The Best Way to Clean Your Windshield – Inside and Out

The sun is bright and the air is crisp. It’s about time to wipe away the salt from treacherous snowstorms and start the act of spring cleaning. We’ve made it, friends, and so has your vehicle. When sprucing up your vehicle for the new season, do not overlook your windshield. Here is the best way to clean your windshield, both inside and out!

How to Clean the Outside of Your Windshield

The outside of your windshield may be the most damaged after a long winter. As stated, salt and grime from snowstorms and other mishaps may have caused significant buildup. After all, the outside of your windshield takes the brunt of all damage. Furthermore, make sure to check your auto glass for chips and cracks while cleaning. If there are any damages, get them fixed sooner than later. Letting a chip or crack linger may lead to more expensive damages.

Anyway, here is how to clean the outside of your windshield.

Use Auto Glass Cleaner

While the inside of your windshield needs a bit more TLC (we’ll get to that later), the outside requires a normal auto glass cleaner. Overall, you want to avoid using any glass cleaner with ammonia in it. This additive found in most household cleaners can cause seals and rubber to wear out. Make sure to have a microfiber cloth, as well. You will be putting in some elbow grease, after all.

For Those Extra Grimy Days

It’s possible that your windshield exterior needs a little more than a spray and pray. It’s hard to find time to clean your windshield, especially during the frigid Colorado winter. There may be a layer that won’t come off without a little muscle.

Before you spray automotive glass cleaner, you can use diluted dish soap or liquid car cleaner to help break off debris. Make sure to use a microfiber cloth or squeegee when cleaning the exterior, especially if you are putting in a bit of force. It’s also okay (and often recommended) to spray down the outside of your windshield with clean water, first. If using a high-powered hose, it may help break up debris before busting out the cleaner spray.

Steps for Cleaning

  • Avoid placing your vehicle in the sun while cleaning, if possible. Direct sunlight will cause the cleaning supplies to evaporate quicker. It may lead to a less-than-desired result during your cleaning process. Work smarter not harder, after all.
  • Make sure to pull your windshield wipers up before cleaning; this will allow maximum reach on all of your dirty glass and help avoid damaging your blades.
  • If there is an excess of grime that will not spray away, take the time to polish it out with liquid car cleaner or diluted dish soap.
  • Spray half of your windshield with your auto glass cleaner. While it’s okay to spray it all, keeping direct attention on one half of the windshield will help you avoid dry streaks on the other side.
  • Start wiping in a vertical motion. Use your microfiber cloth to clean the windshield with downward strokes. Make sure to not leave any part unwashed.
  • After finishing the vertical movement, begin wiping horizontally towards yourself. Meaning, wipe outwards towards the side of the car. It will help bust any remaining dirt and remove any vertical streaks.
  • Repeat if necessary. There is no danger in using too much auto glass cleaner. Continue the process if you have to. Afterward, allow the glass cleaner to dry. There is no need to wash it off.

How to Clean the Inside of Your Windshield

When it comes to windshields, many people are more focused on the outside than the inside. It makes a lot of sense since it is typically the place where cracks happen or the place that is taking the brunt of getting dirty. This means that the inside often gets neglected, but when a windshield gets dirty on the inside, it can be just as much of a hindrance to your view as a crack on the outside and can be harder to clean since you can’t simply use your wipers. While we are your best bet for windshield replacement in Denver, you don’t need us for cleaning your windshield — so here are some tips when it comes to cleaning the inside of your vehicle’s windshield.

Avoid Regular Glass Cleaners

Regular class cleaners could work in theory, but the problem is that they are usually not strong enough to completely destroy the grime that builds upon the inside of the windshield. They are meant to spread it around, rather than get rid of. This will cause your windshield to have more streaks rather than being completely clean. 

DIY Cleaning

You can go to the store and buy specific cleaning solutions meant for car glass, but if you have a couple of household items lying around you can also make your own. All you need is one cup of white vinegar and one cup of water. This cleaning solution will break down all of the stuff that may be built up at that point in time. Put it into a spray bottle and shake it up —  then it is ready to go.

Steps for Cleaning

  • Lay down towels covering your dashboard and any parts of the interior that are directly underneath the windshield. Doing this will allow you to completely spray the inside of the windshield, and if it drips the towels will protect your interior.
  • Take a microfiber cloth and completely wipe up all of the cleaning solution that you sprayed on the windshield. Make sure to get every single part of the windshield mopped up so that you don’t leave any liquid. If you leave it, it will look unclean in those spots.
  • If you haven’t done this in a long time then your windshield may still look dirty, it is ok to clean it with the solution as many times as you need to achieve your desired results. 
  • If you went with the DIY solution instead of buying a glass cleaner specific to cars, then you may notice that there will be a strong vinegar smell within the car. This will go away after a few hours. If the smell is too strong when you need to drive somewhere, drive with your windows down and it will go away quicker.