When it comes to cleaning your car windows, it may seem simple, however, achieving a streak-free shine can be tricky. Clear windows don't just look good but are important when driving. Clean, clear windows allow the driver to maintain good visibility while on the roads, increasing their overall safety. It important to clean your windows regularly due to the build-up of dust, dirt, smudges, and water spots.
Today we will explore a step-by-step guide to help you clean your car windows effectively and leave them sparkling:
Step 1: Choose the Right Products
Like most things, using the right tools and products makes all the difference. When it comes to your car it is an essential part in achieving streak-free windows. Here’s what we recommend for you:
- Glass cleaner: Avoid household glass cleaners like Windolene because they contain harsh chemical like ammonia, that may damage the window tint and leave ugly streaks on the surface. 0 Ammonia Glass by Innovacar is exactly what the name says- it is an ammonia-free glass cleaner and perfect for car windows!
- Microfiber towels: Choosing the right cloth/towel is essential when it comes to achieving streak-free results, because they won’t leave behind swirls or scratches on your windows. Micron Glass by Innovacar is a microfibre cloth that has specially designed to clean and shine car windows without scratching the suface and leaving streaks.
- Purified water: If you live in an area with hard water (unpurified or rain water), using purified water helps avoid mineral deposits and (limescale) water spots left behind on the glass.
Step 2: Clean the Car Exterior
The initial step you need to take before cleaning your windows is to wash your car’s exterior to remove dirt d debris. Removing the dirt and debris helps to prevent these particles from being scraped across the surface of the glass, which causes scratches.
Step 3: Work in the Shade
When it is time to clean your car windows, find a shaded spot, preferably during the cooler times of the day. The heat caused by direct sunlight can cause the glass cleaner to dry too quickly, leaving behind streaks.
Step 4: Clean the Exterior Windows
- Application of the glass cleaner: Apply your glass cleaner directly onto the exterior windows, while following the direction of use at the back of the product.
- Wipe with a microfiber/glass towel: Use a clean, dry microfiber towel, preferably one meant for glass, to wipe the window in a back-and-forth or up-and-down motion. Avoid circular motions, as they can leave swirls and streaks on the glass.
- Flip the towel: After a few wipes, flip your towel to a clean, dry section to ensure you’re not spreading dirt or leftover cleaner.
- Pay attention to the edges: Windows often get dirtier around the edges caused by the window-wipers pushing the dirt to the edges. Make sure to clean all the way to the corners, not missing any spots.
Step 5: Clean the Interior Windows
The interior windows often accumulate a mix of dust, fingerprints and dirt. Here’s how to clean the interior windows:
- Spray the cleaner onto the cloth: Avoid spraying the product directly onto the glass and rather spray it onto your microfiber towel. This prevents overspray from getting into the grooves of your dashboard or seats.
- Wipe thoroughly: After application, use the same back-and-forth or up-and-down motion to clean the interior glass surfaces. If your windows are tinted, make sure you use a cleaner that is safe for tint films like 0 Ammonia Glass.
- Buff for clarity: After wiping the product off, use a soft microfiber towel (recommended: Micron Buffing) and buff the glass to remove any remaining streaks and smudges, while enhancing the shine.
Step 6: Clean the Windshield and Rear Window
Once you have cleaned and buffed the windows, it is now time to focus on the windscreen and rear window. These windows are bigger than the door windows and require more effort and attention.
- Windshield: Start by cleaning the outside of the windshield using the same method mentioned above for the door windows. For the interior windshield, spray the cleaner directly onto the towel instead of onto the glass while wiping in vertical strokes to avoid streaks and overspray.
- Rear window: The rear window often has heating elements (the lines running across them), so use extra care when cleaning it. Wipe gently along the defroster lines to avoid damaging them.
Step 7: Focus on Mirrors and Corners
Finally, it's time to clean your side mirrors and the corners of your windows, as these areas often gather dirt and grime.
- Side mirrors: Use the same cleaning method, applying the glass cleaner to a microfibre towel instead of directly on the surface and then wipe the mirrors.
- Corners and edges: Use a corner of your microfiber towel to reach tight areas that larger parts of the towel might miss.
Step 8: Inspect for Streaks
Once you’ve cleaned all the windows, take some time to inspect your work from different angles. It might be helpful to take a few steps back and see how it looks from further away as well. If you notice any streaks or missed spots, simply buff them out with a clean, dry microfiber towel.
Extra Tips for Perfectly Clean Windows
- Use a vinegar solution: If you're making your own cleaning solution, mix equal parts purified water and white vinegar. Purified water prevents mineral deposits from water, that can cause streaks and limescales.
- Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight: As mentioned earlier, sunlight can make the cleaner evaporate quickly, leaving behind streaks.
- Use multiple microfibre towels: If a towel becomes too wet or dirty, switch to a new one to prevent spreading any dirt or scratching the surface.
Conclusion
Cleaning your car windows doesn’t have to be a frustrating task. By using the right products, following the correct techniques, and being mindful of the environment, you can achieve streak-free, crystal-clear windows every time. Regularly cleaning your car’s windows not only improves its appearance but also ensures you maintain maximum visibility and safety while driving.
Keep these tips in mind, and your car’s windows will look spotless and pristine for every drive.
