Keeping the inside of your car’s windows clean is an important part of vehicle maintenance. Dirty windows can obscure vision and be a safety hazard. Additionally, clean windows contribute to a positive overall impression of your car. While car owners can clean their windows themselves, professional auto detailers use specialized techniques and tools to clean the insides of windows thoroughly. This allows them to remove dirt, grime, fingerprints, and fogging effectively.
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Why keep the inside of your windows clean?
There are several key reasons to prioritize keeping your car’s interior windows clean:
- Enhanced visibility – Clean windows allow for better outward visibility, reducing blind spots and potential safety hazards.
- Improved aesthetics – Spotless windows make the whole interior space look cleaner and more attractive.
- Increased car value – Clean interiors tend to increase resale value and appeal to potential buyers.
- Better driving experience – Cleaner windows enhance the overall driving experience by letting in more light.
- Removes odors and residues – Thorough cleaning removes odor-causing dirt, grime, and nicotine film.
Dirty or foggy windows make it harder to see out of the car, creating dangerous driving conditions. Keeping your windows clean improves safety on the road.
Common dirt and grime accumulation
Car windows can accumulate a variety of dirt, smudges, residues, and moisture inside the cabin. Common culprits leading to interior window dirt include:
Fingerprints and smudges
Fingerprint smears on the windows are inevitable as passengers touch the windows frequently. Hands leave behind oil and dirt. Fingertip smudges scatter light and reduce visibility.
Dust and dirt
Dust floating in the cabin will eventually settle on the windows. Dirt and debris brought in on shoes and clothing also dirties window surfaces.
Nicotine and smoke film
Nicotine from cigarette smoke circulating in the cabin leaves behind a hazy, yellowish film. This smoking residue clings to windows and reduces transparency.
Bacteria and germs
Windows come into contact with hands, skin, and breath. This exposure leaves them coated in invisible bacteria, viruses, and microbes.
Water spots and drips
Condensation forms on the insides of windows in humid conditions. The water droplets leave behind crusty mineral deposits when they dry. Water can also drip down during rainy drives.
Road grime
While driving with the windows down, airborne contaminants like exhaust fumes, bugs, and mud splatter enter the cabin and dirty the windows.
Cleaning tools and solutions
Professional auto detailers use specialized equipment and cleaning solutions to deep clean the inside windows. This allows them to thoroughly clean all the glass surfaces and dissolve stubborn dirt.
Microfiber cloths
Microfiber cloths are essential for streak-free window cleaning. The extremely fine fibers and soft texture lift and trap dirt without scratching. They are reusable and washable too.
Window scrub pads
Scrub pads help agitate and dissolve tough grime. Foam pads are gentle while rougher woven pads provide abrasion.
Glass cleaners
Special automotive glass cleaners contain solvents like alcohol, ammonia, or vinegar. These break up oil, nicotine haze, and soils from windows without leaving a residue.
Steam cleaners
Pressurized steam is very effective for sanitizing and degreasing windows. The combination of heat and moisture loosens dirt easily.
Squeegees
Squeegees scrape water and cleaning solution evenly off the windows in one swipe. The rubber blade glides smoothly without scratches.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Microfiber cloths | Polishing windows streak-free |
| Window scrub pads | Removing tough grime |
| Glass cleaners | Breaking up oils, nicotine, and soils |
| Steam cleaners | Sanitizing and degreasing |
| Squeegees | Scraping liquid evenly off windows |
Step-by-step professional window cleaning process
Here is a step-by-step overview of how professional auto detailers deep clean the inside of car windows:
1. Remove loose dirt and debris
First, the loose dust, crumbs, and debris are brushed off the windows and window wells. This prevents grit from scratching the glass.
2. Vacuum and shampoo carpets
Carpets harbor dirt that can resettle on clean windows. So the floor mats and carpets are vacuumed thoroughly. Carpet shampooing helps extract deeply embedded grime.
3. Apply window cleaning solution
A spray bottle is used to evenly mist an automotive window cleaning solution across the glass. This helps lift oil, nicotine haze, and soils.
4. Let solution dwell briefly
Letting the cleaner sit for a minute allows the active ingredients to work on breaking up stubborn dirt and grease.
5. Scrub with pads and tools
Scrub pads, microfiber cloths, or other tools are used to agitate the grime. This dissolves and lifts the contaminants from the glass.
6. Rinse thoroughly
The windows are sprayed with clean water to rinse off all the lifted dirt, cleaning solution residue, and suds.
7. Dry and polish
A few microfiber cloths are used to meticulously dry the glass. Polishing as the last step brings the sparkling shine back.
8. Clean window wells
Window well surfaces are cleaned with interior cleaners and brushed. This removes debris and liquids that collect here.
9. Add protectant
An optional step is to apply a rain-repelling glass protectant. This helps prevent future buildup.
Tips for cleaning specific window areas
The various angles and areas inside the car cabin require some specialized cleaning techniques:
Dashboard and windshield
Use a dash cleaner on the dashboard first. For the windshield, roll down the windows to reach the top edges. Wipe down the rear-view mirror and visors too.
Side and rear windows
Lower the windows to access the upper edges. Use a tool with an angled head or wand brush for the hard-to-reach corners.
Behind rear-view mirror
Slide a microfiber attachment onto a wand to reach behind the rear-view mirror and clean the hidden area.
Door panels and handles
Use an all-purpose interior cleaner and minimal water to avoid residue on the controls. Wipe down door handles thoroughly.
Sunroof and moonroof
Vacuum out accumulated debris before washing the glass panels. Take care not to get excessive water into the roof console.
Conclusion
Keeping your car windows clear and pristine requires cleaning the inside glass surfaces regularly and thoroughly. Professional detailers use specialized auto-grade cleaners, brushes, microfiber cloths, scrub pads, steam cleaners, squeegees and other tools to deep clean, sanitize, and polish the windows. The step-by-step cleaning process involves vacuuming, applying cleaner, scrubbing, rinsing, drying, and protectant. Paying close attention to each window area like the dashboard, side, rear, and door windows ensures every inch gleams. With clean inside windows that are free of dirt, nicotine haze, bacteria, and fingerprints, driving visibility, safety, aesthetics, and the overall experience is greatly enhanced.