Having trouble seeing the road? It’s time for a windshield clean to ensure that you can see the road clearly if grease and grime are obstructing your view. You’ll have a clearer view of what’s ahead and less chance of a car accident if you clean the inside of your windshield every few weeks to remove dirt, smudges, and film. Additionally, it enhances the effectiveness of your defroster, enabling it to quickly remove condensation, or “fog,” that adheres more readily to a dirty windshield surface.
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Why Does the Windshield Seem to Get Dirtier Than Other Windows in the Car?
Are you familiar with the “New Car Smell”?
the one that we all adore and wish we still had even though the vehicle is no longer brand-new?
Here’s the reality of it…
It seems that your health is not at all benefited by this odor.
What really happens is, because of a natural process of curing and oxidation, the plastic components inside your car release oil fumes – a process known as “out-gassing”.
These oil fumes linger inside your car, creating a toxic “chemical bath”. Which means you’re breathing in the poisoning vapours every time you’re in the car.
Additionally, the vapours leave a film on all surfaces, including glass.
Additionally, it receives the most of it because the windshield is perpendicular to the dashboard and directly on top of it.
And this doesn’t just happen for new cars.
Long after the car has stopped being brand-new, this out-gassing persists.
In addition, pollutants from the outside environment are present in the air that the ventilation system uses to bring inside the car.
When all of these elements come together, an oil-based film is left behind on the inside of your windshield (and, to a lesser extent, on all of your car’s other windows).
The bond between this film and the glass is so strong that it renders all conventional cleaning agents and methods completely ineffective.
All they do is reposition the film, causing streaks and making it even more challenging to see through.
Can You Use Windex on Car Windows?
Now that we know how to clean inside car windows, are you wondering if you can use Windex on car windows? Yes, Windex is completely secure for use on automotive windows. Although some people in Springfield may advise against using it on tinted windows, there is no proof that Windex mixed with ammonia will be problematic. Factory-tinted windows won’t have any issues, but if a third party tinted your windows in Wilmington, you might want to play it safe and refrain from using Windex.
If you’re using Windex inside a car that has leather seats, make sure to not get any on the leather. The leather may become drier or lose color after using Windex. Contact Key Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT with specific questions for your situation, and we’ll be able to help you.
What You’ll Need:
- Lint-free microfiber rags
- Glass cleaner
- Vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol
1 Clean Outside
If you need to clean interior windshield haze or streaks, it all starts with the outside. Why? Because it’s much easier to identify the cleanliness of an interior window if the exterior is spotless. Therefore, thoroughly hand-wash your outside windshield before moving on to the interior. (Additionally, those dark splotches on your window are actually from your polarized sunglasses, so don’t be alarmed.)
2 Wipe Inside With a Clean, Dry Microfiber Cloth
Once that is finished, wipe the interior windshield with a soft microfiber towel (or a clean shop towel), working in circular motions from the corners to the center. (The “backhand method” is particularly effective for cleaning the lower portion of a windshield.)
Note: If the towel touches the dashboard, it’s dirty. Rubbing it on your windshield will only make streaks more noticeable because it has already absorbed oil. Get a new towel!
3 Clean With Alcohol Or a Magic Eraser
The window needs to be degreased after that. You can do this on the cheap by applying isopropyl rubbing alcohol to a clean microfiber towel, or you can choose to buy something like a Mr. We suggest using a clean Magic Eraser because it is magical.
Warm water should be added to the Magic Eraser before using it to clean the glass in circular motions. The eraser should always be damp, and after cleaning, you should quickly use a microfiber cloth to dry the area in circular motions.
Work in quarters. That is, clean and dry one quarter of the windshield at a time. This lessens the possibility of the Magic Eraser’s chemical cleaning solution sticking to the glass and drying.
Reminder: Immediately wipe away any spills on the dashboard with a paper towel or different cloth! If allowed to dry, these can discolor or stain the dash. Continue reading to learn about additional factors that can harm your car.
4 Finish With Glass Cleaner
Apply your glass cleaner directly to another clean microfiber towel. Circularly clean the windshield, paying special attention to the point where the glass and dashboard meet.
Rub the windshield in an upward and downward motion while holding the towel on its dry side.
All interior windows can be cleaned using this method for windshields, but tinted windows should never be treated with alcohol or any other chemical. Check out these additional car window cleaning suggestions.
Tips for Success:
- After washing the outside and wiping down the inside of your car, you should clean the windshield last.
- It will be less likely for window cleaner to quickly evaporate if you clean windows in the shade or when it’s cooler outside.
- Don’t use rags you’ve used for other cleaning tasks on your windshield, even if you’ve washed them. By using wax or other detailing products, you run the risk of having an oily, greasy windshield.
Conclusion
Now that your windshield is clean keep it that way! Simply maintaining a cooler interior temperature and providing a gas escape route accomplishes this. Whenever possible, park your car in shaded/sheltered locations that keep your car cooler, such as your home’s garage. Additionally, you can stop off-gassing and the accumulation of contaminants by simply opening your car’s windows to let fresh air in and pollutants out (though this won’t be possible on rainy days).
FAQs
How Do You Get Rid of Haze on Inside of Windshield?
Mix one cup of vinegar and one cup of water, and you have an effective glass and windshield cleaner. Others prefer the vinegar to water ratio of 10%. Depending on how bad the haze is, you can always change the ratio.
What is the Best Thing to Clean Inside Car Windscreen?
Effective solutions include 50% alcohol, 50% water, and a capful of white vinegar (easy on that capful or your car really will smell like a fish and chip shop). Alternately, blend 70% water, 15% window cleaner, and 15% alcohol. Alcohol is your best friend for dirty, smudged windscreens.
Why Do I Get a Film on the Inside of My Windshield?
Why and what is happening? Vehicle interiors create the ideal atmosphere for building up film on the inside of windows. Cigarette smoke, condensation, and dust blend in a closed, hot interior to form a “cloud” that eventually coats the windows. The hotter the weather, the quicker the film builds up.
Should You Wipe the Inside of Your Windscreen?
Clean both sides. One of the most important – but often overlooked – parts of cleaning your windscreen is to make sure you clean the inside of it, too. On the road, your glass will be exposed to the elements, dirt, and insects to a greater extent on the outside than the inside.
