How to Clean Car Windows and Get Them Shining Like New
Keeping your car windows clean is not only important for aesthetics but also for safety. Dirty windows can obstruct your vision while driving, making it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and road signs. Fortunately, cleaning your car windows is a relatively simple and inexpensive task that you can do at home with a few basic supplies.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools:
- 2 to 4 microfiber cloths
- Vacuum with hose and upholstery brush (optional)
- Disposable duster
- 2 spray bottles
- Squeegee (optional)
Materials:
- 1 bottle distilled white vinegar
- 1 bottle distilled water
- 1 bottle isopropyl alcohol
- 1 label
- 1 box cornstarch
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix Up DIY Glass Cleaners
For lightly soiled windows, mix one cup of rubbing alcohol, one cup of distilled water, and one tablespoon of vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake to combine and label the bottle.
For heavily soiled windows, mix one-fourth cup of rubbing alcohol, one-fourth cup of distilled white vinegar, one tablespoon of cornstarch, and two cups of distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake well to combine the ingredients, then label the bottle.
2. Remove Dust and Debris from the Exterior Windows
Use your hands to remove any leaves or twigs that are caught in the windshield wipers or the weather stripping on the windows. Then, use a vacuum with a hose to suction away as much small debris and dust as you can. Finally, use a dry microfiber cloth or disposable duster to remove as much loose dirt and dust as possible.
3. Clean and Inspect the Exterior Windows
Spray one window at a time lightly with the glass cleaner and use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the window immediately after spraying to avoid drips or allowing the cleaner to dry on the window. Use an up-and-down or side-to-side motion as your clean. Rubbing in circles can leave streaks.
If there are bird droppings or dried insects, add a bit more glass cleaner and let it sit for 60 seconds or so. Apply some pressure to the microfiber cloth to help remove the mess. As you clean, check the windows for cracked weather stripping, chips, and cracks and repair them as soon as possible.
4. Dry and Buff to a Shine
Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to dry each window immediately after it is cleaned.
Or, if you are good with a squeegee, use it to remove the moisture. Be sure to dry the squeegee blade after every pass on the window.
5. Clean Interior Windows
On the interior of the car, remove any items from the dashboard and any accessories like sun shades from the windows, and use a dry microfiber cloth or duster to remove dust.
Instead of spraying the windows, spray the glass cleaner on a clean microfiber cloth to protect the dashboard and interior surfaces. Completely clean and dry one window at a time before moving to the next one.
Lower the windows slightly and start at the top of the window and work downward, catching any drips along the way. Be sure to clean the exterior glass at the top if it is still dirty, and wipe each window in an up/down or side-to-side motion.
Finish by using a clean, dry microfiber cloth to buff the windows to a shine.
Tips for Cleaning Car Windows
- Avoid cleaning the windows in direct sunlight. The glass cleaner can dry before you finish and leave streaks.
- Change out the microfiber towels often as they become soiled. You don’t want to reapply grime to the next window.
- Avoid using paper towels when cleaning car windows because they leave bits of lint on the glass.
- To reach the lower interior corners of the windshield, wrap your cleaning and drying cloths around a ruler and secure them with rubber bands.
- If you have hard water, use distilled water in your DIY glass cleaners to avoid streaks and water spots.
