Find out the best way to clean car windshields inside and outside of your car here, as we show you some great tricks and tips to make your life as easy as possible.
Seeing clearly while driving is one of the most important safety factors to consider when behind the wheel.
Whether your view is obstructed within your car, whether you’re driving in foggy and misty conditions, or your windshield has built up dirt that your windshield wipers aren’t cleaning off.
We’re here to help you solve all of these issues, find out below how to solve your dirty windshield.
What Causes Dirty Windshields?
There are several causes of dirty windshields, and all of them can be solved simply if addressed early.
However, if left untreated for an extended period of time, they may require specialist solutions to clean them effectively.
Here are some of the most common causes of dirty windshields:
- Dirt
- Debris
- Dust
- Pollen
- Bugs
- Tree Sap
- Bird Poop
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What Makes Dirty Windshields Dangerous?
The overall danger of a dirty windshield is a lack of visibility when driving, however, there are additional dangers involved that you may not have considered.
A presence of dirt and oil can cause dust to stick to your windshield. This can both block visibility and cause scratches to the glass if your windshield wipers are used.
Glare can be caused by dirt being present on your windshield, either leading to a bright, sudden moment of the driver being unable to see, or casting a glare across the entire windshield and making overall visibility far tougher.
Eye strain is another key concern when driving with a dirty windshield, it requires an extra level of focus from the driver to see through the windshield, and the difference between safety and danger can be a matter of slight focus, or milliseconds in a reaction.
How To Clean Outside of Windshield
Before starting, ensure to park your car in the shade to prevent streaks from your solution drying too quickly.
Don’t clean your windshield in the rain.
Equipment:
- Suitable glass/windshield cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Soft bristled brush
Method:
- Remove Debris - Use the soft bristled brush or microfiber cloth to gently sweep any larger debris from your windshield. Don’t use excessive pressure, just a gentle sweep will suffice.
- Spray your entire windshield - Using your glass cleaner, evenly and liberally apply your glass cleaner to every part of the windshield, ensuring you get every edge and corner.
- Wipe your windshield - Using a clean microfiber cloth, wipe down your windshield in circular motions, starting from the top of the windshield. Fold your cloth over periodically to ensure that you aren’t spreading dirt or debris. For filthy windshields, use several clean microfiber cloths.
- Dry your windshield - Using another clean microfiber cloth, wipe your windshield dry. This can be tiring, but be consistent and thorough. It will lead to a clean shine, and prevent streaks from forming on the glass.
Check out our handy YouTube Short on exactly how to follow these steps.
How To Clean Inside of Windshield
Some say that to thoroughly clean the inside of your car windshield, you need special tools or gadgets.
But we have a car detailing life hack that will make your life far easier.
Don’t tell anybody that we told you, read on to find out more!
Equipment:
- Suitable glass/windshield cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
Method:
- Wipe your windshield with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to prepare it, if necessary.
- Spray your cleaner into a fresh microfiber cloth, not directly onto the windshield.
- Begin at the top of your windshield, and work your way down, wiping in circular motions.
- Life Hack: When you reach the bottom of your windshield, fold your microfiber cloth over the top of your hand, and use the back of your hand to wipe the bottom of the windshield. You don’t need a tool to reach there, just better technique!
- Wipe your windshield dry to prevent streaks, using the same technique and a fresh, dry microfiber cloth.
FAQs: Cleaning Windshields
How do I avoid streaks when cleaning my windshield?
It can be difficult to know how to clean inside windshield without streaks, but here is what you should do to avoid them: park your car in the shade, sunlight causes it to dry rapidly before you can wipe it dry.
Then wipe your windshield dry in circular motions with a microfiber cloth.
This will “buff off” the cleaner and leave it polished and perfect.
How do I clean my windshield wipers?
Using a microfiber cloth and gentle all purpose cleaner, spray the cloth, then wipe down the length of the wiper blade.
Use a different part of the cloth continually until no further dirt comes off.
Repeat this as necessary.
