May 7, 2020
When was the last time you cleaned the interior of your vehicle’s windshield? You may have never cleaned this part of the windshield. However, it is prudent to perform a comprehensive cleaning of the inside of the windshield to eliminate fingerprint marks, dirt, dust, smudges, and other unsightly marks that might potentially obstruct the driver’s view. Here is a quick look at how to properly clean the inside of your vehicle’s windshield.
Prepare for the Cleaning
You will need microfiber towels, a scouring pad, and glass cleaner to properly clean the interior of your automobile’s windshield. Place the microfiber towels on the dashboard. This way, if the glass cleaner drips down onto the dashboard, it will be soaked up by the microfiber towels rather than fall directly onto the dash itself. If you do not have microfiber towels, use the towels you previously relied upon to buff/clean the exterior of the windshield.
It is also important to note that attempting to clean the windshield in direct sunlight is a mistake. If you do not have a covered and cool garage, drive somewhere for shelter so you can wipe down your vehicle’s windshield in the shade. Wiping down the windshield when the temperature is low and the sun is not directly shining on the glass helps ensure the window cleaning fluid does not quickly evaporate immediately after application.
Start Cleaning
Apply the glass cleaning solution to the scouring pad. Spray some of the cleaner directly onto the largest part of the windshield, starting in the upper left corner. Glide the cleaning pad down the interior of the windshield from left to right. Stop wiping the glass halfway through to add extra glass cleaner to the righthand side for a truly comprehensive cleaning. If your steering wheel has the ability to tilt, go ahead and tilt it down so it does not get in your way as you clean the inside of the windshield.
Drying the Windshield After It is Thoroughly Cleaned
Once you are done cleaning the windshield, it is time to dry it with your microfiber towel(s). Just make sure the microfiber towel(s) you use are completely dry and clean. Otherwise, the leftover moisture will smudge the interior of the windshield or rub dirt or other impurities into the glass.
Glide the microfiber towel across the entirety of the surface of the windshield interior. Wipe away all the remaining glass cleaning fluid so the windshield is completely dry. The best way to ensure a full dry is to hold the microfiber towel in your hand while moving it in small circular formations along the entirety of the windshield’s surface.
Be Careful When Choosing the Cleaning Solution
If you are like most drivers, you will lean toward using Windex to clean the interior of your car, truck, or SUV’s windshield. However, it is a mistake to spray Windex on the inside of your windshield. Windex contains ammonia that will inevitably leave streaks behind on the glass. If such streaking is present, there will be a glare that distracts you as you drive, making it that much more challenging to drive safely and comfortably. Furthermore, if your windshield has any level of tint, the ammonia will likely damage it, ultimately rendering your investment in tint quite wasteful.
Make It a Lasting Clean
Congratulations! You have now successfully cleaned the interior of your windshield. You can keep the interior clean by maintaining as cool of a vehicle interior as possible. Try to park your vehicle in sheltered and cool spaces such as a garage. It will also help to provide any potential gases with a way out of the vehicle. Lower the window just a bit so fresh air can move on in and the contaminants can exit, ultimately preserving the cleanliness of your windshield.
