How to Clean Car Windows: 7 Tips for Streak-Free Glass (Inside & Out)

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  • By Autoglas Concurrent
How to Clean Car Windows: 7 Tips for Streak-Free Glass (Inside & Out)

Wondering how to clean car windows without leaving streaks? Maintaining clear visibility is essential for road safety and helps you avoid heavy fines for obscured vision. This guide provides 7 professional tips for cleaning your windscreen inside and out—covering everything from stubborn summer insects to winter frost removal and preventing foggy windows.

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We like to drive a clean car. Not only because a clean, well-maintained car looks much better, but also because it improves safety. This is especially true when it comes to cleaning the car window, as this allows you to see much better what's happening around you. So, what's the best way to clean the inside and outside of your car window? What do you do when the inside of your car window is frozen, and what do you do when your car windows are fogged up?

Let's dive deeper into cleaning car windows, covering both the winter and summer months and explaining how to clean both the inside and outside.

In what ways does a car window actually get dirty?

 

The outside of the car window

The outside of your car window can get dirty in a variety of ways. This can be caused by blowing sand, but frost and snow also obstruct visibility. While driving, dirt naturally accumulates on your car window, with the windscreen and rear window bearing the brunt of the damage. Fortunately, plenty of high-quality windscreen washer fluid works wonders, although you'll never get your car windows completely clean this way.


The inside of the car window

The inside of car windows can also get dirty. This is often caused by greasy children's fingers, people touching the window when opening and closing doors, and moisture evaporating inside the car, which condenses on the windows. Dirty filters, such as the cabin air filter, can also cause dirt to accumulate on the inside of car windows. Cars aren't equipped with a system to clean the inside of the windows, so you'll have to do more yourself.

Important for modern vehicles:

When cleaning the interior, you must be extra careful around the rearview mirror. This is where the ADAS sensors and cameras are located. Moisture inside the camera housing can lead to malfunctions in safety systems such as Lane Assist. Never use sprays directly in this area; always apply the cleaner to a cloth first.

Why is it so important to clean car windows properly?

Cleaning your car windows with the wrong products, half-heartedly, or not at all will only worsen visibility. A quick wipe over the inside of the window will never clean it properly. That's why it's best to pay close attention to this. If you clean your car windows properly, you won't have to worry about it again for a long time under normal circumstances.


Can I get a fine for driving with dirty, frozen or fogged-up car windows?

You can receive a fine for driving with a frozen and/or fogged-up car window that obstructs the driver's view. Note: if your left exterior mirror is also frozen or fogged, you'll receive an additional fine. The rearview mirror must also be clean, along with the rear window or right exterior mirror. Combined fines can reach up to €500 (in the Netherlands). A standard window scraper costs less than one euro.


Cleaning your car window during the summer months

Insects, sand, and other dirt that blow up because it's warm and dry outside are especially damaging to your windscreen. If you clean your windscreen regularly, these can be easily removed with a cloth or sponge and a good cleaning agent. Has it been a while since your windscreen was cleaned? Then you can use one of the following methods to remove insects:

  • Make a solution of warm water and dish soap. Soak a cloth in the solution and then place it on the area where the insects are stuck to the windscreen. After half an hour, remove the cloth and use a sponge to easily remove the insects and dirt, as they will now be loosened.
  • Get some insect remover. Good sprays can also be used on the front bumper, which often collects many more insects, including the resulting blood splatter. Be careful never to use oil-based products on car windows!


Cleaning car windows during the winter months

Defrosting your car window with hot water is a bad idea. Not only because the large temperature difference can crack the window, but also because the hot water cools down and can freeze. Idling the car is a common method, but it's also not recommended. A cold engine means a heater that barely gets hot. This defrosting method is therefore bad for the environment and your wallet (it wastes a significant amount of fuel), and doesn't have the desired effect.

To minimize the amount of work defrosting your car window, use a defroster or place an anti-ice blanket over your windscreen the night before. Otherwise, a good window scraper is the best solution for cleaning your car window during the winter months, preferably one with a handle so the ice doesn't get on your hand.

Want to clean the inside of your car window in subzero temperatures? Use cleaning products containing alcohol and make sure the car is warm or parked in a garage. You want to prevent the inside of the window from freezing. Is the inside of the window frozen? You can also use a window scraper or a cloth with a little dish soap or window defroster. Want to prevent the inside from freezing? Place a dehumidifier in your car or an old sock filled with cat litter to absorb the moisture.

The best way to remove foggy windows is with a clean window squeegee. Then, turn on the windscreen heater on its normal setting to ensure the windscreen remains clear. If possible, avoid getting into the car wearing wet or snowy clothing. The evaporation of moisture and snow can cause windows to fog up again.

Tip: Is frost forecast? Then raise your windscreen wipers the night before so they don't touch the car window. This way, they won't freeze!

The difference between cleaning the inside of the car window and the outside

The outside of car windows is considerably easier to reach than the inside. This is especially true for the rear and front windows, as you'll likely have to squeeze into awkward positions to completely clean them. Therefore, be sure to spend extra time cleaning the inside of the window. If you're using (more aggressive) cleaning products, be sure to cover the interior of the car, especially underneath the glass. Some cleaning products (including methylated spirits and isopropyl alcohol) can corrode the interior and cause permanent damage.

7 Professional Tips for a Streak-Free Windscreen (Summer & Winter)

  1. Degrease the interior with washing-up liquid: The inside of your glass often collects a greasy film from fingers and condensation. A drop of washing-up liquid in warm water is the most effective way to cut through grease without leaving streaks.
  2. Soak away stubborn summer insects: Don't scrub dry bugs, as this can scratch the glass. Instead, soak a towel in warm soapy water and leave it on the windscreen for 30 minutes. The residue will soften, allowing you to wipe it away effortlessly.
  3. Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight: Never clean or dry your windows while the sun is hitting them. The heat causes water and cleaning products to evaporate too quickly, which is the primary cause of unsightly white streaks and spots.
  4. Use alcohol-based cleaners during winter: When temperatures drop, use a dedicated glass cleaner containing alcohol (or surgical spirit) for the interior. This ensures the moisture doesn't freeze onto the glass while you are trying to polish it.
  5. Stop windows from fogging with a moisture absorber: Place a de-humidifier bag or a sock filled with silica cat litter under the seat. This absorbs excess cabin moisture, preventing your windows from fogging up or freezing on the inside overnight.
  6. Lift wiper blades when frost is forecast: Prevent the rubber blades from freezing to the glass, which can cause them to tear when activated. Lifting them also makes it much easier to clear the entire windscreen with an ice scraper in the morning.
  7. Dry with a clean microfibre cloth: A dirty cloth will simply redistribute oils and can even cause fine scratches. Always use a fresh microfibre towel to buff the glass dry for a crystal-clear, professional finish.

When is cleaning no longer enough?

Visibility is safety. If you still suffer from a haze, glare, or 'spots' that won't go away after following these tips, there is a high probability that your windscreen has simply reached the end of its lifespan. Millions of microscopic pits in the glass scatter the light, which can lead to dangerous situations, especially with a low-hanging sun or oncoming traffic at night.

Are you unsure if your glass is still safe? Or do you have a stone chip that is at risk of spreading into a large crack due to freezing cold or the hot summer sun? At Autoglas Concurrent, we look beyond just a clean result. We ensure you get back on the road with crystal-clear vision.