Learn how to clean car windows for sparkling clean glass that gives you the best visual clarity, particularly on rainy days.
Introduction
Dirty car windows can cloud your view or create glare, both of which jeopardize your safety, so it’s important to clean them regularly, especially in bad weather conditions.
“People often think cleaning windows is quick and easy until they are left with streaks or a haze that looks worse than before,” says Parham Koukia, operations manager at Panda Hub in Toronto. “But it’s not that hard with the right cleaner, a microfiber cloth and little attention to detail.”
Since it works best to wash car windows with soap before applying any glass cleaner, plan to wash your entire car. For windshields and windows that truly feel invisible, follow the wash with glass cleaner and a glass treatment. Glass treatment products protect the windshield and windows from contaminants and help prevent water spots by allowing rain to bead up and slide right off.
Don’t forget to clean the inside of your windshields and windows as well.
Tools Required
- Five gallon bucket
- Microfiber cloths
- Sponge
- Spray Bottle
Materials Required
- Car soap
- Glass cleaner
- Glass treatment
Project step-by-step (3)
Wash with soap and water
- Park the car in a cool, shaded spot to prevent the water, glass cleaner and glass treatment from evaporating too quickly.
- Wash the car, scrubbing from top to bottom, but wash the windows last to be sure they’re clear of dirt and grime.
- Wash the wiper blades so they don’t spread dirt on clean glass the next time you use them.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry the windows with microfiber towels by wiping in up-and-down and side-to-side motions to avoid streaks.
For the soap, choose a pH-balanced car wash, which is gentle on the car’s surface. “Avoid any kind of dish soap or detergents!” says Koukia.
Apply glass cleaner
- Spray the glass cleaner onto the entire front windshield surface.
- Wipe the windshield with a microfiber cloth in up-and-down and side-to-side motions to avoid streaks.
- Dry buff the window with a fresh microfiber cloth.
- Repeat for the rear windshield and side windows. Roll down the side windows to wash the top of the glass that is normally covered by the rubber seal.
For the glass cleaner, it’s best to use a dedicated automotive formula. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, as they can damage tinted windows.
A pro-tip from Koukia for a streak-free surface: “Use two clean microfiber towels: one to wipe, one to buff dry,” he says. “I often say that a good product is half the battle, and the other half is using clean towels and proper technique.”
Treat the glass
- Apply the glass treatment to the entire front windshield surface.
- Wipe the windshield with a microfiber cloth in up-and-down and side-to-side motions to avoid streaks.
- Dry buff the window with a fresh microfiber cloth.
- Repeat for the rear windshield and side windows.
FAQ
How often should I wash my car windows?
Ideally, wash your exterior windows every week or two, when you wash your car. “Wash interior glass at least once a month, but more often if you smoke, have kids or use a lot of climate control, which causes film buildup,” says Koukia.
How do I remove stubborn water spots or film?
Start with a vinegar-water solution (50/50) to dissolve mineral deposits or a spot remover. “For etched water spots, use a dedicated water spot remover or polish with a mild glass polish,” says Koukia. “Avoid aggressive rubbing or steel wool unless you really know what you’re doing.”
About the Experts
- Parham Koukia is the lead detailer and operations manager at Panda Hub in Toronto. He has spent more than a decade mastering the art of car detailing, after turning his passion for automobiles into his profession.
- Joey Sanchez is an associate manager at the Chemical Guys online auto detailing supply retailer, where he provides expert advice and hands-on tutorials through the brand’s popular social media channels and viral videos.
