Best way to clean inside windshield — explained

Having the utmost visibility in your car is essential for safe driving, and keeping your windshield clean adds up to that cause. Cleaning the windshield from the outside might come in naturally and there are plenty of chemicals you can use to do it.

However, have you ever considered the best way to clean the inside windshield? If you haven’t done it in a while, perhaps it’s that time and this guide will help you with the best methods of cleaning inside windshield.

Safe ways of cleaning inside glass

Before we get into the best methods of cleaning, it’s first important that you know what you can use for safe inside windshield cleaning. Since windshield glass is sensitive and you should do everything in your power to prevent streaks, you can’t use just any chemical.

Numerous drivers are wondering if you can use Windex on car windows and windshields. Well, you can’t blame them, since the ammonia in the composition of Windex and other chemicals can harm the glass. So, make sure you are using the ammonia-free Windex and similar chemicals for safe windshield cleaning.

While this works best for the outside windshield, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t use it from the inside of your car as well. Besides the ammonia-free chemical agent for cleaning the window, you also need some rubbing alcohol and a microfibre cloth so that it doesn’t harm the glass.

The main difference between cleaning the inside and outside windshield

While the same steps apply for cleaning the inside windshield as for the outside in terms of using a gentle method for the glass, things are not the same. The main difference is that the inside windshield accumulates dust and debris that can’t escape to the outside.

It also happens in case your inside air filter is clogged and it pushes some dirt into the car’s interior. So, you can’t just regularly approach cleaning it, since you would just end up spreading the dust over the glass.

You should first use a gentle microfibre cloth to remove the dust and residue from the glass itself, and then go ahead and apply cleaning agents and chemicals to properly clean the glass. Properly following steps is also crucial, just like when cleaning leather seats and other sensitive car surfaces.

Step-by-step inside windshield cleaning guide

Due to the mentioned dust and debris residue that might accumulate on the inner side of the windshield, there’s a specific procedure for cleaning the glass. Here’s how it all works briefly based on the steps you’ll need to take:

• Remove the dust by using a microfibre cloth
• Use Windex or another type of windshield cleaner
• Use another microfibre towel with alcohol
• Clean the glass multiple times with the cleaner
• Use a dry cloth to pick up cleaner residue if needed

Once you’ve removed the dirt and debris from the glass by using a microfibre cloth, it’s time to spray ammonia-free Windex or another chemical for cleaning on the glass. Make sure to use circular motions so that there are no streaks left on the windshield once you are done.

After you are finished with the cleaner, it’s time to pick up a new microfibre towel and apply alcohol to it. The reason for this is that the mentioned method with the rubbing alcohol will remove all the streaks and potential foggy foggy spots.

You can repeat the process a couple of times with the cleaner and then the alcohol. Eventually, there comes the time to use a new and dry cloth to pick up all the leftover dust, residue, or cleaner left on the glass.

Extra tips for cleaning inside windshield

There are some additional tips for keeping your inner windshield clean. You’ll have to cover all those hard-to-reach spots in the corners, and it’s best to use a suitable reaching tool for that. You should never use an already-used towel or cloth for cleaning the inner windshield.

That could just spread the dust all over without effectively cleaning the glass. It’s best to clean the windshield in shade or during late hours when there’s no sun. This way, the cleaner can’t evaporate in a way that would leave streaks all over the glass.

If you don’t have a garage and must clean it during the day, it’s best to use a dry cloth to go over the glass afterward. Circular motions are always best to avoid foggy spots, and you’ll have much better visibility when you take the next ride.

Finally, to avoid the streaks, you can apply the cleaner on the microfibre cloth and move it vertically so there’s no chance of any streaks being left.

Use vinegar for degreasing

One final step that you might want to take is to use a degreasing agent, and the best thing is – you can make one yourself. You should still apply it with the microfibre cloth to avoid harming the glass with harsh material towels.

The agent includes mixing a cup of alcohol, water, and a bit of vinegar with the potential for adding a few drops of dish soap. It’s best to clean the windshield vertically for complete degreasing and removing the streaks and cleaning residue.

You can cover both halves of the glass individually for the best results. Of course, you can also refer to professional care and leave it to a car detailing shop to do the job and clean your inner windshield for you. Still, if you wish to use the do-it-yourself option as explained.

Our take

In the end, the best way to clean the inside windshield is to use a gentle cloth and an ammonia-free solution as mentioned in this guide. Our team hopes to have helped with the recommendation of a suitable method for windshield cleaning.

Make sure to consider the additional steps to take for proper cleaning, such as doing it in a controlled motion to avoid foggy spots and streaks on the inner windshield.