How to Clean the Inside of Your Car Windshield (2024)

Having difficulty with road visibility due to grease and grime? It's time for a windshield cleaning – it'll guarantee a clear view at all times.

Cleaning the interior of your windshield every couple of weeks can eliminate dirt, smudges, and residue, enhancing road visibility and reducing the risk of a car accident. Additionally, it improves the defrosting process by quickly removing condensation and fog, which tend to cling to a dirty windshield surface.

Read on to find out how to clean inside car windshields:

Why Your Windshield Picks Up So Much Dirt

There are several reasons why your car windshield gets dirty, including fingerprints, doggie noses, smog and smoke, dirt and dust from the road, sea salt, and other local environmental contaminants. But one of the primary reasons it picks up so much dirt is because of off-gassing. This term refers to the release of chemicals that become trapped in a car during the manufacturing process.

That new car smell people talk about comes from various plastic and vinyl interior components that eventually break down and get trapped within the car. These chemicals tend to leave an oily residue on the windshield, which in most cases is perfectly angled to catch a great deal of it.

Using oily cleaners on the dashboard can worsen this issue, evaporating into a film that further coats car glass, especially in hot, humid weather.

How to Clean Inside Car Windshields

Thoroughly cleaning the interior of your car windshield is an essential maintenance task that should not be overlooked, as it plays a pivotal role in ensuring your unobstructed view of the road. Learn more about what materials are needed to clean the inside of windshields and how to clean them below.

Materials Needed to Clean Windshields

When it comes to maintaining a clear and unobstructed view while driving, keeping your windshield clean is one of the most important things you can do. A clean windshield enhances safety and improves the overall driving experience.

Instructions for Cleaning the Inside of Windshields

A clean inside windshield not only enhances your driving visibility but can also reduce glare from the sun or oncoming headlights.

Here are some important steps to follow:

Mix solution in a spray bottle of ONE of the following popular and effective options:
- 50% rubbing alcohol, 50% water, and a capful of white vinegar
- 70% water, 15% glass cleaner, and 15% alcohol
Gather your materials then hop in your passenger seat for easier access to windshield glass.
Use a clean, dry microfiber towel to wipe down the glass first.
Next, use a different cloth and rubbing alcohol to degrease the glass. If you live near the coast, you can also clean the glass with vinegar to dissolve sea salt.
Using a different side of the rag or a clean one, spray glass cleaner onto the rag (not the windshield) and clean the glass in circular motions. Use an auto-specific glass cleaner, avoiding ammonia-based cleaners, which can damage vinyl, leather, and tint.
Swap out towels as soon as they get dirty.
Use up-and-down wiping motions to finish off the glass, making sure windows are completely dry for a streak-free shine.

You can also skip these steps and pick up a can of Glass Doctor glass cleaner atyour nearest location.

Tips for Successful Windshield Cleaning

Maintaining a clean and clear windshield is not only an aesthetic choice but also a vital safety measure for any driver.

Keep the following precautions in mind when giving your windshield a deep clean:

You should clean your car windshield last, after washing the exterior of your car and wiping down its
Wiping down windows in the shade or when temperatures are cooler will prevent the rapid evaporation of window cleaner.
Don’t use rags you’ve used for other cleaning tasks on your windshield, even if you’ve washed them. You could end up with a greasy, oily windshield from wax or other detailing compounds.

Ensure Your Sparkling Windshield Lasts

Now that your windshield is clean, you probably want to keep it that way. You can do this by keeping your car cooler and giving gasses an escape route.

Whenever possible, park your car in shaded or sheltered locations to keep it cooler, such as your home's garage. You can also prevent the buildup of contaminants by simply cracking your car windows to let fresh air in and the off-gassing particles out (though this won't be possible on rainy days).

Call Your Local Glass Doctor for Windshield Repair and Replacement

Got a chip in your windshield? From rapid repairs to windshield replacement, Glass Doctor has you covered. 