Cleaning Tips for Streak-Free Car Windows

03 Aug Cleaning Tips for Streak-Free Car Windows

Having a clear view of the road ahead of you is important for safe driving. But, when the windshield is covered by months of built-up dirt and debris, you’ll have a hard time seeing the other cars on the highway. If that problem reminds you of your last drive, then it’s time to clean your car windows.

However, if you don’t clean windshields the right way, you can accidentally create unsightly streaks that worsen the problem. To ensure you aren’t creating more problems for yourself, follow these cleaning tips to give your car windows a streak-free shine.

SELECT THE RIGHT SOLUTION

The first step when cleaning car windows is to find the perfect cleaner for the job. Cleaning solutions that won’t leave streaks on your car’s windows are the ones you should look for, and many of those brands were designed with auto glass in mind. However, you can create a glass cleaner from scratch if you don’t want to take a trip to the store. Many common ingredients you likely already own, such as white vinegar and distilled water, are great ingredients for a homemade solution. After pouring the mixture into a spray bottle, it will be ready for action.

While some cleaning agents are excellent for creating a streak-free shine, others may do more harm than good. For example, you should avoid any Ammonia-based cleaners. Not only will they leave behind streaks, but they can harm rubber seals, leather, and other parts of your car. Further, you also should be wary of cleaners that come with fragrances, as they can have chemicals that can damage your windshield.

CHOOSE AN EFFECTIVE CLOTH

After you’ve found the right cleaner, you’ll need to pair it with something to wipe it. Although paper towels can work, they’ll leave behind fibers and lint streaks that may be a hassle to remove.

Instead, consider getting microfiber towels and clothes the next time you’re at the store. They’re an ideal choice for cleaning car windows because they’re lint-free and are far less likely to create streaks than other materials. Microfiber cloths are made up of thousands of little fibers that make them highly absorbent. When these fibers rub together, they create a static charge that attracts dirt particles. On top of being highly effective at window cleaning, their softness also makes them very safe and unlikely to scratch glass.

Purchasing more than one microfiber cloth is a good idea. Owning an extra gives you another to use when your main one becomes dirty, and having a dry microfiber cloth on hand will make it easier to clean away any excess solution.

FIND THE RIGHT TIME AND PLACE TO CLEAN

Cleaning car windows at the right time will make it easier to achieve a streak-free shine. For example, you should avoid washing your car during hot times of the day because the heat will make the cleaning solution dry up faster. When this happens, it will form those pesky streaks. Instead, plan on cleaning your car when it’s cooler out in the morning or evening. Additionally, keep your car out of the sun; the warmth of the rays will make it hotter.

MAKE PREPARATIONS

Before cleaning car windows, always make sure there is nothing that stands in the way of your solution and the cloth; this means brushing away dirt, pollen, and other forms of debris that build up over time and can cause scratches. To that end, you should always make washing your windshields the last thing you do when cleaning a car.

CLEANING CAR WINDOWS CORRECTLY

No matter what solution you choose or how perfect the conditions are, incorrectly cleaning your car windows will increase the likelihood of streaks. For instance, spraying too much cleaner at once will cause it to drip down and create streaks. Also, make sure to clean one area at a time because if you spray the entire car with your solution at once, you won’t be able to reach every window before it dries up. By spraying the proper amount and scrubbing in a thorough circular motion, you can clean your car without worrying about making any streaks.

If you’re searching for mobile auto glass repair near me to repair any damages, we’ve got you covered. RNR Auto Glass proudly offers professional windshield repair services to ensure your vehicle remains in peak condition. Contact our team today for a free quote.