How to clean car windows?

Dirty windshields, rear windows and side windows are a real nuisance while driving. It's even worse when the sun is directly in front of you, or at night when you're passing other motorists. Cleaning the outside of windows is important, but so is cleaning the inside.

Car windows

Why do car windows get dirty?

1. Dust and pollen

At first glance, a car appears to be dust-free. It's closed when parked, and you only open the windows when you're driving. But then again! A car is not completely airtight, and dust particles can be tiny. In spring with pollen, in dry weather on dusty roads, in windy weather, your interior will store these tiny particles.

2. Cigarette smoke

Cigarette smoke contains a large number of molecules resulting from combustion. These are very messy (and smelly!). Nicotine, tar and soot are systematically deposited on surfaces. You'll notice that the windshield appears blurry.

3. Grease

Grease is the biggest headache when it comes to understanding how to properly clean your car windows. Have you ever noticed that greasy film that keeps building up on your windows? Where does it come from?

First and foremost, it comes from our own bodies. Don't forget that sweat is pretty greasy. Add to that the eternal game of fingerprints on the side windows...

The other reason is the plastics and vinyl in the car's interior. It's invisible to the naked eye, but every time they heat up, they give off an oily vapor.

In short, eliminating or reducing the causes will help you keep your car windows much cleaner.

The key steps to good car window cleaning

Step 1: Equip yourself with the right window cleaning accessories

A soft microfiber cloth, a squeegee and a window cleaning spray are the three essential accessories.

If you don't have a window cleaner on hand, you can make your own. There are a number of tricks you can use to restore the shine and sparkle to your car windows. One is to mix 750 ml of warm water with 250 ml of white vinegar to make a 100% natural, high-performance car window cleaner. You can also dilute dishwashing liquid in hot water (adding a little white vinegar if necessary) to remove grease from your windows.

Step 2: Rinse windshield with clear water

Once you're ready, you can start cleaning your car windows by rinsing them with clear water. Use a soft sponge to pre-soak off any accumulated dust, insect droppings, and bird droppings. On the outside of your vehicle, you can also use a cleaning product specifically designed to remove encrusted droppings and insects.  

Step 3: Spray cleaner on windows

Apply the cleaner to your windows just as you would to your house windows. If you're using a "grandmother's remedy" rather than products designed specifically for cleaning car windows, be sure to test the solution on a small area before spraying all of your windows. Also, if you decide to wash your windows with white vinegar, don't forget to allow some time to air out your car after washing.

Step 4: Wipe with a soft cloth

Using the product you've applied to the surfaces you want to clean (or directly on your cloth), gently rub the glass to make it shine. The microfiber cloth is ideal for scrubbing without leaving lime stains or scratches.

Start with the side windows, then work your way to the windshield and rear window. Then remove excess water and cleaner with a good quality rubber-tipped squeegee. While you're at it, give your mirrors and windshield wipers a good clean. For the rear window, be sure to wash in the direction of the de-icing filaments to avoid damaging your vehicle.

Step 5: Finish the window wash with newspaper

Newspaper is an economical and environmentally friendly way to effectively finish cleaning your vehicle's windows. You can roll a few pieces of newspaper into a ball and rub them into your windows. The result is usually flawless.

The Windshield

Why clean your windshield?

Cleaning the inside of your windshield has several important benefits for safety and driving comfort. Here are just a few reasons why it's important to clean the inside of your windshield regularly:

• Improved visibility: A clean inside windshield reduces the buildup of mist, condensation and dirt, giving you better visibility while driving. Clear vision is essential for anticipating hazards, reacting quickly to driving situations, and making safe decisions.
• Reduced glare: Dirt, dust and residue can cause reflections and glare on the inside of the windshield when hit by sunlight or other vehicles' headlights. A clean windshield reduces this glare, improving driver safety and comfort.
• Preventing light refraction: Stains or deposits on the inside of the windshield can cause light refraction, which can affect the perception of objects and distances. A clean windshield minimizes this effect, allowing for a more accurate perception of the driving environment.
• Avoid premature windshield deterioration:Over time, residue, dust and particles can potentially damage the interior surface of the windshield. Regular cleaning can help prevent the buildup of these contaminants and extend the life of the windshield.
• Comfort and aesthetics: A clean windshield interior improves driving comfort by creating a more pleasant, cleaner interior environment. It can also help maintain the aesthetic value of your vehicle.

How to clean the inside of my windshield?

