Keeping the inside of your windshield clean is an important part of vehicle maintenance and driving safety. A dirty windshield can obstruct your view of the road and make driving difficult and dangerous. There are a few quick answers to what is the best thing to use when cleaning the inside of a windshield:
- Glass cleaner – Glass cleaners specifically formulated for auto glass are very effective at cutting through dirt, dust, and grease on the inside of windshields.
- Vinegar and water solution – A 50/50 mix of distilled white vinegar and water works well to clean windshields. The vinegar helps break down grime.
- Ammonia and water solution – A few drops of ammonia mixed with water also helps clean glass. Ammonia is a powerful solvent.
- Newspaper or paper towels – Using newspaper or paper towels is an old trick that works. The coarse paper fibers scrub the glass clean.
Of these options, a high quality auto glass cleaner specifically designed for cleaning windshields is likely the best choice for most drivers. Glass cleaners contain ingredients like detergents, alcohols, and solvents that lift dirt and grease off the glass surface. Let’s take a deeper look at why auto glass cleaner is the top recommendation and how to use it for best results.
Page Contents
Why Auto Glass Cleaner is the Best Choice
There are a few key reasons why a purpose-made auto glass cleaner is the best choice for cleaning the inside of your windshield:
- Formulated for glass – Auto glass cleaners contain ingredients optimized for cleaning glass. Detergents lift dirt while alcohols cut through grease and grime.
- Streak-free formula – Good glass cleaners contain additives that help prevent streaking and promote fast evaporation so the glass is crystal clear.
- Anti-fog properties – Many premium glass cleaners also contain anti-fog agents that keep the glass from fogging up in humid conditions.
- Ammonia-free – Most auto glass cleaners no longer contain ammonia which can damage interior surfaces over time.
- Convenient application – Glass cleaners come ready-to-use in spray bottles for quick and easy application on windshields.
In addition to these performance advantages, a dedicated glass cleaning product is simply the most convenient way to keep your windshield looking its best. No need to mix up homemade solutions from pantry items. Just grab your glass cleaner, spray, and wipe away dirt.
How Auto Glass Cleaner Works
Auto glass cleaner contains three main types of active ingredients that work together to cut through dirt and leave glass spotless:
- Detergents – Detergents like sulfonates lift and suspend dirt so it can be wiped away instead of moved around.
- Solvents – Solvents like alcohol and glycol ethers dissolve and cut through oil, grease, and grime on contact.
- Wetting agents – Wetting agents reduce surface tension so the cleaner spreads evenly over the glass surface.
When you spray auto glass cleaner on a dirty windshield, the detergents go to work lifting dirt from the glass while the solvents penetrate and dissolve oily deposits. The wetting agents allow the cleaner to spread out evenly. The result is dissolving and suspension of dirt so it can be wiped off leaving perfectly clean glass behind.
Key Ingredients to Look For
When selecting an auto glass cleaner product, look for these key ingredients:
- Isopropyl Alcohol – Fast-evaporating solvent that cuts through oils.
- Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether – Powerful cleaner good at removing grease.
- Detergents – Look for non-ionic detergents that lift dirt without streaking.
- Wetting Agents – Reduce surface tension so the cleaner spreads evenly.
Avoid products containing ammonia or ethyl alcohol which can damage auto interiors with repeated use. The best cleaners contain the milder isopropyl alcohol. Also verify the product is safe for tinted windows which can be damaged by harsh chemicals.
How to Clean Your Windshield
Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning the inside of your windshield like a professional:
- Spray glass cleaner directly onto windshield. Avoid spraying onto dash or upholstery. Apply a light mist across the entire glass surface.
- Use a clean microfiber cloth to spread cleaner evenly over the glass. Microfiber grabs dirt efficiently.
- Buff surface with microfiber using light pressure. Flip cloth frequently to a clean side.
- Switch to a dry microfiber and go over the glass again to polish and eliminate any streaks.
- For tough dirt near the base of the windshield, spray directly onto the microfiber and scrub.
- Use a detail brush to clean into corners, crevices, and around mirrors.
- Go over tinted areas gently to avoid scratching the tint.
- Repeat process on rear windshield and any side windows inside the vehicle.
Tips for Best Results
Follow these tips when cleaning the inside of your windshield for optimum results:
- Work out of direct sunlight – Sunlight causes cleaner to dry too fast leading to streaking.
- Roll down windows – This allows you to reach the entire windshield surface from inside the car.
- Remove excess debris first – Wipe away any loose dirt or crumbs before applying cleaner.
- Start at the top – Slowly work your way down from the top edge of the windshield to the bottom.
- Use light pressure – Scrubbing too aggressively can damage glass coatings.
