None of us likes mucky and unclean car windows. Not only do the dirty windows obstruct your view, but they also take the poise away from your vehicle. Then again, it can be quite difficult to make them completely spotless no matter how hard you clean them. In this guide, we will provide you with simple yet effective tips and tricks on how to clean car windows and keep them squeaky clean.
How to Clean Car Windows The Right Way
Even though it is a pretty simple process, a lot of people do not actually know how to clean car windows correctly. The most complex part is to ensure the window glass becomes spotless and is not left with any streaks once the cleaning is done.
Another thing to keep in mind is the weather. It is better to clean the windows during cool and preferably cloudy weather. However, if that’s not possible, then you should at least make sure that your car is parked in the shade to avoid the cleaning solution from drying out immediately. For the best results, you should separately clean the inner and outer sides of the glass.
Cleaning the Interior Side
Before you clean the outer part of your windows, you should start with the inner side first. Using your preferred glass cleaning solution, here is how you do it:
- Spray the Cleaning Agent On the Duster/Fabric
Begin by scattering the glass cleaning agent on the rag. Make sure not to spurt the solution straight onto the glass because most of it would just scatter away in the air. As a result, a lot of it would end up on the interior parts of your vehicle, which only increases your work.
Not to forget, the compounds in these solutions can fade or damage the internal parts of your automobile. Most of all, it results in the wastage of the cleaning solution too. Therefore, spray it onto the fabric to avoid all these problems.
- Use a Microfiber Rag
If you are not careful with the selection of the rag, you might end up putting scratches on the surface of your windows. For best results, always use a microfiber duster. Not only is it super soft, but it is also brilliant at rubbing away all the dirt without damaging the paint.
- Wipe Away
For removing all the stubborn stains, gently rub the rag on the glass in all directions. Begin by wiping up and down and then sideways. This method is both quicker and effective than cleaning in circular strokes.
Cleaning the Exterior Side
Once you are done cleaning the interior side of the glass window, you can now start with the outer side. Again, make sure that the car is, at the very least, under shade so as to prevent the cleaning agent from drying too quickly. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Thoroughly Wash the Car
You cannot begin cleaning your vehicle’s windows from the outer side unless you have washed your whole car beforehand. Why? This is because the dirt would only ruin your cleaning rag and affect the end result. Therefore, thoroughly wash your vehicle to remove all the dirt, grime, and bugs from its surface.
- Spurt the Cleaning Agent on the Window
This time around, the cleaner should be sprayed directly onto the glass surface instead of the cloth. This will help in quickly softening all the stuck-on dirt, which, in turn, would make the wiping a whole lot easier.
While spraying, make sure to apply an even layer all over the glass surface. Moreover, while cleaning the front or back screen, spray the solution in portions to prevent it from drying out.
- Use the Appropriate Cloth
Again, you need to use a microfiber fabric for cleaning the exterior side as well. It will effectively wipe away all the bugs, grime, and water stains from the windows in a breeze. However, make sure to use a new cloth for the exterior part instead of using the same one you used for the inner side.
- Wipe in All Directions
In order to avoid the appearance of cleaning lines, rub the cloth in both upright and horizontal motions, just as you did on the inner side. However, instead of gentle wiping, you will need to use a little more pressure because windows tend to get dirtier from the external side.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Car Windows
While scrubbing the windows of your automobile, there are certain do’s and don’ts that you need to bear in mind. These tips and tricks will not only protect your car windows, but they would also ensure that they stay clean for longer periods.
Do’s
- To stop the buildup of grunge and dirt on your windows, make sure to clean them on a regular basis. In addition to cleaning the windows, pay attention to the mirrors of your car as well.
- As mentioned above, use a microfiber fabric because it is good at cleaning. Moreover, it doesn’t scratch the glass or leaves behind stripes of dirt or water spots.
- Clean the car windows in the end. If you clean them in the beginning, they will get dirty all over again during the washing of the car, and you’ll have to redo cleaning them. The same goes for the mirrors or any other glass part for that matter.
- Clean the wipers on the windscreen as well. Wipers can badly damage the glass surface if they are not cleaned properly. Therefore, you need to ensure their maintenance as well.
Don’ts
- Do not use the cleaning agents that contain ammonia as it releases hazardous fumes that could be really detrimental for your well-being. In addition, it also results in destroying the glass surface.
- Do not use just a single piece of cloth for cleaning both internal and external sides of the windows. Preferably, you should use separate clothes on each side.
- Do not start cleaning the windows when your car is parked directly under the sun. The excessive heat in the atmosphere due to the sunlight will rapidly evaporate the cleaning solution from the glass surface. This, in turn, would leave nasty marks on the glass that would be very hard to get rid of.
- Do not use newspaper or tissue roll for wiping or drying out the windows. Both of these materials will start disintegrating, and before you know it, there will be tiny particles of them all over your windows.
The Final Words
While cleaning car windows looks like a very simple and straightforward task, there are actually a couple of tricks and tips on how to do it more effectively. Luckily, you are now equipped enough to do it on your own. Just remember to use the appropriate cleaning agent so as not to damage the tint of your car windows.