How to Clean Car’s Windows Inside without Streaks?

Have you ever tried to clean your car window but noticed streaks even after wiping the glass? These streaks can not only ruin your car’s look but also impair your vision while driving.

With clear visibility, you would easily notice the path, pedestrians, road signs, other vehicles, and any other obstacles. However, it can be challenging to accomplish a streak-free smooth finish on the inside of your car’s windows.

So what causes these streaks? And how can you avoid them? In this article, we’ll explore how to clean inside car windows without streaks. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Problem

Accumulation of residue such as smoke, fingerprints, dry cleaning tools, and even imperfect cleaning solutions can cause streaks on the window while cleaning.

While these streaks do not necessarily cause direct damage to your vehicle, an excessive amount of streaks can obscure visibility and make your windows appear foggy.

Additionally, if the streaks are caused due to harsh chemicals, they can cause significant car window damage.

Proper cleaning techniques and solutions will help you prevent these streaks from forming.

Common Causes of Streaks

Streaks and other types of window damage should be prevented to ensure clear visibility. Before understanding how to avoid streaks, it’s important to know the reason behind them.

Here are some common causes of streaks:

1. Ammonia Containing Cleaning Solutions

Ammonia-containing commercial window cleaners tend to leave a cloudy residue or streaks on car windows.

2. Dirty Towels or Napkins

Using dirty napkins to clean clothes can have the reverse effect on the inside of your car windows. Though they may look like they are handy for cleaning, they can actually leave dirt and fibers on the glass, which would result in streaks.

3. Residue Buildup from Other Substances

Residue can build up from other substances, such as oils, plastics releasing gasses, and cigarette smoke. This residue build-up would lead to streaks on your car window glass while getting cleaned.

Preparing to Clean the Streaks

The first step to get rid of the streaks on the inside of your windows is to gather all the required cleaning material. Here’s what you will need:

• Microfiber Cloths: Microfiber cloths are a must to clean your car windows as they are great for absorbing liquids and are lint-free.
• Glass Cleaner: You can mix distilled water and white vinegar to clean the glass. Alternatively, you can also buy an ammonia-free glass cleaner solution.
• Spray Bottle: You will need a spray bottle to apply the cleaning solution evenly.
• Warm Water: You will need a bucket of warm water to rinse the cloth while cleaning.
• Squeegee:A squeegee, though optional, would also be quite effective to soak the excess liquid and thus prevent streaks.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Here are the steps you need to take to get rid of the streaks while cleaning:

Step 1: Ensure Prevention from Sunlight Exposure

Direct exposure to sunlight can cause the cleaning solutions to dry quickly, leading to streaks. To avoid this, you should park your vehicle in a shaded area before the start of the cleaning process.

Step 2: Clean the Surrounding Areas

Do not limit yourself to cleaning your car windows only. Dirt and dust can easily move to the windows from the neighboring areas. Hence, ensure that you clean the areas surrounding your windows as well.

Step 3: Initial Wipe Down

In order to wipe off dust and dirt, you can use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the windows. It would prevent dirt from smearing around the window glass while applying the cleaning solution.

Step 4: Spray the Cleaning Solution

To effectively control the cleaning solution amount and to prevent overspreading, spray it onto a microfiber cloth first rather than directly onto the car window glass.

Step 5: Clean the Window

the microfiber cloth soaked with the cleaning solution to wipe your car window. Clean in a vertical motion followed by a horizontal motion. This pattern would ensure complete coverage to prevent streaks.

Step 6: Dry the Window

As soon as you have finished the cleaning, buff your car window using a clean dry microfiber cloth.

Step 7: Use a Squeegee

For a professional finish, use a squeegee to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Start at the top of the window and pull the squeegee down in a straight line, wiping the blade with a cloth after each pass.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Clean Windows

It’s an ongoing task to maintain clean car windows. Hence, here are some additional tips to aid you further in maintaining a streak-free clean window:

1. Regular Cleaning

To prevent any residue buildup, ensure that you clean your car’s windows regularly. Usually, it is this buildup that tends to result in streaks.

2. Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

Ammonia-ingrained solutions can leave streaks on your car windows. You should avoid cleaning solutions containing ammonia or other harsh chemicals.

3. Use Distilled Water

Ordinary tap water may contain elements that may leave spots or marks on your car windows. Hence, you would be better off using distilled water to make your cleaning solution.

4. Replace Worn-out Wipers

Regularly check and replace your car’s windshield wipers. Worn-out wipers can leave streaks and scratches on the outside of your windows, which can affect visibility and the overall appearance of your car.

5. Keep the Car Interior Clean

Keeping the car interior clean would ensure that you don’t have to clean it too frequently. Focus on the dashboard as dirt and dust from it can make the windows dirty again easily.

Keep Your Windows Sparkling Clean!

Using the correct materials and techniques, you can negate streaks while cleaning your car windows. Clean windows would not only improve your aesthetics but also ensure your safety while driving. If you ever feel overwhelmed with the cleaning or maintenance of your car’s windows and windshield, it’s always a good idea to opt for professional services.

Are you seeking either car side window repair services or car side window replacement services? NuVision Auto Glass is the one-stop shop for all car window cleaning and repair requirements. Contact us now for any auto glass services!