Your windshield and windows are not just a means for you to look out into the world while you drive your car — it is also enables other people to look into your vehicle. Few car owners appreciate how much better their car will look if they only pay enough attention to their windows now and then. Yes, cleaning your car windows properly will prolong your DIY cleaning job by a couple of minutes, but once you see the results, you will never regret that you took the extra time.
Whether your car windows are tinted or clear, it is advisable for you to invest sufficient time and effort into keeping them clean constantly. Just like the rest of your car’s exterior, it is subjected to everyday wear and tear. Weather conditions will also adversely affect your car windows’ pristine looks, and the occasional unfortunate bird dropping will make it look even worse.
Tools for Cleaning Your Car Windows
You might ask: what’s the best way to clean my car windows? Some car owners will tell you that a homemade solution of vinegar and water is the best way to get the job done. While this may work, it is still best to use a commercial glass cleaning product that can deliver consistent results and really bring out the shine of your reflective surfaces. Keep away from ammonia-based glass cleaners as these tend to harm your car’s sensitive materials, such as glass, vinyl, leather, and rubber.
To apply your preferred window cleaner, choose a non-abrasive microfiber wash mitt for wiping the glass, and another one for drying the surface. Using both sides of just one wash cloth may sound like the more cost-conscious way of cleaning your car windows, but ultimately you will find your hands—and the windows you are trying to clean—become dirty the more you wipe. Newspapers may also be used to clean car windows, as the material does not leave lint on the glass surface. The ink also serves as a polisher, but you’d have to watch where you put your ink-stained hands after the job.
How to Clean Car Windows
Start with the driver’s door and front passenger doors first. Spray on your preferred window cleaning solution or apply it on the microfiber cloth to wipe on the glass. Buff each portion dry before moving on to the windshield exterior. Afterwards, move inside the vehicle to clean the windshield from within.
Once you’re done, move on to the back passenger windows and repeat the process. Save the rear window for last as this is the most difficult to clean from the inside.
Some Tips to Make Sure that You Do the Job Properly:
- Pay extra attention to the corners, as these are the areas where you can get the most smears and swirl marks.
- Roll down the windows a couple of inches to clean the top of the frame.
- Include the side mirrors, headlights, and taillights in your cleaning job to get that completely fresh look for your car’s glass surfaces.
Enjoyed this post? Sign up for our newsletter to receive more valuable tips, ideas, coupons, and extras!
