The Importance of a Clean Windshield
A clean windshield gives you an unobstructed view of the world outside your car. Through it, you can easily spot potential road hazards, such as a deer darting out in front of you or a neighborhood kid chasing after a rogue soccer ball. With a clean windshield, you can react quickly and keep you and everyone around you safe.
Although the inside of your windshield isn’t exposed to the same level of grime as the outside, it can still accumulate dirt and smears. If you have kids or pets in your car, you’ve probably noticed they love to wipe their hands, paws, and noses across the windshield. These fingerprints and smudges can scatter light coming in through your windshield and interfere with your vision.
When people get in your car, they also track in dust and dirt from outside. Your air conditioner or heating system can blow these particles around, causing them to settle on your windshield, making it harder for you to see.
The Best Tools for Cleaning a Windshield
When it comes to keeping your windshield clean, the right tools make the job easier. We rely on the following simple tools for a professional job:
- Spray bottle: A spray bottle lets you apply the right amount of cleaning solution exactly where you need it.
- Microfiber towel: A dry microfiber cloth traps particles and absorbs liquids without leaving behind lint or scratches. Its tiny fibers grab onto contaminants and lift them off the surface.
- Glass cleaner: A specially formulated glass cleaner made specifically for car windows.
If you happen to be at Spark Car Wash when cleaning, you’ll find all of these tools at our DIY Spark Park. Our cleaning terminals also provide you with forced air, multi-nozzle vacuums, and automated mat cleaners to achieve interior carfection.
How to Clean the Inside of Your Windshield
Now that your tools are assembled, you’re ready to get the job done:
- Use a dry microfiber towel to wipe down the windshield and remove any visible dirt.
- Spray window cleaner directly onto a clean microfiber towel outside your car to avoid overspray falling on your dash.
- Clean the outside border of the windshield first, like you’re drawing a frame around the space.
- Fill in the frame by using a circular motion to wipe the rest of your windshield clean.
- For any stubborn or greasy spots, apply isopropyl alcohol to your microfiber towel and clean the area.
- With another microfiber towel, dry your windshield thoroughly to avoid streaks and water spots.
How Often to Clean a Windshield
How often you need to clean your windshield will depend on several factors, including your environment, driving conditions, and the weather. At a minimum, under ideal conditions, you should clean the inside of your entire windshield at least once a month.
The more you use your car, the dirtier your windshield will get. If you feel like you live in your car and people constantly get in and out of it, your windshield will build up dust, grime, and fingerprints faster. In this situation, plan to clean your windshield at least once every two weeks — though you may want to do it weekly if you’re frequently chauffeuring around a carload of kids.
When the weather warms up, the pollen that settles in a layer on the outside of your car also makes its way inside. The humidity level is also higher, which can cause condensation to form on your windshield. This moisture mixes with the particles on your windshield and dries into a hazy layer.
You’re also more likely to drive with your windows down in warm weather, letting dust blow in with the fresh air. Because of all of these factors, it’s a good idea to clean your inside windshield weekly in warm weather.
In the colder months, you can probably get away with only cleaning your inside windshield every other week under normal conditions. However, if you live in snowy and icy areas, you may track in dirty snow and salt from the roads. This, along with increased condensation from cold and wet clothes, may require more frequent weekly cleaning.
Keep Your Windshield Clear Year-Round
It’s easy to overlook inside window cleaning, especially if you regularly clean the outside of your car. However, tackling this job will make you a safer driver and protect the value of your car.
At Spark Car Wash, we know the details matter. We provide everything you need to keep your vehicle in like-new condition. Choose from one of our three membership plans to keep your windshield crystal clear and your car safe on the road.
