This is the Best Way to Clean Car Windows

Follow the steps below to get a streak-free shine on your windows inside and out.

Knowing how to clean your car windows is important for safe driving. Improper cleaning can leave unsightly streaks that make it difficult to see out of your windows, especially at night.

Making your windows shine is something that anyone with the right tools and techniques can do. The following methods will ensure that your windows are sparkling and ready for (almost) any situation on the road.

Project Overview

Work time: 30 minutes.
Total time: 35 min.
Skill Level Beginner
Estimated Cost: $0 to $20

Before you start.

Clean the exterior and interior of your vehicle before you clean the windows. If you clean the windows before you clean other surfaces, new dirt and debris will stick to the glass and ruin your cleaning job.

Step 1: Remove dust and debris from the window glass.

The first step in cleaning your windows is to start with the outside of the windows. If leaves, twigs or other debris have accumulated on the wipers or weather stripping, remove them with a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment or your hands.

Once the large debris has been removed, use a dry rag or microfiber cloth to remove as much dust as possible from the window surface. It is important to complete this step before using glass cleaner. Otherwise, pollen and debris will be wiped away and the window glass will become dirty.

Step 2: Spray the window cleaner onto a piece of glass and wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth.

Once you have removed the loose debris, pollen and other layers of dirt from the window, spray the auto glass cleaner spray onto the window. To avoid the spray dripping or drying out before cleaning the windows, spray one window at a time and do not apply more glass cleaner than necessary to avoid streaking.

Immediately after spraying, wipe the windows with a microfiber towel and elbow grease. Wipe in an up-and-down motion, as wiping in a circular motion tends to leave streaks. For hard-to-remove stains, such as bird droppings or insect carcasses, wipe slightly harder. Spray directly on the stain and leave it on for a few minutes before wiping it off.

Small chips and cracks that you initially think are stains can become less visible with a windshield repair kit, which can also protect your windshield from further damage.

Step 3: Wipe the window glass with a dry microfiber cloth

Next, pick up a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Wipe each window with this cloth to remove any remaining cleaning solution or dirt, and polish the surface. This will ensure that the outside of the window is completely clean and free of dirt.

Alternatively, you can use a squeegee. However, unless you are familiar with how to use a squeegee, you are likely to leave streaks on the window glass instead of using microfiber and it can be particularly frustrating in the process.

Step 4: Wipe your car’s interior windows with a dry microfiber cloth

To clean the interior windows of your car, follow the same procedure as above for cleaning the outside of the windows. First, wipe the inside of each window with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Move up and down in the same manner as you cleaned the outside of the windows.

While you may want to use glass cleaner, don’t skip this step. It will remove the layers of dust and debris that have built up on the inside of the window glass and prevent it from becoming dirty.

Step 5: Spray the windshield cleaner onto a microfiber cloth and clean the window glass from top to bottom.

Spray windshield cleaner or homemade window cleaner directly onto a clean microfiber cloth (not directly on the window). A few sprays at a time should be sufficient. Applying too much cleaner may leave wipe marks. To clean the inside of the windshield, it is best to use a cleaner that does not contain ammonia. Ammonia-based cleaners release toxic fumes and may damage other surfaces of the car, such as the dashboard.

After spraying the window cleaner onto a cloth, clean each window from top to bottom. When cleaning the windshield, it may be difficult to reach the top and bottom corners. Using a telescopic cleaning tool can help you reach these areas.

Step 6: Dry the window glass with a clean microfiber cloth.

Dry the glass with a clean microfiber cloth. Again, wipe from top to bottom to avoid leaving any wipe marks. If the window glass is still dirty, you may need to repeat these steps.

Finally.

With the right tools and a little time, cleaning your car windows is a task that most people can do at home. Now you know the best way to clean your car windows. Remember. Ammonia produces toxic fumes and can damage vinyl, leather, rubber and other surfaces of your car.