Car Window Cleaners

What Is Car Window Cleaner?

Car window cleaner is a solvent-based or alcohol-based product. It removes dirt, dissolves greasy film, and does not leave wax or shine boosters behind. It can be used together with a car shampoo.

Good car window cleaner cuts through silicone residue from dashboard plastics, and removes nicotine film if you smoke in the car. It also works on mirrors, chrome, and any glass surface on the car. After cleaning, the glass should be completely clear without haze or rainbow effect.

Interior vs Exterior Glass Cleaning

Outside glass collects road dirt, rain spots, dead insects, tree sap, and wax overspray if you are not careful when washing the car. Wind and rain do some of the work for you, but they also leave mineral deposits from hard water. Exterior glass is easier to clean because you can use more product. You can also scrub it harder without worrying that overspray will hit interior trim.

To clean the exterior glass with car window cleaner, spray it directly onto glass or onto a microfiber cloth, wipe across the surface, then buff dry with a second cloth. Use regular microfiber to apply and work the cleaner, then waffle-weave microfiber to buff streak-free. Work top to bottom. If you have got stubborn spots (e.g. tar, sap, insect residue) hit them with a cleaner and let it sit for 30 seconds before wiping. After cleaning, you can reapply rain repellent products.

When the sun heats the dash, plastics release oils and silicones, they evaporate and settle on the inside of the windscreen. This creates a hazy film on the interior glass that is invisible during the day but turns into a blinding smear. There is also nicotine film if you smoke, and fingerprints.

Interior glass cleaning is awkward because you have to lean over the dashboard to reach the windscreen. To do it properly, spray cleaner onto a cloth, and work in small sections. Wipe across, then buff with a dry cloth immediately. The top edge of the windscreen is the hardest spot because dirt and film build up there. To clean it properly, fold your cloth into quarters to get a firm edge, press it into the corner, and wipe along the edge.

Common Window Cleaning Mistakes

First, never use household glass cleaner because it leaves hard-to-remove residue. Second, try to avoid spraying directly onto interior glass. If you do it, cleaner drips onto the dash, leaves marks on plastic, runs down into vents. Spray onto cloth instead. Third, do not use the same cloth to apply and buff. This is the easiest way to spread the dirt around without removing it.

Other common window cleaning mistakes include:

• cleaning in direct sunlight
• using paper towels
• using newspaper instead of a microfiber cloth
• not cleaning edges and corners
• wiping in circles
• using dirty cloths.

If you have tinted windows, check if the cleaner is tint-safe. It should not have ammonia inside because this ingredient breaks down tint film over time, and causes it to peel.

FAQ – Car Window Cleaner

Can I use household glass cleaner?

No, because although it is made for windows, it leaves residue. You will get streaks at night when headlights hit the windscreen.

Why are my windows streaky?

Probably, you are using the wrong product, wrong cloth, or cleaning in direct sun. Use car-specific cleaner, microfiber cloths, and work in shade. Buff the glass dry immediately after cleaning.

Can I use the same cleaner inside and out?

Yes. Same product works for both. Just clean them using separate cloths because exterior is dirtier.

How do I remove greasy film from inside windscreen?

Use cleaner that cuts through silicone and oils. Spray it onto a cloth, wipe the glass, buff it dry with a clean cloth. Your car might need two passes. To prevent the buildup, clean the car more often than before.