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Auto Tips and DIY

How to Clean the Inside of Windshields

08-21-2018

Glass Doctor explains how to clean your car windshield’s interior for clear, streak-free visibility.

Gather microfiber cloths, glass cleaner, and rubbing alcohol

Wipe away dust and debris with a dry cloth

Use rubbing alcohol to remove oily residue

Spray glass cleaner and wipe in circular motions

Buff with a clean, dry cloth

 

Having difficulty with road visibility due to grease and grime? It's time to clean the inside of your car windshield. Cleaning the inside of a windshield every couple of weeks can eliminate dirt, smudges, residue, enhance road visibility and reduce the risk of a car accident. Additionally, it improves the defrosting process by quickly removing condensation and fog, which tends to cling to a dirty windshield surface.

Read on to learn how to clean the inside of a windshield from the glass pros at Glass Doctor.

Why your windshield picks up so much dirt

How to clean inside car windshields

Tips for successful windshield cleaning

Ensure your sparkling windshield lasts

Why the Inside of Your Windshield Picks Up So Much Dirt

There are several reasons why the inside of your windshield gets dirty, including fingerprints, doggie noses, smog and smoke, dirt and dust from the road, sea salt, and other local environmental contaminants. But one of the primary reasons it picks up so much dirt is because of off-gassing. This term refers to the release of chemicals that become trapped in a car during the manufacturing process.

That new car smell people talk about comes from various plastic and vinyl interior components that eventually break down and get trapped within the car. These chemicals tend to leave an oily residue on the windshield, which in most cases is perfectly angled to catch a great deal of it.

Using oily cleaners on the dashboard can worsen this issue, evaporating into a film that further coats car glass, especially in hot, humid weather. For this reason alone, it’s important to understand how to clean the inside of a windshield correctly.

How Do You Clean the Inside a Windshield?

Thoroughly cleaning the inside of a windshield is an essential maintenance task that should not be overlooked, as it plays a pivotal role in ensuring your unobstructed view of the road. Learn more about what materials are needed to clean the inside of windshields and how to clean them below.

Materials Needed to Clean Inside Windshields

Cleaning the inside of a car windshield doesn’t have to be hard. When it comes to maintaining a clear and unobstructed view while driving, keeping your windshield clean is one of the most important things you can do. A clean windshield enhances safety and improves the overall driving experience.

To wash inside a windshield, you'll need the right materials and tools:

Lint-free microfiber rags or spray bottle

Glass cleaner

Distilled white vinegar

Rubbing alcohol

Instructions for Cleaning the Inside of Windshields

A clean inside windshield not only enhances your driving visibility but can also reduce glare from the sun or oncoming headlights.

Here are some of the best ways to clean inside car windows:

Mix solution in a spray bottle of ONE of the following popular and effective options:

50% rubbing alcohol, 50% water, and a capful of white vinegar

70% water, 15% glass cleaner, and 15% alcohol

Gather your materials then hop in your passenger seat for easier access to windshield glass.

Use a clean, dry microfiber towel to wipe down the glass first.

Next, use a different cloth and rubbing alcohol to degrease the glass. If you live near the coast, you can also clean the glass with vinegar to dissolve sea salt.

Using a different side of the rag or a clean one, spray glass cleaner onto the rag (not the windshield) and clean the glass in circular motions. Use an auto-specific glass cleaner, avoiding ammonia-based cleaners, which can damage vinyl, leather, and tint.

Swap towels out as soon as they get dirty as dirty towels will affect the outcome of cleaning inside a windshield.

Use up-and-down wiping motions to finish off the glass, making sure windows are completely dry for a streak-free shine.

You can also skip these steps and pick up a can of Glass Doctor glass cleaner at your nearest location.

Tips for Successfully Cleaning the Inside of Windshields

Maintaining a clean and clear windshield is not only an aesthetic choice but also a vital safety measure for any driver.

Keep the following precautions in mind when deep cleaning the inside of your windshield:

Clean the inside of your windshield last, after washing the exterior of your car. and wiping down. its

Wiping down windows in the shade or when temperatures are cooler will prevent the rapid evaporation of window cleaner.

Don't use rags you've used for other cleaning tasks on your windshield, even if you've washed them. You could end up with a greasy, oily windshield from wax or other detailing compounds.

Ensuring a Sparkle Long After Cleaning the Inside of a Windshield

Now that the inside windshield is clean, you probably want to keep it that way. You can do this by keeping your car cooler and giving gases an escape route.

Whenever possible, park your car in shaded or sheltered locations to keep it cooler, such as your home's garage. You can also prevent the buildup of contaminants by simply cracking your car windows to let fresh air in and the off-gassing particles out (though this won't be possible on rainy days).

Call Your Local Glass Doctor for Windshield Repair and Replacement

From rapid repairs, windshield replacement, or windshield cleaner, Glass Doctor has you covered.

Cleaning the Inside of a Windshield - FAQ

The more you know, the better the shine! Our glass specialists have outlined some of the most common questions we get on a regular basis about cleaning the inside of a windshield and keeping it clean. Need more information? Reach out to your nearest Glass Doctor location.

How often should I clean inside my windshield?

For best results, we recommend cleaning the inside of your windshield every few weeks. This helps remove the buildup of grime, grease, and dust that can cause glare—especially at night or in bright sunlight. It also depends on how often you drive and the environment you live in. If you drive every day, have kids or pets in the car, or live in areas with high pollution or humidity, you may need to clean the inside of your windshield as often as once a week. If you start to notice streaks or dust, it’s likely time to clean the inside of your windshield!

What is the best thing to clean the inside of a windshield with?

If you’re unsure how to clean inside a windshield or what to use, take it from us. An auto glass specific cleaner, much like our Glass Doctor Glass Cleaner, will wash inside the windshield properly. Using a microfiber cloth while cleaning the inside of your windshield will avoid streaks.

Can I clean the inside of my other car windows using the same method I use for cleaning the inside of my windshield?

Yes, you can generally clean the inside of your other car windows using the same method you use for cleaning the interior of your windshield. We recommend wiping down the glass with a microfiber cloth to remove dust, then applying a glass cleaner—preferably sprayed onto the cloth rather than directly on the glass to avoid spraying your seats. Using rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth can help cut through grease and film buildup, followed by a final wipe with auto glass cleaner for a streak-free finish. Be cautious with tinted windows and avoid harsh cleaners. Our glass cleaner is safe for tinted windows on cars.

Can I use paper towels to clean inside my windshield?

We do not recommend using paper towels to clean the interior of any car windshield. Unlike microfiber towels, paper towels leave tiny paper fibers behind. Windshield streaks are also harder to remove with paper towels.

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Established in 1962 with 270+ trusted locations, Glass Doctor provides complete glass repair, replacement, and installation services to residential, automotive, and commercial customers across North America. Glass Doctor is a subsidiary of the Neighborly® family of service franchises.