In order to drive safely, you must clean your car windows. Why not do it in the best way possible? The best way of cleaning auto glass takes care of all the streaks and smudges, but is also safe, eco-friendly, and cost-effective.

Use two soft and clean microfiber cloths to clean your car windows: one for washing with soapy water and the other for drying them off. Use cleaners that are safe for your auto glass and body paint too, but take care if using an ammonia-based product as they can potentially damage window tinting and some commonly-used plastic components. Your car should also be clean, so start by washing it, then rinsing and drying before focusing on your windows. 

We’re going to give you a detailed guide on how to clean auto glass as effectively as possible but first, let’s discuss why you need to clean your car windows and avoid streaks and smudges.

 

Why Clean Car Windows Matter

Safety comes before aesthetics while you’re on the road, but we believe both matter. Clear windows are crucial for safe driving as you need a full view of the road ahead, behind, and around your vehicle. 

Any streaks or smudges can distort your vision and increase the risk of accidents. Did you know dirt, dust, and debris cause auto glass scratches to worsen over time? Cleaning your car windows helps prevent further damage.

Dirty car windows not only affect your safety but also reflect poorly on your personal hygiene as a driver. Keeping squeaky clean car windows tells people you’re organized, in control, and to be taken seriously. 

Cleaning your auto glass is tricky because streaks often appear after cleaning, making it difficult to achieve a clear view while driving. Smudges and fingerprints can also accumulate on auto glass, hindering visibility and making your car look unkempt. 

There are many ways of cleaning auto glass, but we’re going to focus on how to clean auto glass effectively and achieve a streak-free finish. Let’s start with the best products to use to clean car windows.

 

The Best Products for Cleaning Car Windows

 

It’s our goal to help you do this yourself and still achieve a professional look for your car windows. To get there, you need the right tools and products.

Products don’t always have to be commercial, as you can make a clean, effective cleaner yourself. For example, you can mix distilled clear vinegar and water in a 1:2 ratio to create a natural and affordable glass cleaner.

Maybe what’s available to you is rubbing oil. You can dilute it into water in the same ratio for an equally effective cleaner. For more options, here are some of the best homemade car window cleaner recipes and processes.

If you prefer using commercial products, beware of regular glass cleaners with ammonia. While they may effectively clean windows, they can also damage your car’s window tint and other plastic components. Here’s more on that: ‘Is Glass Cleaner Bad for Car Paint?’

Go for car-specific glass cleaners, preferably those with a foaming action because they dissolve and remove tough grime without leaving behind any streaks.

 

What Other Tools Are Necessary for Cleaning Auto Glass?

 

Apart from car-friendly glass cleaner, you’ll also need to gather the following tools:

1. Two ultra-soft, absorbent towels that are gentle on auto glass and do not leave lint behind.
2. A squeegee is handy for removing water and cleaner residues from the glass surface. It can also be used to scrape off stuck-on debris.
3. A bucket of warm water helps get rid of loose dirt and debris before you start washing. 

The Best Tools for Cleaning Inside Car Windows

 

Cleaning the inside windows of your car can be trickier than cleaning the outer surfaces, but with the right tools, it becomes easy. Some must-have tools include:

1. Q-tips or soft brushes help you reach tight corners and crevices where dirt accumulates.
2. Paper towels or lint-free cloths help to wipe off dirt and grime from the windows. Be sure to use separate clothes for the inside and outside surfaces.
3. A safe glass scraper helps remove stickers, tape, or other adhesives stuck to car windows without damaging them. 

Best Way to Clean Auto Glass Without Streaks (Exterior)

Preparation

1. Start by parking your car in a shady spot and letting it cool down.
2. Wash the car if it’s dirty.
3. Gather all the necessary tools and materials we listed above.
4. Spray some water on the exterior of your car windows to loosen any dirt or debris.
5. Don’t forget to keep your supplies off the ground to prevent rocks and debris from contaminating your cloths as this can cause unintentional scratching to your windows.

How to Clean Auto Glass

1. Use the cleaner sprayer to draw a box close to the edges of the window.
2. Use an absorbent towel to wipe away the excess cleaner and dirt.
3. Use the squeegee to remove any cleaner residue from the glass surface, starting at the top left corner and moving horizontally all the way down.
4. Use the second soft cloth to rub off any streaks and smudges while drying. 

Best Way to Clean Interior Car Windows

 

Preparation

1. Start by removing any objects or trash from inside the car that may hinder your cleaning process.
2. Roll down the windows halfway to clean the top half first, then roll them back up and clean the bottom half.
3. Remove floor mats to prevent dirt or water from getting on them.
4. Lay a towel over the dashboard to catch drips. 

Cleaning Interior Car Windows

1. Use a soft brush or Q-tip to reach the dust and grime hiding in corners and crevices.
2. Spray cleaner onto a lint-free cloth and wipe down the entire window surface in circular motions, starting at the top left corner and moving horizontally all the way down.
3. Use a separate dry cloth to buff and remove any remaining streaks or smudges for a squeaky-clean finish.
4. A cotton swab should be handy for cleaning corners and crevices.
5. Replace floor mats and any objects you removed from the car.
6. Enjoy your crystal-clear windows and the new level of visibility they provide while driving! 

Additional Tips for Cleaning Auto Glass

• Paper towels are a no-no as they can leave lint residue on your auto glass.
• Always use lint-free cloths for cleaning to prevent streaks and smudges.
• Try using a reputable commercial auto glass cleaner for tougher stains or grime.
• Remember to clean your rearview and side mirrors as well for optimal visibility while driving.
• If you notice any cracks or chips in your car windows, have them repaired immediately so the damage doesn’t spread.
• Regularly cleaning your car windows improves visibility and reinforces the auto glass integrity. 

Wash Your Car Windows Regularly

 

Regular cleaning helps you avoid auto glass repair and replacement for longer. To avoid causing damage, use the right tools and methods when cleaning your car windows.

You may also need to learn how to clean sunroof drains. It’s important to keep all aspects of your car clean, including the sunroof, to maintain its overall condition and longevity.

Remember to also regularly check and replace your windshield wipers to ensure clear visibility while driving in any weather conditions.