How to Wash Car Windows
Updated: Mar. 15, 2023
Learn how to clean car windows for sparkling clean glass that gives you the best visual clarity, particularly on rainy days.
Introduction
Car glass must be washed with soap and water before any glass cleaner touches it, so it's best to plan on washing 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 that you should 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)
Step 1
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.
Step 2
Apply Glass Cleaner
- Spray the glass cleaner on 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. Roll down the side windows to wash the top of the glass that is normally covered by the rubber seal.
Step 3
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.
Originally Published: June 12, 2020
