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How to Clean Your Windshield Like a Pro

While it may sound like a relatively simple task, cleaning your windshield properly can be difficult. Getting a tough smudge off, avoiding streaks, using better tools than the gas station squeegee.  It’s a task that can take less than 15 minutes and will improve your driving experience. To properly clean your windows, you’ll need some supplies.  

  • Car wash soap 
  • Towels 
  • Microfiber cloth 
  • Glass cleaning solution (Windex or other glass cleaning spray)  
  • Rubbing Alcohol  
  • Soft bristle brush or sponge   
  • Bucket 

The first thing you are going to want to do is to remove any debris from your windshield gutter. Debris here can block water from draining resulting in gunk building up on the bottom of your windshield. Once the gutter is clear of debris you can wash your windshield. Mix a solution car wash and water in your bucket then using a brush or sponge scrub down the windshield. You’ll just be aiming to remove any loose dirt or debris from the windshield at this point, so don’t worry too much about getting everything. Make sure you raise the windshield wipers as well to clean under there. Wiping down the blades can also help remove grime from streaking across your windshield. Take care not to let them smash back into the windshield when you are lowing them. Once that is done, dry off your windshield using your towel.  

After you’ve completed the first wash, you’ll be able to see any stubborn grease or sap that remains. Tree sap can be especially difficult to remove if it’s been on the surface for a while. Use rubbing alcohol to take care of it. Pour the rubbing alcohol onto a small towel or rag and in a circular motion rub the affected areas. This should remove any tough materials.  

Once the difficult spots have been taken care of it’s time to finish off the outside. Give your windshield a nice spray down with the windshield cleaner. At this stage, you’ll want to use a microfiber cloth or other lint-free towel. Avoid using paper towels as they will break apart and leave bits of paper all over your nice clean windshield. With your cloth rub the cleaner in circles on your windshield. Do this until the cleaner has all been removed.  

The interior normally isn’t as difficult as the outside. You’ll want to spray your cloth down with a window cleaner. Now it’s the same as before, in a circular motion wipe down your windshield. If you’re having trouble reaching the entire thing you can place the cloth on the back of a brush. If you happen to have a California duster this makes it much easier, just place the cloth over the dusting head and you’ll be able to reach the entire windshield easily! Once you finish with that take care not to touch it with your hands, and your windshield should be looking crystal clear!