Pro Tips For Cleaning The Inside Of Your Car’s Windshield Like A Detailer

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Best Way To Clean Inside Windshield

Key Takeaways:

  • The Importance of Clean Windshields: A spotless windshield enhances safety and aesthetics, improving visibility and ensuring a crystal-clear view.
  • Key Cleaning Techniques: Use high-quality tools and methods to minimize streaking and smudges for a professional-grade finish.
  • Easy Windshield Cleaning Hacks: Use these windshield cleaning hacks to maintain clarity and make life easier.

 

Every window has two sides.

Most people clean their windshields without ever enjoying the picture-perfect view of the road ahead. But when you learn the best way to clean the interior side of the windshield, the difference is like streaming your favorite show on standard vs. high definition.

At Chemical Guys, we understand how fingerprint smudges and vapor residue build up inside your vehicle’s windows, reducing visibility and changing the entire look of your wheels.

In this article, we’ll provide rare insight into upgrading your windshield cleaning routine. It’s time to learn how to leave your windshield so clean that your neighbors may think it’s invisible.

 

Choose The Right Location And Timing

 

Choose The Right Timing And Location

For the best results, clean your windshield during the early morning or late afternoon when sunlight is softer. Choose a cool, sheltered spot (like a garage) and avoid extreme temperatures, which can affect the cleaner’s performance and cause streaking. Also, aim for calm weather to prevent dust and debris from settling on your freshly cleaned glass.

 

Prepare Your Gear

Restoring peak visibility in your windshield requires a couple of essential products and minimal time. The secret sauce is in your cleaning technique, not in the amount of products you use.

  • Two Waffle Weave Glass And Window Microfiber Towels: Ensure they are clean and free of debris. You’ll want to use one towel for wiping and the other for buffing. More on this later.
  • Streak Free Window Clean Glass Cleaner: Hate having fingerprints all over the inside of your windshield? Us, too. That’s why we created the Streak Free Window Clean Glass Cleaner, which effortlessly cleans off dirt, dust, and grease while ensuring a streak-free finish. Plus, it’s ammonia-free and safe for all window tints, preventing damage or discoloration.
  • Protective Gloves: A pair of nitrile gloves to protect your hands is optional, but it’s always good to be cautious. They protect your hands from chemicals and ensure you don’t transfer oils and dirt back onto the glass as you clean.


Step-By-Step Guide To Cleaning Your Windshield Interior

Since you have all the supplies you need, you’re ready to start cleaning the interior of your windshield. Let’s break down the steps so you can enjoy that flawless, streak-free shine every time.


Step 1: Start With The Exterior

Take care of everything outside your windshield before moving to your interior. Remember to have two towels on hand: one for wiping and one for buffing. Spray your exterior glass cleaner of choice directly on the surface of the windshield and use up-and-down, vertical motions with your wiping towel. The Streak Free Window Clean Glass Cleaner is highly recommended since it works best on the interior and exterior. It’s designed to tackle grime on both the exterior and interior, leaving a flawless finish. 

Remember to switch towels and buff off with your other towel. You should already see some clarity. When you’re buffing, if you still see streaks, the problem is probably the inside of your windshield.


Step 2: Sit in the Passenger Side First When Wiping The Interior

Sitting on the vehicle's passenger side gives you more freedom of movement since the steering wheel doesn't block your path. You can always switch sides later.


Step 3: Apply The Glass Cleaner

Spray your chosen interior glass cleaner onto the clean side of your wiping towel rather than directly onto the glass. This method helps prevent overspray on the dashboard or electronic components. It also gives you more control over the amount of cleaner used, ensuring a thorough and even application. Do multiple passes if your glass has thick film and tons of grease. Remember to use your secondary towel to buff off any residue and excess. 


Step 4: Wipe Horizontally

Start from the top corner of the windshield and wipe with side-to-side motions. Gradually work your way down and around the entire windshield, ensuring each inch of glass is fully cleaned. This technique removes all the grime while minimizing streaks. Move to the driver’s seat to thoroughly clean the opposite side of the windshield.


Step 5: Address Stubborn Smears

Have you encountered a stubborn spot? Give it a little extra love and apply more glass cleaner directly to a clean section of the cloth, then gently rub the area in a circular motion. Patience is critical—with more effort, those stubborn stains will disappear before your eyes.


Step 6: The Final Wipe-Down

For the grand finale, take a fresh towel and give the entire windshield one final wipe. Remember to continuously use horizontal swipes for the inside and vertical ones for the exterior. This trick helps you spot any streaks or areas needing a quick touch-up.


Step 7: Enjoy Your Crystal-Clear View

Step back and admire your work. You’ve successfully cleaned your windshield, achieving professional-grade clarity and shine. Now, you can cruise with style, witnessing the world through your sparkling clean windshield.


Easy Hacks For The Perfect Shine

Armed with these straightforward steps and a can-do attitude, you’ll know the best way to clean the inside and outside of your windshield. And that means there’s no stopping you from achieving that perfect shine every time. 


