How to Clean Car Windows Like a Pro

Last Updated on 1 month by Ollie Barker

Whether you need a solution for washing the outside of your car windows or the inside of your windows, you’ve come to the right place. How to clean car windows like a pro is not so hard.

So-called ‘window cleaners’ have all sorts of tips and tricks for getting that streak-free line across your windshield. You can mix things up in order to increase shine and minimize smudges or if just want to be a bit more daring with different materials and techniques, follow our advice as we get into detailing how to polish those dirty car windows like a pro.

Items Needed to Clean Car Windows

• Microfiber towels
• Car auto-glass cleaner
• A sponge
• Cleaning cloths

In order to clean the outside windows, you’ll need:

1. Spray bottle

Fill the bottle with 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water. Or you can use window cleaner to clean both the inside and outside of the windows. Use a squeegee to wipe away any streaks or excess water, soap, or glass cleaner after spraying on your windshield, side windows, and rear window. Spray and wipe everything clean with the same solution.

2. Water

In order to polish and clean the outside of your car windows, you will need a water source. If you don’t have access to a hose or watering can, fill a bowl or bucket with water. Wet down the window thoroughly before applying soap and stationary.

3. Sponge

A sponge will help you dry the windows to avoid streaks as well as pull up any dirt or grime that your water and soap solution might not pull off easily.

4. Wet/Dry Vacuum

If you don’t have access to a water source, wet or dry vacuum can be used to remove the water from your car windows and sides. This is only necessary if you don’t have a hosing or watering can.

In order to clean the inside of your car windows, you’ll need:

1. Glass cleaner

If you’re cleaning your windows with a mix of vinegar and water, try something with a more home-friendly scent. Citrus-scented, such as Windex or Pledge, will ensure that your vehicle’s windows are clean without leaving a strong scent in the vehicle. Wet the area with some water and then dust it off after it dries.

2. Vacuum

For cleaning the inside of windows, you can use either a wet or dry method depending on how dirty they are.

3. Wet/Dry Vacuum

If you don’t have access to a water source, a wet or dry vacuum can be used to remove the water from your car windows and sides. This is only necessary if you don’t have a hosing or watering can.

4. Towel

A towel can be used for drying any dirty glass item in your car windows, dash, console, door panels, etc..

5. Cleaning Cloths

You can use wet or dry cloths to dry any excess water and prevent streaks.

6. Dish Soap

Using dish soap is not necessary, but some customers have stated that they found it useful for removing stubborn grime that other cleaners couldn’t get off of their windows.

7. Smart Wool Dry Cloth

This is like a waffle weave, soft microfiber drying cloth.

How to Clean Car Windows Step-by-Step

How To Clean Car Windows (Outside & Inside Windows)

Follow these steps in order to get your car windows sparkling clean:

Step 1: Wet down the windows thoroughly before applying soap and stationary. Wet the window with water so it’s slippery, but not dripping.

Step 2: Spray window cleaner onto the glass using a squeegee or washcloth, wiping off any excess solution from the window at a 45-degree angle to get a streak-free line.

Step 3: Wipe down both sides of your car windows using a wet sponge or a damp rag, working from top to bottom in order slightly overlapping lines in order to create an even pattern across your entire windshield.

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Tips For Cleaning The Windshield

• Clean the outside windshield first, then the inside.
• Avoid streaks by wiping down the windshield with a dry towel first and then using a wet rag to wipe it off.
• Never use hot water to clean the windshield in winter
• Never clean the windshield when the temperature under 0

Cleaning Bird Poop, Dead Bugs, And Grime From Windows

If you park your car outside, it’s hard to avoid bird poop, dead bugs or grime on the windows. To clean these off, try using a window squeegee, a glass scraper, or a plastic/rubber scraper instead of harsh chemicals. These are all considered safe if used according to product instructions. If you want to use vinegar, try it on the windshield first to make sure it doesn’t damage the glass.

The window cleaner especially oils and car waxes and other products designed for the exterior of your car may be formulated so that they can be safely sprayed on and then wiped away with ease.

Cleaning Tinted Car Windows Safely

If you have your windows tinted, then they are more sensitive to clean. You should avoid ammonia-based products as they may damage the film. Try a mild soap, such as baby shampoo, or a seltzer water spray to gently remove stubborn dirt and grease spots. To keep your tinted windows clean and streak-free, you may also want to invest in a squeegee or window wiper.

How to Clean Water Spots on Glass

It’s very easy for water spots to appear on windows. These can be on your car’s windshield or on your windows at home. The easiest way to get rid of these is usually just to wipe them off or clean them with a little bit of glass cleaner.

On more stubborn spots, you can try using toothpaste, baking soda, or powdered chalk to polish away the spots. Each will leave a residue after you use it. For this reason, we don’t recommend using these inside your home or in a place where they will show.

How To Avoid Streaks

There are many ways to avoid streaks and keep your vehicle’s windows looking clean. Some of these tips help you save time and money, while others give you extra detailing power for when you have a little bit more time.

1. Dry

Use a towel or rag to dry the windows after you finish wiping them down. This will keep any excess water away from the window and prevent streaking.

2. Glass Wiper

Use a squeegee or steam cleaner to wipe the water off of your car windows.

3. Cleaning Cloths

Many people reported that they found cleaning cloths very helpful when cleaning their vehicle’s windows. They can be used for drying any excess water and preventing streaks.

4. Waffle Weave

Use a microfiber cloth such as a waffle weave, a soft microfiber drying cloth.

5. Glass Cleaner

You can use glass cleaner to clean your windows and then towel dry them for a streak-free finish.

6. Towels

Using a towel is another way to help prevent streaks on your car’s windows. Look for one that has been treated or is specifically designed for cleaning glass.

Homemade Glass Cleaner: Can You Use Vinegar?

Vinegar is a popular home cleaning agent that can be used to clean glass. While some people say that you can use it in a spray bottle, others say it’s best to mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle and then wipe it off.

You can also use vinegar on the windows inside your home to remove bugs or dirt. However, if you have tinted windows you should be careful not to over-spray the window cleaner as it may damage the tinting.

Conclusion

To conclude, the best way to clean glass windows is to use a mixture of water and vinegar in a spray bottle, or just water when you are outside. If you can’t do that, then choose a gentle product specifically designed for the glass, such as Rain-X.

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Also, remember to create a protective barrier for your car’s glass as well as clean it. A layer of protection will prevent dirt from building up on your windows and causing scratches. This will also allow you to clean your windows more easily after you’ve washed your car.