Maintaining a car windshield that looks spick and span is something that many of us struggle with on a day-to-day basis. Between hectic workweeks, a plethora of errands to run, and/or rowdy kids to attend to, keeping up a clean windshield more often than not gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. Given the fact that having a clear field of vision is essential to safe driving, this is a major cause for concern. If you’ve ever let the dirt and grime on your car windshield get out of hand, that will no longer be the case after today. Here’s everything you need to know about how you can easily clean your car windshield!
Why You Should Keep Your Car Windshield Clean
Before getting into the nitty-gritty details on all things windshield cleaning related, it’s important first to establish why keeping your windshield clean is well worth the extra time. The most obvious reason to keep your car windshield clean is for safety purposes. You can only have a clear view of the road and, in turn, an awareness of what’s going on with other vehicles and pedestrians if your windshield is free of any unwanted elements.
Another good reason to maintain a clean car windshield is that cleaning your windshield increases the longevity of it. Dirty windshields are prone to getting damaged by small cracks or chips. These cracks can spread and get even larger if they are left to their own accord.
Cleaning The Exterior of Windshields
The exterior of your windshield is definitely the part that bears the brunt of all the dirt, debris, and bird droppings. As the car’s protecting agent, the outside of your windshield should be regularly cleaned. Here are some of the best ways to get rid of common problems that affect the exterior side of windshields:
- Microfiber Towels: Microfiber towels are great at getting rid of streaks because of their tight weave. Simply dampen your microfiber towel, fold the cloth, and wipe your windshield down in a single motion.
- Detailing Clay: To get rid of stubborn stains that don’t want to budge, invest in some detailing clay. This elastic compound can get into small crevices that are invisible to the human eye. Work the detailing clay into small sections of your windshield and clean in a back and forth motion.
- Newspaper and Cleaning Solution: Sometimes turning to old cleaning solutions is all it takes, and newspaper is a tried-and-true method of windshield cleaning. The ink and paper are a light abrasive that effectively remove dirt and grime. Squirt the cleaning solution of your choice and wipe down your windshield in circular motions until it’s spotless.
Cleaning The Interior of Windshields
The inside of your windshield may not get as dirty as the outside, but that doesn’t mean you can skip cleaning it altogether. The thin layer of grime that accumulates on the interior of your windshield over time can also reduce your visibility while driving. Here are a few of the best ways to clean your windshield’s interior:
- Paper Towel and an Alcohol-Based Cleaner: Alcohol-based cleaner that’s free of ammonia is a great liquid to use to loosen grease and grime from your windshield. Grab some paper towel and scrub the alcohol-based cleaner around until your windshield is dry to the touch.
- Magic Erasers: Magic Erasers are great at getting rid of build-up on the inside of windows and can remove even the toughest stuck-on residue. Spray your Magic Eraser with a bit of water, then gently wipe your windshield to get rid of grime. Once all the residue has been removed, use a damp cloth to get rid of chemicals the Magic Eraser may have left behind.
Whatever your preferred method of cleaning your windshield is, all that really matters is that you don’t let it get to the point where it interferes with your ability to drive. That being said, the cracks and chips in your windshield can also hinder your ability to drive, and they should be taken care of sooner rather than later. At North Auto Glass, we specialize windshield repairs and windshield replacements. No matter the type of vehicle you have, our auto glass experts can make your windshield as good as new. Contact us today to get a free quote!
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