The cleanliness of your car windshield is directly related to road safety. If a coating or film forms on it, this can cause trouble for the driver and other road users. If you need to learn how to clean your windshield using different means, then this article is for you!
How does a film form on the inside of glass?
The windshield may become covered with a cloudy coating, both inside and outside. The exact composition differs depending on the climate conditions in which the vehicle is driven. They vary by region, and within and outside the city.
However, the appearance of a greasy film on the glass surface is inevitable. This is the influence of chemicals, exhaust gases, humidity and a number of other factors. Regardless of the reasons, it is necessary to be able to eliminate unwanted deposits that significantly impair visibility. Experienced drivers try not to touch the surface of the glass unnecessarily so as not to leave greasy stains. Also, an inconspicuous film appears from the inside when smoking directly in the cabin.
Suitable Cleaning Tools
To effectively clean a windshield from the inside or outside, the industry has long been producing proven automotive chemicals. However, a clean rag won’t hurt either - the first thing you need to do is wipe off any remaining dust. After this, you can proceed to washing with a cleaning agent, and at the very end - to finishing rubbing.
As for rags, soft microfiber cloths are the ideal option. These are convenient for cleaning the glass surface, both outside and inside. You can also find special car mops on sale. If you use paper and fabric napkins, you need to choose ones whose structure is not loose. Therefore, many drivers successfully replace rags with paper newspapers. They are convenient for rubbing the surface until it shines.
Basic rules for washing the windshield from the inside
Let's look in more detail at how to properly and effectively wash windshields from the interior. There are several basic practical recommendations that are worth adopting:
- cleaning products are applied directly to the surface and then rubbed with a cloth;
- normal cleaning is performed only at positive temperatures and in the absence of direct bright sun;
- first wipe the glass with a dry cloth to remove dust initially;
- It is better not to use abrasive substances and materials;
- It is advisable to cover the dashboard with something to prevent detergents and dirt from getting on it.
Sponges, napkins and rags for car washing
There is still debate as to what is better to use for washing a car: rags or sponges, or maybe it’s even worth choosing napkins. Experts' opinions were divided. Some of them prefer sponges, others prefer rags. One thing is for sure: you need to buy these consumables only in specialized automotive stores.
- Sponges are great for washing vehicles. Durable foam rubber is used for their manufacture; it has large pores, demonstrates high absorbency and copes well with dirt. Due to the large pores, the sponge retains small abrasive debris (dust, sand), which does not scratch the surface.
- The cloth for washing the car must be special. Ordinary rags leave micro-scratches on the body that are initially invisible, but in the future they cause a lot of trouble. In addition, washing rags will not allow you to get a perfect, streak-free surface. Rags have a number of negative aspects that appear when compared with sponges:
- low ability to absorb water;
- ability to retain abrasives on the surface.
As you can see for yourself, rags are not the best option, especially if you have the opportunity to purchase a sponge. Motorists are offered another option with which to wash their car - napkins.
- Napkins are an expensive option, which is chosen by especially responsible and caring drivers. A suede car wash cloth works best. Other materials are not as effective.
Windshield cleaning chemicals
To remove stains from your windshield, there are many products, from chemicals to those that are always on hand in the household. Kitchen and bathroom cleaners can also be used, but as a preventive measure. At least several times a year it is necessary to use professional automotive chemicals.
In the case of interior cleaning, cleaning products placed in a spray bottle are suitable. In this way, the product can be applied more accurately and economically to the glass surface. Many of these cleaners contain ammonia (ammonia solution), which effectively fights old deposits. Some car enthusiasts use sprays to rub monitors and televisions.
Types of contaminants and methods for eliminating them
The air flow that hits the windshield at high speed carries with it:
- soot;
- insects;
- plant pollen, tree resin;
- evaporation of road bitumen;
- mineral compounds of road dust and dirt (including limestone).
There are two ways to clean car glass that has lost its transparency.
- Use of special cleaning liquids.
Anti-freeze is used not only in winter. For the warmest times of the year, windshield washer cleaning fluid is perfect. For example, in the form of AGA D05 concentrate or a ready-made product.
