How to clean the inside of your car windshield (3 steps)
Spending day after day in your vehicle can take its toll on cleanliness, but you should never neglect your windshield. The buildup of grime and dirt on the windshield can cause poor visibility and dangerous driving conditions. That is why it is important that you know how to clean the inside of your car’s windshield.
Although windshield wipers are designed to keep the outside of your car glass clean, you will need to do some manual work to remove contaminants from the inside. Our guide will show you the best equipment to use and the steps to keep your windshield sparkling clean.
Why does the car windshield get dirty?
There are several reasons why the car windshield gets dirty. Whether your dog’s nose or children touch the glass, many things rub against the surface. Additionally, smog, smoke, dirt, dust and other contaminants accumulate on the surface to create a film of dirt.
Additionally, plastic and vinyl materials used in automobiles break down over time. The same products that cause the new car smell you love turn into an oily residue left on your windshield once it breaks down. If you use oil-based cleaners on the dashboard, you risk making the film worse, especially if you live in a hot, humid climate.
Materials needed to clean the car windshield
To do the job well, you need to have the best tools. More importantly, you want a high-quality set of microfiber towels. These don’t leave lint like other products and are washable for reuse later.
You’ll also want a cleaning solution, which you can purchase or choose to make yourself. If you purchase an auto glass cleaner, make sure it does not contain ammonia, which can damage tinted windows and leave streaks. If you want your landlord to be cleaner, get a spray bottle, white vinegar, dish soap, and water. You can also use alcohol to remove stuck-on dirt.
You can consider this kit if you don’t want to buy the parts one by one:
We recommend keeping all your equipment close by so you can easily reach it while you work. After all, you don’t want to waste time searching for material while the solution runs down the windshield.
How to clean the inside of your car windshield
1. Prepare your area
Before you start, you need to prepare for work. It is ideal for parking your vehicle in the shade, where the sun cannot burn the windshield while you clean it.
You can also place a towel on the board to catch any falling debris or drips. Using a dry microfiber cloth, wipe the surface of the windshield to remove dirt and clean any dust from the surface. Throw that towel in the laundry and get a new one for the next steps.
2. Do a quick detailed cleaning
Spray the cleaner of your choice on the microfiber cloth. Avoid spraying it directly on the car window. Start in one corner and work your way to the other side of the glass. We recommend starting with vertical sweeps for the first pass.
Once this is done, repeat the steps with wide horizontal strokes on the glass. Take a dry microfiber cloth and make sure everything is dry by giving the glass long strokes.
If you prefer, consider working with half the windshield at a time. You can do our steps on one side and then switch to the other.
3. Removes stubborn dirt
In most cases, the steps above should remove dirt from your windshield. However, there are times when residue remains stuck and a little more effort is required.
Prepare a cleaning solution consisting of one cup of isopropyl alcohol, one cup of water, and one tablespoon of white vinegar. Spray this solution on your microfiber cloth and gently work into problem areas.
Once the tough spots are covered, you’ll want to clean the entire windshield again, following our steps above. By taking the time to do a thorough cleaning, you ensure that no trace is left behind.
Cost of professional car detailing
If you don’t want to clean your car glass yourself, you can have your vehicle professionally detailed. Detailing prices vary depending on the size of your vehicle and the amount of work to be done. Base car retail prices range from $50 to $150 for midsize vehicles and $75 to $200 for a large SUV or truck.
Most basic car detailing services include washing, waxing, window washing, interior vacuuming, tire cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and waxing. However, upgraded packages are available if you need more. You can add steam cleaning for the interior of the car, special protectors for the exterior and maintenance of leather upholstery. The better the service, the more you can expect to pay in the long run.
Plus, you can save money by searching for local deals in your area. Some retailers offer coupons to loyal customers or offer a discount if you pay in advance for a specific amount of services.
