A dirty windshield can turn your driving into something hazardous as your vision becomes obscured. Additionally, the bugs, dust and grime that can build up on the glass can make your car look less attractive.
Keep reading to discover how to keep your windshield squeaky clean.
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When should I clean my windshield?
A clean windshield ensures that you have a clear view of the road ahead. The odd bug spot or random bird dropping may be acceptable for you.
How often you should clean your windscreen is determined by several aspects.
- Where you live: Rural areas are more of a haven for bugs and insects than city locations. So, that means that you are going to have higher rates of bugs hitting your windscreen if you live in the country. Additionally, you may be using dusty country roads and trails.
- Traveling: Being on the road a lot means your car is going to be exposed regularly to the elements. That means dust, dirt, bird droppings and bugs.
- Holiday activities: If you and the family love the outdoors, then you are entering bug world again. Also, like those living in the country, you may find youorself travelling on dirty roads.
For cars that seem to be a magnetic for insects, bugs and others forms of grime, a weekly clean will have your vehicle looking great. Other people can consider washing the windshield once every two or three weeks.
Let’s run you through the process of cleaning your windshield.
5 steps to a clean windshield
You only need a couple of items to keep your windshield clean:
With regard to the auto glass cleaner, you want to get one that doesn’t contain ammonia. Ammonia is a chemical that can affect the rubber and vinyl of your vehicle.
On top of that is the fact that ammonia gives off unhealthy fumes. It can also cause harm to the integrity of your windscreen.
Microfibre cloths are renowned for their amazing cleaning ability and softness. Two factors that make them ideal for detailing your windshield.
You won’t have to worry about causing scratches or leaving unsightly streaks on the glass. Head over to Amazon and grab yourself some clothes to put in your car cleaning kit.
[amazon box=”B07B4QDZHQ,B07HRCDDL1″ grid=”2″]How to clean your windshield
Now you have your gear ready, it’s time to give that windshield a good clean. Here is how to make your glass shine.
1. Find an ideal place to work
You want to be somewhere that is out of the sun and is sheltered. Also, you don’t want to feel cramped in a tiny space.
Find a place where you have enough room to comfortably move around your vehicle.
2. Brush off the dirt
Using one of your microfibre cloths, brush the surface of the windshield to remove any dust and debris. You can go over the glass again a second time to ensure you got everything.
Lose debris can cause scratching of the glass. So don’t rush through this process.
3. Spray the windshield with the solution
Spray the your auto glass cleaner onto the windshield. Wipe it off quickly with your microfiber cloth.
It can be tempting to cover the entire windshield at once, but resist the temptation. The glass cleaner can dry fast, so you may not have time to wipe it with your cloth.
That will leave streaks on the glass. Then you need to do the whole job over again.
The best way to clean is to divide the windshield into sections. Then you can clean each part with up-and-down or back-and-forth motions.
Use a good amount of pressure when cleaning. However, don’t use too much force as it can result in damaging the integrity of the windshield.
Wipe over the dirt until it’s gone.
The more inground grime such as bug spots and bird droppings require more effort. Spray your glass cleaner directly on these and then leave it for several minutes.
A lot of elbow grease may be needed to remove this stains.
Give you the blades of your windshield wipers a clean with your cloth. Dust and dirt stuck to the blades can scratch your glass.
4. Go over the glass again
Get another microfiber cloth and go over the entire windshield once more. Buff the glass and check for streaking.
You want to ensure that the glass is clear.
5. Clean the interior
To clean the interior glass, you simply repeat the same process as that for the outside. Yet, you don’t want to spray the cleaner directly onto the windshield.
That can result in drips and pools of solution soiling the leather, vinyl and fabric within the car.
Spray some of the solution onto your microfibre cloth and then wipe the window. It’s easier to work from the passenger side as you aren’t constricted in movement by the steering wheel.
Once you have finished, allow the air to pass through the vehicle to dry the interior glass.
Complete the job by applying a glass sealant. This seals any gaps between the glass and the rubber and extends the life of your windshield.
If you want to minimize the effect of bug splatter on your windshield, use wax. Coat the glass with a thin layer of wax.
This makes it harder for the bugs to stick to the glass. Also, it’s easier to clean off the splatter.
[amazon box=”B07J2S52S5″ template=”vertical”]Make your own cleaning solution
If you don’t want to use store bought auto cleaner, you can make your own solution. Here are a couple of ideas to try.
Window cleaner
If you already have some window cleaner lying around your house, you can use this on your windshield. Add one part of window cleaner to three parts water in a small spray bottle.
[amazon box=”B01GFLZ0WU” template=”vertical”]A vinegar solution
Use white vinegar as any other color can leave streaks on the glass. One word of caution when using this type of solution: it’s better suited for more warmer climates.
Also, you will have a vinegary odor after you apply this cleaner.
To make this solution add one part of vinegar to three parts water. Then spray it onto your windshield.
[amazon box=”B092LM17GM” template=”vertical”]You can see clearly now
Windshields can attract a huge amount of grime and muck. How often youn need to clean your windshield is determined by where you live and the frequency in which you have to travel.
When it comes to cleaning the glass, take your time. Rushing through the task can leave steaks on the glass and water damage to the vehicle’s interior.
You don’t have to buy auto glass cleaner. Everyday items in your house, such as vinegar, can be implemented into a glass cleaning solution.
A clear windshield will keep you and other road users safe. Also, it extends the life of your vehicle.
Safe driving.