Many summer windshield washer fluids have a pleasant aroma. For example, in the Niagara line there are products with the scent of lemon, strawberry or apple.
These universal compounds are suitable for both windshield washer and manual use. They contain a balanced set of additives that effectively dissolve dirt, soot, and traces of insects.
- Cleaning with special wipes using sprays or aerosols.
Products in cans are very popular. They are easy to use, quickly remove all types of contaminants, and are harmless to paintwork. Microfiber leaves no streaks or lint.
The catalog of the online store TopDetal.ru presents products from the RUNWAY brand and other well-known manufacturers of auto cosmetics.
Folk remedies
The largest number of products for cleaning a windshield without streaks belong to the folk category. They were especially popular in the era of commodity shortages, when the domestic chemical industry did not pamper car enthusiasts with variety and availability on shelves.
Let's consider their features one by one:
- Salt on a rag will help de-ice in the winter. It also absorbs moisture well and fights dirt.
- Vinegar. You need to be careful with this substance, as it is an acid and can damage the plastic or leather of the seats. It must be diluted in equal proportions with water. But it forms a film that will serve as a barrier to the formation of condensation.
- Alcohol solutions. Known for their ability to combat heavy deposits on the outer and inner surfaces of glass. They must be diluted with clean water before use. Apply a thin layer and polish after cleansing.
- Ammonia. It has long been known as an effective cleaner. Dilute a small amount of this alcohol with a glass of water. Reduces the formation of streaks on windows.
- Glycerol. Of course, it is not used in its pure form. It is mixed with alcohol in a ratio of 1 to 20. It will not only cleanse dirt, but also create an anti-fog film.
- Tobacco. Despite the fact that tobacco smoke creates a residue, loose tobacco is used to combat it. You need to pour the contents of several cigarettes onto a clean cotton rag. The cloth should be damp, just like the surface of the glass that is to be washed. Rub it for several minutes, after which the residue is washed off with a detergent. Finally, it is advisable to do polishing.
Car glass care
This issue also needs to be given time to ensure that the surface remains clean and lasts a long time. Dust will certainly get inside the cabin, trapping it even more when condensation forms on the windows. In summer and winter, it is recommended to ventilate all windows before parking the car for a long time.
Regular cleaning of the inner surface with a sponge dipped in soapy water is considered useful. At least this will be enough for prevention. In cold weather, it is a good idea to use de-icers. An alternative is to wipe the windshield with solutions containing vinegar or glycerin. Another reason for frequent contamination is an improperly replaced cabin filter.
The interiors of those motorists who allow themselves to smoke in the car suffer the most from the inside. As a result, oil stains appear, caused by the tars that make up cigarettes. However, dust also somehow penetrates inside the car and settles on the inner surface. Of course, you should only use clean microfiber cloths or paper napkins.
You need to be very careful when choosing windshield cleaning products. But, on the other hand, you can also use folk methods that have been known for many years. If anyone has any thoughts on this topic, feel free to share them in the comments!
Common pollution
In the presence of normal contaminants, chemicals are not used. For cleaning, use a standard cloth and soap solution. Special rags or napkins will help you wash windows more effectively and absorb moisture, reducing the likelihood of streaks.
If the contamination is not very large, you can mix water and alcohol and use this mixture to clean the glass. This method is more suitable for indoor window cleaning. The ratio of components should be one to one. An additional advantage of using the solution is the elimination of unpleasant odors in the cabin.
Water and newspapers are used as a budget alternative. Products containing ammonia are not recommended for use in the car. When cleaning glass internally, this element can cause harm:
- plastic;
- skin;
- rubber.
With the help of such products, contaminants are better washed off from the outside.
To prevent windows from sweating, you can use:
- glycerol;
- soap solution;
- alcohol solution.
To protect the coating from dirt and dust after washing, it is recommended to use Aquagel. This product provides a longer period of stain-free windows.
If chemicals are used, the proportions are strictly observed. It is necessary to dilute the water with detergents in a ratio of one to five. After washing, wipe the surface with a rag or paper. A rag cannot be used for this task. Most often, divorces occur precisely for this reason.
