Regularly cleaning the inside of your vehicle's windshield will help ensure optimal visibility and a safer driving experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you effectively wash the inside of your vehicle's windshield.
You'll need glass cleaner and microfiber cloths. If you have difficulty reaching the corners, you may also want a windshield cleaning tool with a handle in order to clean the entire windshield.
Use an ammonia-free, streak-free glass cleaner. Choose a glass cleaner that is effective at removing dirt and other residues without leaving streaks or smudges. Ammonia-based cleaners can be harsh on certain materials and may damage the sensitive surfaces inside your car. Streak-free cleaners are designed to provide a clear and clean finish without leaving behind residue or streaks that can obstruct your view. It's a good idea to test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the glass cleaner's label for the best results.
If you get an oily residue on the inside of your windshield like I do, try using dish detergent to clean it first, then glass cleaner after. Dish detergents are designed for cutting grease and can help remove oily residue. Just make sure to thoroughly wipe off all the detergent so that there's no soap left on the windshield.
When cleaning the inside of your windshield, use a lint-free cloth or microfiber towel to avoid leaving behind lint or fibers that can obstruct your view. These materials are gentle on glass surfaces and help achieve a streak-free finish. Using paper towels to clean your windshield is not the best choice. While they may be readily available and convenient, paper towels can potentially scratch the glass surface.
The ideal outdoor temperature for washing a vehicle windshield is between about 50°F (10°C) and 70°F (21°C). This allows the water and cleaning solutions to work effectively without evaporating too quickly or freezing on the windshield. If the temperature is too hot, the water and cleaning solution may dry too quickly, leaving behind streaks and residue on the windshield. If the temperature is too cold, the water can freeze on the windshield, making it difficult to clean and potentially causing damage to the wipers and other components. However, these temperature guidelines are general recommendations, and you can still wash your windshield outside of this range. If it's much warmer than 70°F outside, try to park your vehicle in a shaded area to prevent the cleaning solution from drying too quickly and causing streaks. If it's much colder than 50°F, try using the defroster to warm up the windshield before washing it.
Spray the glass cleaner directly onto a microfiber cloth or onto the windshield in small sections. Avoid spraying large amounts of cleaner directly onto the windshield so that the glass cleaner won't drip onto the dashboard and potentially damage it. Start from the top and wipe the windshield in a horizontal motion. Work your way down until you've cleaned the entire surface.
Inspect the windshield for any remaining streaks or smudges. If there are bits of dust or bits of the cleaning cloth left on the windshield, try using a dry mop sheet to wipe them off. If necessary, repeat the cleaning process until the glass is clear and free of any streaks or residue.