There’s nothing quite so irritating as trying to see through streaks all over your windshield. The sun hits it and suddenly it’s like you’re looking through frosted glass. The streaks may be on the outside, inside, or, most annoyingly, both sides! You may try to take your sleeve to the glass and wipe away the marks, but to no avail. Stopping at the gas station and using one of the sopping wet, dirty squeegees may be a quick solution but it’s not the best for a proper cleaning.
Cleaning the exterior:
- Start by first rinsing your windshield off with some plain old water. Use a soft brush or squeegee to get rid of that first layer of dirt.
- Next, pick your cleaning solution. This can be a variety of things: glass cleaner like Windex, soap and water, or even a can of Coca-Cola. Yes, if you’re wanting to try something a bit different, the fizz and acidity in cola can help break apart all that grime; just make sure you rinse well afterwards!
- Use a clean, soft towel (microfiber is great!), spray or pour your cleaning solution onto one side of it, and begin cleaning. To avoid streaks, use long horizontal strokes from one side of your windshield to the other. Rubbing in circles or quickly back and forth will cause those pesky streaks.
- When you’re satisfied with your cleaning job, allow your windshield to air dry (don’t use your wipers to dry it or you’ll have more smudges!)
- Speaking of your wipers, you will want to give them a quick clean too. Otherwise, they’ll just be smearing dirt back onto your newly polished windshield. Use your preferred cleaning solution again (baking soda and water are also a great option here), lift the blades gently, wipe clean and then wipe dry. Remember, also, to change those blades every couple years.
Cleaning the interior:
- This can be a bit more challenging primarily because of the angle you will be cleaning at; however, the process is very similar to cleaning the exterior.
- No need to rinse your interior windshield; this will just create a very wet car!
- Spray your cleaning solution (we don’t suggest cola be used here!) onto a clean, soft towel and position yourself so that you can wipe vertically from the top of your windshield to the bottom. Why vertically this time? So if you do notice some streaks, you will be able to tell if they’re on the inside or the outside of your windshield!
- Once satisfied, use a dry towel to go over the glass once more.
That’s it! Your windshield will be in pristine condition and, if done patiently, will be streak-free.