Putting rubbing alcohol on your windshield is a common trick used to help remove things like frost, fog, and stubborn grime. Some people swear by using rubbing alcohol as a DIY windshield cleaner. But is it actually safe for your car? Here is a closer look at whether or not you should use rubbing alcohol on your windshield.
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What is Rubbing Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is a type of denatured alcohol commonly used as a disinfectant and cleaner. It typically contains 70% isopropyl alcohol mixed with 30% water. Rubbing alcohol is readily available at most grocery stores and pharmacies since it has a variety of household and medical uses.
Some key facts about rubbing alcohol:
- Made from the fermentation and distillation of grains, plants, or petroleum
- Evaporates quickly since it has a low boiling point
- Commonly used as a solvent, cleaner, and disinfectant
- Generally classified as either 70% or 90% isopropyl alcohol
- Very flammable and needs to be handled with care
Rubbing alcohol works well as a cleaning agent because it can help dissolve oil, grease, and wax. It also evaporates quickly without leaving behind any residue. These properties make it useful for cleaning things like windows, mirrors, jewelry, electronic devices, and more around the house.
Is It Safe for Car Windows?
At first glance, rubbing alcohol seems like it would be an ideal way to clean your windshield and other car windows. It can cut through grime, oils, and grease while evaporating quickly without streaking. However, there are a few reasons why you need to be very careful about using rubbing alcohol on your car’s glass.
It Can Damage Window Tinting
One major concern with using rubbing alcohol on your windshield is that it can actually damage aftermarket tinting. The alcohol can cause tinting, especially dyed films, to fade, bubble up, peel, and wear away more quickly. This irreversible damage to the tinting happens because the alcohol erodes the adhesive that bonds the film to the glass. So you’ll end up with an uneven, peeling tint that needs professional replacing much sooner.
It Can Strip Away Protective Coatings
Your windshield has a protective water repellent coating on the outside that helps with visibility in the rain. Rubbing alcohol can strip away this hydrophobic coating once it has worn down over time. That means your windshield wipers won’t be as effective at keeping the glass clear in wet weather. Reapplying the protective coating too often can become costly.
The inside of your windshield also has an anti-fog coating. Rubbing alcohol can gradually wear this away too, making the glass more prone to fogging up on cold or humid days. Without the protective coatings, your visibility and safety while driving can be impacted.
It Can Cause Small Surface Scratches
Even though rubbing alcohol itself won’t scratch or scour glass, any dirt particles stuck to your windshield can cause fine scratches if you wipe over them with paper towels or a dirty cloth. Small scratches on the surface of the glass can accumulate over time and make it harder to see clearly through your windshield.
It May Not Completely Evaporate
One of the assumed benefits of using rubbing alcohol on car windows is that it dries quickly without leaving streaks or residue. However, small amounts of the alcohol may get trapped in car window trim, gaskets, or cracks. The leftover alcohol can potentially damage trim pieces over time. And any hazy residue that is left behind on the glass can obstruct your view.
Safer Alternative Cleaners
While rubbing alcohol might seem like an easy DIY cleaning solution, there are much safer options available for cleaning your windshield without putting the glass or tinting at risk:
Distilled White Vinegar
Mixing equal parts distilled white vinegar and water makes an effective windshield cleaning spray. The mild acidic vinegar cuts through dirt, dust, grime, and dead bugs without damaging the glass or coatings. You can also add a couple drops of dish soap to help cut through oil.
Baking Soda
Make a DIY paste with baking soda and water to gently lift dirt off the windshield. Baking soda is a mild abrasive so it can get rid of stuck-on gunk without hurting the underlying glass surface like some harsher chemicals can.
Car Glass Cleaner
Specialized automotive glass cleaners are formulated to safely clean windshields without damaging them. Look for one that contains ingredients like ammonia, alcohol derivates, or ethylene glycol. Make sure it does not include acetone or ethyl alcohol which can hurt tinting. Streak-free cleaners help provide crystal clear visibility.
Diluted Dish Soap
Add a couple drops of mild dish washing liquid like Dawn to water in a spray bottle. The small amount of soap will help lift up oils and grease from the windshield. Rinse with plain water and wipe till fully dry and streak-free.
Removing Frost, Fog, and Haze
In addition to regular cleaning, rubbing alcohol is sometimes used to help clear frost, interior fog, and stubborn hazy film from windshields quickly. But there are still some major drawbacks to reaching for the alcohol when faced with these common visibility issues:
Frost Removal
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbing Alcohol |
|
|
| Spray Deicer |
|
|
| Hot Water |
|
|
Interior Fog Removal
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbing Alcohol |
|
|
| Microfiber Cloth |
|
|
| Defrost Ventilation |
|
|
Haze Removal
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbing Alcohol |
|
|
| Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner |
|
|
| Distilled Vinegar |
|
|
Application Tips
If you do choose to use rubbing alcohol on your windshield, keep these application tips in mind:
- Use sparingly – don’t saturate the glass or overdo it
- Wipe dry immediately so no liquid pools or drips
- Spray onto a lint-free cloth instead of directly on the glass
- Make sure windshield is fully clean before reapplying coatings or treatments
- Test on a small area first to check for any damage to tinting
- Open car windows or doors to allow for plenty of ventilation
- Rinse the area with water after cleaning to remove any leftover residue
Conclusion
At the end of the day, incorporating rubbing alcohol into your windshield cleaning regimen does pose some risks. While it can be quite effective at breaking down stubborn dirt, grime, frost, fog, and haze, it can also inadvertently damage window tinting and coatings over time.
Your best bet is to rely on car glass cleaners actually formulated for safety on automotive surfaces. Or make your own natural cleaning solutions using things like vinegar and dish soap. With the right techniques and products, you can keep your windshield spotless and maintain visibility without putting the glass or tinting at risk of wear and tear from alcohol.
If you do get in a bind and need to use rubbing alcohol, just be very cautious in your application. Wipe it away quickly, never saturate the glass, and rinse thoroughly after cleaning. Be extra careful around any tinted areas and monitor them closely for signs of damage from the alcohol. Limit how frequently you substitute alcohol for regular automotive glass cleaner.
While not necessarily prohibited, rubbing alcohol is probably not something you want to make a staple in your windshield cleaning regimen. With so many specialized cleaners on the market designed for auto glass care and maintenance, stick to those products for best results and protection.
Maintaining excellent outward and inward visibility through your windshield is crucial for safe driving. Don’t let frost, fog, dirt, and grime obstruct your view. But also make sure whatever cleaning methods you use don’t jeopardize the integrity of the glass long-term. Be knowledgeable about the pros and cons of different DIY cleaner options.
A pristine windshield is an important component of being alert and aware on the road. Take steps to care for your glass properly so it stays crystal clear for many miles to come.
Whether you are searching for winter frost removal hacks or trying to restore a foggy or hazy windshield, avoid reaching for that bottle of rubbing alcohol without understanding the potential repercussions. A few quick cleaning sessions could lead to permanent damage to your windshield glass, tinting, and coatings.
Hopefully this thorough overview gave you the facts to make an informed decision about using rubbing alcohol on your car windows. Always err on the side of caution to protect your visibility and safety on the road.
Rubbing alcohol might solve an immediate cleaning need in a pinch. But for the long haul, rely on automotive glass cleaners or natural solutions that get the windshield spotless without all the risks. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your view of the road ahead crystal clear for many miles to come!
