It’s vital that you be able to see out of your windshield while driving for optimal visibility and on-road safety. If you have learned how to detail a car, you probably followed steps on how to clean car windows too.
However, you might not know how to clean the inside of a windshield. In this guide, we cover how to clean the inside of a windshield without streaks.
What causes film on the inside of a windshield? Over time, dirt and grime build up on the windshield, leaving behind a hazy finish. This windshield haze can be distracting and make it more difficult to see what’s in front of you.
Smoking is a major culprit for polluting the windshield and creating a haze. However, it’s not the only contaminant known to cause problems. The vinyl and plastic materials in your car are also dust magnets, which can get overrun and spill over to the windshield.
If you don’t clean the car interior often, all of this dust and dirt will go somewhere, and it’s normally onto the glass where it impedes visibility.
What Can Be Used To Clean The Inside Of A Windshield?
Can you use a newspaper to clean the inside of a windshield? You can learn how to clean the inside of a windshield with newspaper, but it could also leave smudges behind. We recommend these products if you want to know how to clean the inside of a windshield.
White Vinegar
If you want to know how to clean the inside of your windshield with a home remedy, consider using white vinegar mixed 10% with water. You can add it to a spray bottle and wipe it clean. If the hazing is severe, you might need to increase the vinegar in the ratio.
Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner Spray
You don’t want to use ammonia on the auto glass, especially if you have tinted car windows. That’s why we always recommend using an ammonia-free glass cleaner. If you like the simplicity of a spray, you can find many top products in this formula.
Glass Cleaner Aerosol Product
Some people swear by the aerosol glass cleaner instead. The formula is similar to the last option; it's just the way it gets applied that's different. Either one you choose should be ammonia-free for the best clean.
Magic Eraser
If you have stuck on goo located on the auto glass, you are going to need something heavy-duty, such as the Magic Eraser. This innovative cleaner can be dipped in water and gently rubbed on the surface to remove anything that is stuck on the glass.
Rubbing Alcohol
You probably have rubbing alcohol sitting around the house, making it easier to learn how to clean the inside of a windshield. You can put a little bit of alcohol in a spray bottle to ensure it hits the stuck-on debris that you need to rub off.
How To Easily Clean The Inside Of Your Windshield
To learn how to clean the inside of a car windshield without streaks, you want to gather your supplies and follow our handy steps.
Materials Needed:
Instructions:
- 1Start by rubbing the auto glass with your dry microfiber towel in a circular motion. This helps to remove any debris or dust that isn’t stuck to the surface. Put this rag in the laundry.
- 2Apply your chosen cleaner to the glass. You can choose any of the substances we discussed above.
- 3With a clean microfiber cloth, remove the cleaner from the windshield. Don't leave the solution sitting on the glass, as it can damage the coating or tint, especially if you are parked in direct sunlight.
- 4If there is still residue left behind, you will have to clean the area more aggressively with a Magic Eraser or rubbing alcohol.
If you still notice streaks after following the cleaning procedure, the issue might be on the outside of your windshield instead. Make sure you clean the exterior and double-check the wipers for any signs of debris that could get smeared on the glass.
How To Keep The Inside Of Your Windshield Clean For Longer
After you figure out how to clean the inside of my car windshield, you want to keep it looking its best.
We recommend keeping the entire car interior clean for the best results. The less dirt and debris are in the car, the less likely your windshield will become hazy. You should also avoid smoking in your car.
Don’t use oil dashboard cleaners that can cause a film on the windshield. Additionally, you might choose to add an auto glass sealant to protect the windshield from weather and dirt.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Can I clean my windshield with Windex?
You should avoid using these cleaners in your car. Most Windex products contain ammonia, which isn’t just harmful to tinted windows, but it is also known for leaving a streaky finish behind on the auto glass.
What causes a streaky windshield?
Streaking generally occurs on the outside of the windshield due to dirty or defective windshield wipers. If you have streaks inside the windshield, you might not have cleaned the surface properly.
Can toothpaste remove scratches from windshields?
It’s possible to remove some surface scratches with toothpaste. Use a non-gel, white toothpaste and apply it with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion to see if you can fix the scratch.
Can you use a newspaper to clean the inside of a windshield?
Newspaper can make for an effective tool when cleaning auto glass, but you want to be careful that no smudges are left behind. We recommend using lint-free microfiber cloths instead.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to best clean the inside of your windshield, it’s time to enhance the view from behind the steering wheel. Keep your car looking its best and improve your on-road safety with our simple guide.