Knowing how to best clean car windows is important for safe driving. Improper cleaning can leave unsightly streaks and make it difficult to look out the window, especially at night.
With the right tools and techniques, shiny windows are within everyone’s reach. The following methods will help keep your windows shiny and ready for any road.
Knowing the best way to clean your windows is important for safe driving. Improper cleaning can leave unsightly streaks and make it difficult to see out the window, especially at night.
With the right tools and techniques, shiny windows are within everyone’s reach. Follow the instructions below to make your windows shiny and ready for any situation on your journey.
Project Summary
Work time : 30 minutes
Total time : 35 minutes
Skill Level : Beginner
Estimated cost : $0 to $20
Before you begin
Step 1: Remove dust and debris from the car’s exterior windows.
The first step in cleaning car windows is to start with the outside of the window. If leaves, twigs, or other debris have accumulated on the windshield wipers or windshield flap, remove them with a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment or by hand.
Once large debris is gone, use a dry rag or microfiber cloth to remove as much loose dirt as possible from the surface of each window. It is essential to complete this step before continuing with the glass cleaner. Otherwise, pollen and debris may adhere to the windows and cause unpleasant streaking.
Step 2: Spray window cleaner on one piece at a time and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
After removing the layer of loose debris and pollen and other dirt from the window, spray the window with car glass cleaner. Spray one window at a time to prevent the spray from dripping or drying out before the window is cleaned.
Using a microfiber towel and a little extra help, wipe each window immediately after spraying. Wipe in a circular motion, moving up and down to avoid leaving wipe streaks. If there are hard-to-remove stains such as bird droppings or insect carcasses, wipe a little harder. You can also loosen the stain by spraying it directly and letting it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off.
If you encounter small chips or cracks that you initially thought were dirt, windshield repair tools can help make the cracks less noticeable and protect the windshield from further damage.
Step 3: Wipe the window with a dry microfiber cloth.
Next, take a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Wipe each window with this cloth to remove any remaining cleaning solution or dirt. This will ensure that the outside of the window is completely clean and free of dirt.
You can also use a window squeegee to complete this step. However, unless your squeegee technique is perfect, it may leave streaks on the window and cause extra irritation during the process compared to using a microfiber.
Clean the exterior and the rest of the vehicle before cleaning the windows. If you clean other surfaces after the windows are clean, new dirt will adhere to them, ruining the cleaning process.
Step 4: Wipe down the interior window with a dry microfiber cloth.
The method for cleaning the inside of the window is similar to the method for cleaning the outside of the window described above. First, wipe down the inside of each window with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Move it up and down in the same manner as you did for the outside of the window.
Although you may be tempted to use glass cleaner, do not skip this step. It will remove thin layers of dust and debris from the inside of the window and prevent streaking.
Step 5: Spray windshield cleaner on a microfiber cloth and clean each window from top to bottom.
Spray windshield cleaner or homemade window cleaner directly onto a clean microfiber cloth (do not spray directly onto the window glass). Only spray a few times at a time; too much cleaner will cause streaks. To clean the inside of the windshield, it is best to use a cleaner that does not contain ammonia. Ammonia-based cleaners produce toxic fumes and can damage other surfaces in the car, such as the dashboard.
After spraying window cleaner onto a cloth, clean each window from the top toward the bottom. When cleaning the windshield, it may be difficult to reach the top or bottom corners. With the telescoping window cleaning tool, you can reach these areas.
Step 6. Dry the window with a clean microfiber cloth.
Dry the glass with a clean microfiber cloth. Again, the best way to achieve a streak-free finish is to work from the top down. If any dirt or debris remains on the window glass, this procedure should be repeated.
Final Thoughts
With a few tools and a little time, cleaning car windows is a task that most people can do at home. Now that you know how to clean your windows without getting them dirty, you can always have a shiny car. Remember. Always use an ammonia-free glass cleaner because ammonia produces toxic fumes and can damage vinyl, leather, rubber, and other surfaces in your car.
