There’s nothing more frustrating than cleaning your vehicle from top to bottom, only to hop into the driver’s seat and notice the windshield is streaked. Not only is a streaked (or hazy) windshield annoying, it poses safety hazards as well. To prevent this from recurring in the future, check out the following tips for cleaning your windshield inside and out.
Items Needed for Cleaning the Inside of Your Windshield
Have you ever considered the inside glass of a vehicle is susceptible to things like dust, fingerprints, and vapors from breathing, smoking, sweating, and even the off-gassing of materials inside? All of these things can contribute to a dirty windshield. Fortunately, with a few inexpensive tools and a bit of effort, you can enjoy a clean windshield regardless of how many culprits you have soiling it.
In regards to necessary tools, you’ll need multiple clean microfiber towels, a cleaning solution, and, if applicable, rubbing alcohol or undiluted vinegar for removing grease or stubborn spots. You can opt for a store-bought automotive glass cleaner, or make your own solution. A simple DIY solution consists of 3 cups distilled water, ½ cup white distilled vinegar, and 3-5 drops of dishwashing liquid. Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
How to Clean the Interior Windshield
- Before using the cleaning solution, wipe down the windshield with a clean microfiber towel to remove excess dust and grime.
- Using another clean microfiber towel, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to remove greasy spots from the glass.
- Next, apply the window cleaning solution to a microfiber towel, not directly on the windshield. This will prevent the solution from getting on other surfaces of your vehicle’s interior.
- Using circular motions wipe the entire glass surface with the dampened cloth.
- Buff dry with a clean microfiber towel.
Cleaning the Exterior Windshield of Your Vehicle
The outside windshield is often cleaned more often than the interior. Whether this is going through a car wash or using the windshield wipers. However, the exterior windshield of your vehicle is exposed to many more elements than the inside, ranging from tar and sap to bug remnants and residue from the roads. Therefore, while the same cleaning solution can be used when cleaning the outside glass, it will likely be necessary to apply a bit more elbow grease.
Tips for Success
If you want to make cleaning your windows easier, and keep them clean for longer, follow these tips:
- Park your car in the shade or under shelter before washing the windshield. The heat will often cause window cleaners to evaporate quickly, leaving a film.
- Avoid using old rags that may have oil or detergent residue on them.
- Cleaning the interior and exterior windshield on a regular basis may help prevent labor-intensive cleaning.
- Have multiple lint-free towels on hand and switch out when they become dirty or overly saturated.
- When possible, consider leaving a small crack in your windows to prevent build-up from materials off-gassing on the windows and to allow fresh air in.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to keep your car’s glass sparkling clean all year round.