition as the leading glass cleaner
- +Effective streak-free cleaning on glass and shiny surfaces
- +Distinctive blue color makes it easily recognizable
- +Wide availability and distribution in retail channels
- +Trusted reputation for glass cleaning performance
- +Expanded product line for various cleaning needs
Considerations
- -Ammonia content can be harsh on certain surfaces and materials
- -Strong chemical smell during use requiring ventilation
- -Environmental concerns about chemical ingredients
- -Limited effectiveness on heavy-duty cleaning tasks
- -Higher price point compared to basic glass cleaning alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions About Windex
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchasesCompetitors to Windex
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colgate Palmolive | USA | 1947 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Procter Gamble | USA | 1965 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Unilever | Netherlands | 1969 | Mass Market | Europe | All Genders | |
| Clorox | USA | 1913 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Unilever | United Kingdom | 1929 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Walmart | USA | 1950 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors

Ajax
Owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company
American brand of household cleaning products including surface cleaners, dish soap, and laundry detergent.

Bounty
Owned by Procter & Gamble
American brand of paper towels known for their absorbency and durability, marketed as "the quicker picker-upper."

Cif
Owned by Unilever plc
Global cleaning products brand owned by Unilever, launched in 1969 and known for its cream cleaners and multi-surface solutions.

Clorox Bleach
Owned by The Clorox Company
American brand of household bleach and cleaning products, the leading bleach brand for disinfecting and whitening applications.

Domestos
Owned by Unilever plc
British household cleaning brand owned by Unilever, known for its bleach-based toilet and bathroom cleaners.

Fabuloso
Owned by Walmart Inc.
Walmart-owned multipurpose cleaner brand offering affordable and effective cleaning solutions for households.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Windex competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Jobs at S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
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