As time begins to pass and dust starts to accumulate on the interior of your car, you’ll notice that it likes to hang out on your windshield. Cleaning your windshield is easy and quick enough, requiring only minimal equipment but in order to do it right, there are a few things you should know in order to keep the glass from streaking.
While it may seem easy enough to pick up some generic window cleaner and an old rag, that can lead to streaking, leaving some to be desired in the looks department.
More important than the way the windshield looks, streaks on the glass can be pretty distracting, especially at night, making it more difficult to drive than it otherwise should be.
Using the correct equipment will ensure that the glass is cleaned effectively and no streaking or spotting will result. So, what qualifies as the right equipment? There aren’t any fancy tools needed to be able to clean the windshield effectively, this article is going to go over the few things you will need in order to better clean your windshield.
Microfiber Cloths
This is probably the most technologically advanced piece of equipment you’ll need to clean your windshield effectively leaving behind no streaks or spots. The old rag on the workbench in your garage isn’t the best tool for the job.
Traditional towels or washcloths will trap debris such as lint and dirt into their fabric and drag that across the windshield resulting in a streaky finish. Microfiber cloths are used often in vehicle maintenance because they will trap the dirt and debris in actually pulling it into the towel and away from your glass like many little fingers. You can pick up a pack of microfiber cloths for around ten dollars at your local Wal-Mart. Want to take it a step further? Find a dedicated waffle weave or corduroy style microfiber that is specifically designed for cleaning glass.
High-Quality Glass Cleaner
While it is true that a generic glass cleaner will work, a higher-quality glass cleaner will make your job considerably easier. Preferably one without ammonia which can damage tint if you happen to have it on your vehicle.
While it is not necessary to go out and buy a special auto glass cleaner or ammonia free cleaner, it may make for an easier cleaning experience with less streaks.
Don’t Forget The Exterior
When people set about cleaning their windshields they tend to focus most of their energy on the inside of their cars. While that makes sense in theory due to the dust that builds inside the car settling on the windshield, the same happens on the outside, too.
When you drive, obviously dirt, mud, and other debris are going to kick off the road and make themselves at home on the outside of your windshield. Before applying the glass cleaner to the windshield, be sure to wash the windshield off to ensure all of the larger bits of debris are taken care of, it’ll make your job much easier.
As long as you follow the recommended schedule of a bi-weekly washing of your car, cleaning your windshield and other windows should only add a handful of minutes to the routine.
Something as trivial as cleaning the glass to the highest degree possible may at first seem unnecessary and a waste of time, but the clearer you can see, the safer you are able to drive.
Get In Touch With Us
For a full range of detailing services we provide for the Erie PA area, see the list on our website here. We would be more than happy to go over the details of the different detailing options we can provide you with, stop by the shop or give us a call. We’d be happy to help.
Taking the time to clean your glass the right way can help cut down on accidents by improving visibility, next time you are washing your car, consider giving the windshield a quick clean.
