How to Clean the Inside of Your Windshield

Max Winters
·4 min read
70

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

In the scope of all things related to automotive maintenance, one often overlooked yet crucial aspect is the cleanliness of your windshield and window interior. A clear and unobstructed view is essential for safe driving, and with a few cleaning tips, it's a pretty easy project. Armed with basic tools like a quality glass cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth, you can quickly eliminate smudges and streaks that can impair visibility. 

Get a Streak-Free Windshield in 10 Steps

  1. Gather Your Supplies: Grab a microfiber cleaning cloth and an auto-specific glass cleaner in a spray bottle. Avoid paper towels that can leave behind tiny fibers during cleaning and leave the job looking incomplete.

  2. Park Your Car: Tackling a dirty windshield surface is a lot easier if you are cleaning in direct sunlight. It's a lot easier to see (and remove) the greasy residue and hazy film with good lighting.

  3. Remove Loose Debris: Use a dry microfiber towel to gently remove any loose debris or dust from the car's interior. This ensures that you won't inadvertently scratch the glass during the cleaning process.

  4. Apply Glass Cleaner: Spray the glass cleaner onto the microfiber cloth or directly onto the windows. Be generous with the application to ensure thorough coverage.

  5. Wipe in Circular Motions: Wipe the glass in consistent, circular motions, starting from the top and working your way down. This technique helps prevent streaks and ensures even coverage.

  6. Focus on Stubborn Spots: Pay extra attention to any stubborn spots or streaks. If necessary, reapply the glass cleaner and use a bit more elbow grease to eliminate them.

  7. Top-to-Bottom, Side-to-Side: Maintain a systematic approach by moving from top to bottom and then from side to side. This ensures that you cover the entire windshield without missing any areas.

  8. Address Top Edge: Roll down the windows slightly to access and clean the top edge of the glass, an often neglected area where dust and grime can accumulate.

  9. Inspect for Clarity: Step back and inspect the glass for clarity. Make sure there are no streaks or smudges obstructing your view.

  10. Repeat if Necessary: If streaks persist, repeat the process until the windows are completely clear.

Cleaning Products to Avoid

When cleaning car windows it's crucial to avoid abrasive cleaning products as they can cause damage to window tint film. Here are some cleaning products to steer clear of:

  1. Ammonia-Based Cleaners: Ammonia can be harmful to tinted windows, causing the tint film to deteriorate or bubble over time. Opt for ammonia-free cleaners specifically designed for auto glass.

  2. Abrasive Scrubbing Pads or Brushes: Avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads or brushes on tinted windows, as they can scratch or damage the glass. Stick with soft, non-abrasive materials like microfiber cloths.

  3. Harsh Chemicals or Bleach: Harsh chemicals or bleach-based cleaners may have adverse effects on tinted windows, leading to discoloration or damage. Choose mild, automotive-specific cleaners.

  4. Petroleum-Based Products: Opt for products that are free from petroleum-based ingredients as they can wear down the film layer.

  5. Silicone-Based Cleaners: Silicone-based cleaners may leave a slippery residue on tinted windows, affecting both the appearance and visibility. Choose cleaners without silicone for a streak-free finish.

Always check the labels of cleaning products. You want to be sure that you're using an appropriate automotive glass cleaners that explicitly mention compatibility with tinted glass to avoid any adverse reactions or damage.

Related: How to Clean Your Vehicle’s Floor Mats

FAQ

How does the inside of the windshield get so dirty?

The inside of the windshield can get dirty due to dust, smoke, fingerprint oils, and wet pet noses. These things settle on the glass over time, leading to a buildup of grime that can impair visibility.

Can you prevent the car windows from getting foggy?

Preventing car windows from fogging up is possible with a few simple measures. Utilize the car's defrost setting and ventilation system to regulate temperature and humidity. Crack the windows slightly for additional air circulation. In general, it's important to avoid keeping wet items inside the car. If you're still experiencing visibility issues, consider applying anti-fog products like Rain-X Anti-Fog, Instant Windshield Washer Tablets, or Invisible Glass Anti-Fog for a protective layer.

Rain-X Anti-Fog

  • Apply Rain-X Anti-Fog to the interior of your car windows.

  • Wipe off any excess product with a clean, dry cloth

Instant Windshield Washer Tablets

  • Dissolve a tablet in your windshield washer fluid reservoir.

  • Use your car's windshield washer spray to apply the solution to the windows.

Invisible Glass Anti-Fog

  • Spray Invisible Glass Anti-Fog directly onto the interior surfaces of your windows.

  • Wipe the product evenly across the glass using a microfiber cloth.

Related: Does Homeowners Insurance Protect Against Damage Caused By Your Electric Car?

What are the best tools to reach the entire window?

To get thorough coverage of the entire windshield, including hard-to-reach areas, try these items:

  • Windshield cleaning tool with an extendable handle

  • Window cleaner spray: Using the right solution for the job makes cleaning tasks a breeze.

  • Foam cleaning swabs: For cleaning around buttons and vents.

  • Microfiber cloth: For that streak-free shine.

  • Soft-bristle brush: To flick residue off of the dashboard after deep cleaning.