To clean the inside of your windshield, use a cleaning product suitable for glass surfaces and a clean, lint-free cloth, making sure you don't leave any streaks or residue. Avoid cleaning products that contain ammonia because they can damage the materials inside your car.

Here are a few options that you can customize according to your preferences and the products you have available:

1. Degrease your windshield with white vinegar

• Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution onto a clean, lint-free cloth, not directly onto the windshield to avoid wetting the electronic components.
• Gently wipe the windshield surface in a circular motion until it is clean and streak-free.
• Wipe again with a clean, dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture.

2. How to clean a very dirty, greasy car windshield with baking soda?

• Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water to make a paste.
• Apply the paste to a damp cloth and gently rub the surface of the windshield.
• Use another clean, damp cloth to wipe off the paste, then a dry cloth to dry.

3. Isopropyl Alcohol Solution

• Combine equal parts water and isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution onto a clean, lint-free cloth, then gently wipe the windshield to remove dirt and streaks.
• Wipe again with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture.

4. Purchase window cleaner

• You can also buy window cleaner at the grocery store or online.
• Follow the product instructions for application and wiping.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to use clean, lint-free cloths to avoid leaving streaks or residue. Avoid using ammonia-based products on interior surfaces as they can damage materials.

Regular cleaning, ideally once a week or as needed, will help maintain optimum visibility and ensure safe driving.

How to remove wiper streaks from my windshield?

If your windshield wipers leave streaks on your windshield, they're not wiping properly. The rubber blade may be damaged. While you're waiting for your wipers to be replaced, here are some tips for removing wiper marks:

You can use a white clay stone. This is an environmentally friendly product that will polish the surface of your glass.

Another effective product is baking soda. Rub some baking soda on a wet sponge. Use a clean, dry cloth to dry.

Cigarette ash is an even better cleaner. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with ash and wipe the surface in a circular motion.

Car window cleaning tips

Whether it's the windshield, doors or rear window, cleaning your car's interior and exterior windows can be a real chore, especially when you don't want to leave any marks, but your cloth have decided otherwise with each vertical, horizontal or circular pass. Here are 3 little tips to help you avoid these inconveniences and clean your windows efficiently and cleanly.

1. Water and white vinegar: the effective solution

As always, don't use any product just because it's handy and seems easier. While window cleaning products can get the job done, there's a little homemade concoction that's particularly effective at both cleaning and preventing streaking: vinegar water. All you have to do is mix water and white vinegar, then wipe your windows with this miracle solution on a microfiber cloth. It's effective on dirt and stains, and it leaves less residue after you've finished cleaning. You can also add a few traces of essential oils to "perfume" your windows, which will diffuse a little scent that's always more pleasant than chemicals in your cabin. This little fragrance can even be "activated" by heat on your windows and inside the cabin.

2. Windshield: Windshield Washer and Lemon

Yes, lemon! Because the outside of your windshield is exposed to more "sticky" dirt and aggression than the other glass surfaces of your vehicle (thank you, insects and bird droppings), you'll need to opt for cleaner solutions. This can be as simple as regularly using windshield washer fluid with your windshield wipers. But it's even better to top it off from time to time with a good scrubbing with 90-degree alcohol. For the interior, avoid products with unpleasant odors or fumes and opt for a small mixture of water and lemon juice. This will not only give you fragrant results, but will also be effective enough to remove fingerprints and dust marks (more common than fingerprints on a windshield...or so we hope!). It's for the same reasons that lemons are so widely used in household products: logical!

3. Watch the clothes!

It's not for nothing that we often talk about microfiber cloths when it comes to maintaining and cleaning your car, and for good reason: they're the least aggressive cloth for your surfaces (windows and body). Other "accessories" that you may instinctively use, such as handkerchiefs, towels or fluffy cloths, should be avoided as they can mark the inside and outside surfaces of your windows. In particular, household sponges - those with a green abrasive surface - should be avoided at all costs, even though you'd think they'd be more effective. They're far too aggressive! Chamois leather for bodywork, microfiber for windows, and everything will be perfect, every time. Using the right clothes is also essential to avoid leaving marks. For the rest, remember: take your time. And good luck!

Preventing condensation on car windows

Preventing condensation is one way to keep your car windows clean for as long as possible. One fun method is to fill an old sock with kitty litter and slide it under one of the front seats. Of course, make sure there are no holes in the sock and tie it in a knot before placing it where you want it!