A well-cleaned windshield allows for better visibility when driving. There are several reasons why it gets dirty on the inside: fingerprints, pet prints, smog and smoke, dirt and dust, and other environmental contaminants, among others. Windshield cleaning is necessary but must be done without damage, at the risk of creating traces that reduce visibility.
Find out how to clean a car windshield without streaking or damaging the glass surface!
Windshield. source: spm
As you may have noticed, streaks often form after cleaning the inside of the windshield. Is it because you are using the wrong window cleaner? Or is it due to the use of paper towels? Regardless of how you clean your windshield from the inside, here are our tips for getting it right.
Use a homemade product for a sparkling windshield
Put warm water in a container and mix it with a teaspoon of liquid detergent. Then add a few drops of white vinegar.
Bring two microfiber towels. Dip the first towel in the container of cleaning solution and keep the second clean and dry. Alternatively, you can mix this solution in a spray bottle to save the excess for later.
Wring out any excess water from the soaked microfiber cloth, then wipe down the inside of your car’s windshield. Then dry the surface with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Do the same with the windows and the rear window.
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Pre-clean, clean and dry your windshield
Whether you opt for a chemical cleaner or a natural solution, you should first clean your windshield with a dry microfiber cloth.
Make circular motions, then up and down motions. This pre-cleaning will remove dust and other buildup so your cleaner can more easily remove tough stains.
As we have mentioned before, you should clean your car windshield with a product that removes grease, such as dishwashing detergent and vinegar or even car glass cleaner.
Alternatively, you can use newspaper or microfiber cloths to dry the windshield. Be careful not to get harsh cleaning solutions on the glass – you risk damaging protective coatings or tints, especially if your car is in direct sunlight. Finally, make sure the cleaner residue is really gone.
Windshield cleaning: what not to do
Clean the windshield. source: spm
By wanting to clean your car windshield too well, you end up making some mistakes. To avoid them, here are our tips:
- Do not spray cleaner directly onto the windshield. In fact, you risk creating stains and move dirt instead of disposing of it.
- Don’t skip the drying step! This is because residue can remain on the windshield, even if you use a cleaner made specifically for auto glass.
- Forget old towels! Instead, use lint-free materials such as microfiber cloths, newspaper clippings, paper towels, etc.
Finally, if you find that there are still streaks and reflections on your windshield, the problem is likely on the outside of your windshield and not the inside. If necessary, clean the exterior thoroughly using the same methods mentioned above. Don’t forget to recheck your windshield wipers too.
read also That’s what the dots on the edges of the windshield are for.