Pro Tip #1: Use The Right Microfiber Towels

First, let’s talk about towels. When cleaning your windshield, don’t settle for any microfiber towel. Use a specialized glass towel with a waffle weave texture. This unique design traps dirt and grime, ensuring a streak-free clean every time.


Pro Tip #2: Use Two Towels: One For Wiping, One For Buffing

The biggest misconception many people have is that they use one towel for the entire wipe. When you do this, you get all the filth and grime stuck on one towel, and then that same grime goes back on the surface of your windshield. That’s your glass shouting, “Stop what you’re doing! You’re giving me streaks.” And when you drive back out into the sun, you’ll see those smudges clear as day.

Let’s avoid that. Use two differently colored towels: One for spraying and wiping and another for buffing and finishing off. Using different colors will also help you keep things organized. Think: Blue to remove filth and grime, red to remove residue.


Pro Tip #3: Use The Correct Window Cleaner

It sounds obvious, but glass cleaner is designed to clean glass. However, many think they can get away with a quick detail spray. Sure, you can do this for very light dust and routine maintenance, but it won’t handle heavy-duty jobs.

If you want a deep clean, opt for a dedicated glass cleaner for filthy windshields. Remember to use specialized interior glass cleaners, like our Streak Free Window Clean Glass Cleaner, so you won’t discolor, fade, or peel off your tint over time. Then, you can use an exterior cleaner, like the HydroView Ceramic Glass Cleaner And Coating, to apply a water-repelling coating. 


Pro Tip #4: Vertical Swipes For Exterior, Horizontal For Interior

When cleaning your windshield, knowing where the streaks are coming from can be difficult. To help with this, remember to use vertical passes for the exterior and horizontal passes for the interior. If streaks are left, you’ll know which side they’re on.


Pro Tip #5: Sit In The Passenger Seat When Cleaning Windshield Interior

Sitting in the passenger seat when cleaning your windshield’s interior helps give you a more comprehensive range of motion. This is because you can avoid the steering wheel. 


Pro Tip #6: Check Your Windshield From All Angles

When you’re done, walk around your car to view the windshield from all angles. It can also help you view your car in sunlight rather than artificial lighting. This is to make sure you’ve removed every pesky smudge.

 

Easy Windshield Interior Cleaning Hacks

 

Final Thoughts

Knowing the best way to clean the inside and outside of your windshield will make your driving experience safer and more enjoyable. More to the point–you’re helping your vehicle stay in top condition. With our crucial tips and tricks, you’re ready to clean the inside of your windshield like a pro.


Read also:


Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Way To Clean Inside Windshield

Why is it important to clean the inside of my car's windshield regularly?

Keeping your car's inside windshield clean isn't just about aesthetics—it’s essential for crystal-clear visibility and the safety of everyone on the road. Dust, fingerprints, condensation, and other substances can build up over time, reducing visibility, especially at night. A clean windshield contributes to the overall cleanliness and aesthetics of your car's interior, upholding its value and your pride in its appearance.


Can I use a household glass cleaner on my car's windshield?

While it might be tempting to grab your household glass cleaner for your car's windshield, many of these products contain ammonia, which can damage the tint on your windshield over time. Instead, opt for a car-specific, ammonia-free cleaner designed to be safe for all automotive surfaces, including those with tint. These cleaners will not only protect your windshield but also ensure that no harm comes to the interior materials of your car.


What's the best technique to avoid streaks when cleaning the inside of a windshield?

Achieving a streak-free finish involves a couple of crucial steps. First, always clean your windshield in the shade rather than direct sunlight. Begin with a designated glass cleaning towel and your chosen car-specific glass cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto the towel rather than the glass to prevent overspray. Clean the glass using an up-and-down motion on the exterior and side-to-side motions on the interior. This method ensures thorough coverage and helps avoid streaking. Finally, use another clean, dry glass towel to buff the glass for a flawless finish.


How do I prepare my windshield for cleaning to get the best results?

Preparation and the cleaning process itself are equally essential. First, ensure your car is parked in a shaded or cool area to prevent the cleaning solution from evaporating too quickly. Wipe down the windshield with a dry glass-specific cloth to remove any loose dust or particles. This prevents scratching while allowing for more effective cleaning, as you won't spread the loose dirt around while wiping with your cleaner.


What's the difference between cleaning the inside vs. the outside of a windshield?

The main difference lies in the type of contaminants each side faces. The outside is exposed to environmental elements like road debris, bugs, and bird droppings, requiring a more robust cleaning approach. The inside, however, mainly accumulates film from off-gassing of interior materials, fingerprints, and smoke residue, which calls for gentle, streak-free cleaning methods. Although the cleaning products are similar, the techniques and tools vary slightly to cater to these differences.


Can I use paper towels or newspapers to clean my car's windshield?

While some old-school methods suggest using newspapers, it's best to avoid using newspapers and paper towels on your car's windshield. These materials can cause streaks and even leave small scratches on the glass surface over time. Glass-safe towels are preferred because they are soft, highly absorbent, and designed to lift and trap debris and moisture, ensuring a scratch-free and streak-free finish.

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