Struggling with road visibility due to grease and grime on your windshield? It's essential to keep your windshield clean for a clear view at all times. Regularly cleaning the inside of your windshield can remove dirt, smudges, and residue, significantly improving your view of the road and reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, a clean windshield aids in the defrosting process by quickly eliminating condensation and fog, which tend to cling to a dirty surface.
Why Your Windshield Attracts So Much Dirt
Several factors contribute to the dirtiness of your car's windshield, including fingerprints, pet nose prints, smog, smoke, road dust, sea salt, and other environmental pollutants. A significant cause of dirt accumulation is off-gassing, which involves the release of chemicals trapped inside the car from manufacturing processes.
This phenomenon is responsible for the “new car smell,” originating from the breakdown of plastic and vinyl components within the car, leaving an oily residue on the windshield. Additionally, using oily products on the dashboard can exacerbate this issue, creating a film on the glass, especially in warm, humid conditions.
How to Clean the Inside of Your Car Windshield
Keeping the inside of your car windshield clean is crucial for safe driving. Here’s what you need and how to do it effectively:
Materials Needed:
- Lint-free microfiber cloths
- Glass cleaner
Cleaning Steps:
- Choose a cleaning solution to mix in a spray bottle, such as Bilt Hamber Trace-Less
- Position yourself in the passenger seat for better access to the windshield.
- Apply glass cleaner to a cloth (not directly on the windshield, avoiding overspray) and clean the glass in circular motions. Opt for an automotive glass cleaner, avoiding ammonia-based products. We would recommend Bilt Hamber Trace-less, Infinity Wax Spotless Glass, Gtechniq Perfect Glass, Gyeon Glass. These are just a handful of glass cleaners available but you can see the rest here.
- Change cloths as they become dirty.
- Finish with up-and-down wipes, ensuring the glass is completely dry for a streak-free finish.
Tips for Successful Windshield Cleaning:
- Clean your windshield after attending to the car’s exterior and interior.
- Clean in the shade or cooler temperatures to prevent cleaner evaporation.
- Avoid using cloths for other tasks to prevent transferring grease or wax to the windshield.
Keeping Your Windshield Clean:
Maintain your windshield’s cleanliness by parking in shaded areas and slightly opening windows to allow gases to escape, except on rainy days.