- Flip cloth frequently – Use clean sides to prevent redepositing dirt.
- Rinse cloth often – Rinse microfiber under tap to remove accumulated dirt.
- Dry with a lint-free cloth – Finish with a dedicated glass drying cloth for a perfect shine.
Following these simple guidelines will help you achieve clean, crystal clear windows from the inside out. Taking the time to properly clean your auto glass improves visibility and also protects the glass from deterioration.
How Often to Clean the Inside of Your Windshield
Cleaning frequency depends on several factors:
- Mileage – The more you drive, the more often glass needs cleaning. Clean at least monthly if driving over 1,000 miles per month.
- Passengers – The more passengers in your vehicle, the quicker glass gets dirty. Clean every 2 weeks with multiple passengers.
- Smokers – Smoke film builds up quickly requiring cleaning every 2-4 weeks.
- Environment – Driving on dirt roads necessitates more frequent cleaning. Urban environments also soil glass faster.
- Parking – Outdoor parking exposes glass to more dirt and contaminants than garage parking.
Here are some general guidelines for cleaning frequency based on typical driving habits:
| Miles/Month | Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|
| Less than 1,000 miles | Every 2-3 months |
| 1,000-3,000 miles | Monthly |
| Over 3,000 miles | Every 2-4 weeks |
Of course, clean your windshield on the spot whenever interior glass appears noticeably dirty. Never drive with obscured visibility due to interior window dirt.
Best Glass Cleaning Products
The market offers many effective auto glass cleaners to choose from. Here are some top products:
| Brand | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Invisible Glass | Premium Glass Cleaner | – Strong cleaning power – Non-dripping gel formula – Ammonia-free |
| Meguiar’s | Perfect Clarity Glass Cleaner | – Removes haze and water spots – Protects glass from fogging – Safe for tinted windows |
| Chemical Guys | Signature Series Glass Cleaner | – Concentrated formula – Works on all auto glass – Leaves zero residue |
Any quality cleaner specifically designed for auto glass will deliver great results. Compare active ingredients and avoid products with harsh chemicals like ammonia. A glass cleaner from a trusted auto detailing brand is always a smart choice.
DIY Cleaning Solutions
You can also whip up effective homemade cleaners using a few simple ingredients:
- Vinegar – Equal parts white vinegar and water works well. The acetic acid in vinegar cuts through dirt.
- Rubbing alcohol – 70% isopropyl alcohol mixed with 30% water gives strong cleaning power.
- Water and soap – A mild dish soap diluted in warm water cleans glass economically.
- Club soda – The carbonation in club soda lifts dirt. Wipe with a soft cloth.
When mixing your own cleaner, avoid anything too abrasive or harsh. Stick to gentle, dilute solutions. DIY cleaners often require a bit more elbow grease than commercial products to achieve the same level of clean.
Interior Glass Cleaning Tips
Beyond the windshield, be sure to regularly clean other interior glass surfaces:
- Side windows – Clean all door window glass so views are unobstructed.
- Rearview mirror – Wipe down the mirror to avoid nighttime glare from headlights.
- Dashboard – Use glass cleaner to dust and clean any glass display panels.
- Gauges – Spray a cloth and wipe down glass gauge covers to restore clarity.
- Lights – Mist on lenses of interior map lights to remove fog and dirt buildup.
- Sunroof – Clean the inside of any glass sunroof with auto glass cleaner.
Treat all glass inside your vehicle just as you would the windshield. Dirty windows or mirrors compromise visibility and detract from your driving experience.
Avoid Common Mistakes
While cleaning interior auto glass, avoid these amateur mistakes:
- Using paper towels – Lint left behind leads to ongoing streaking issues.
- Spraying cleaner directly on dash – Drips on vinyl or leather can stain and damage.
- Applying too much pressure – Pressing too hard when wiping risks scratching.
- Waiting too long between cleanings – Dirt that builds up sticks harder.
- Using cold water – Warm water softens dirt better than cold for DIY solutions.
- Failing to dry completely – Remaining moisture causes fogging and reattraction of dirt.
- Using dirty rags – Old reused towels just move dirt around.
Adhering to proper procedures and avoiding mistakes keeps your glass spotless longer. It also prevents damage to other interior components.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning of interior auto glass improves visibility and also protects glass from degradation over time. While homemade solutions can work, the convenience and cleaning power of an auto glass-specific cleaner makes it the top choice for most drivers. Use a quality glass cleaner like Invisible Glass along with microfiber cloths to easily wipe away dirt, grease, and grime from windshields and all interior glass surfaces. Following basic procedures prevents streaking and helps glass stay crystal clear for miles down the road. Keeping your windshield and windows clean improves the driving experience and also plays an important role in driving safety.