How to clean your car windscreen: Tips and Tricks

Why is cleaning your car windscreen important?

Making sure your windscreen is clean is super important for visibility and safety. A clean windscreen reduces the chance of an accident and reduces glare from the sun and street lights which can obstruct your vision. 

Prevention of Damage

A dirty windscreen can cause the the frame to corridor which could lead to structural issues and cause chips and cracks to appear more frequently.   

Aesthetics and Clarity

If your into keeping your car looking pretty, then your window wipers alone are not going to cut it. You need a professional glass cloth to hand at all times! It's best to keep one in your glove box or your door compartments. 

What are the best ways to clean a car windscreen?

Using water and a Microfibre Cloth

This is our recommended method. Most of the time you will not need to use any chemicals, if you use a high quality microfibre cloth! For instance a fishscale microfibre cloth provides both a clean and a polish. Its unique fishscale patter is more aggressive then a traditional glass cloth allowing for easier grim removal whilst providing a streak free finish. Best practise is to spray the windscreen with water then in small circular motions wipe the glass. Don't forgot to wipe the grime from the edges of the windscreen.  

Using Glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth

If you would prefer to use a glass cleaning solution that is no issue at all. Glass cleaners are great for fingerprints, smudges, grease and dirt removal. Spray the windscreen and wipe with your glass cloth. 

Using White Vinegar

If you do not think water alone is going to cut it, you can use distilled white vinegar. White vinegar will break down the grime and dirt formed on your windscreen. White vinegar it is commonly used in the cleaning sector. The best practise is to use one part water (hot) and one part vinegar, then spray the windscreen and wipe with your cloth. The cloth will remove any dirt and grime once broken down. 

Using Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can also be used to help create a streak free finish. This is more of an extreme cleaning solutions, most people will not need to use this method. However, rubbing alcohol is a great degreasing agent, so for those with really greasy, sticky or oily windscreens this method is for you. The best practice is to fill your spray bottle with water and two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol. Spray on your screen and your microfibre cloth in circular motions to wipe clean. 

How to clean the inside of your car windscreen?

Materials Needed

• Spray bottle 
• Water 
• Super soft cloth

Cleaning Process

For the inside of your screen you should only need the above materials. You will not need a fishscale cloth for the inside of your vehicle, a super soft sensitive cloth would work best. This is because the inside of your screen should not be as dirty as the exterior. The best way to clean inside, spray with water and grab your clean microfibre cloth and wipe. In some cases you will not even need to use water, just grab your cloth and wipe the windscreen, the cloth will collect all the lose dirt and dust particles. 

Top Tips for Inside Windscreen Cleanliness

• Regularly wipe down with a dry microfibre cloth
• Keep a glass cloth in your vehicle
• Avoid chemicals, as you don't want these spilling on your dashboard or seats
• Try avoid touching the glass with your fingers 
• Demist your windscreen with your air vents and microfibre cloth

How to De-mist the Inside of Your Windscreen

Use your air-con & heater system, in little to no time your windscreen should start to demist, if you are in a rush use the system with a cloth whilst the car is stationary. 

Prevention of Accruing Dirt and Grime

The best practice to prevent a build up of dirt and grime is to regularly wipe down your windscreen. If you keep a spray bottle in your car with a clean cloth, wipe it down after every journey. 

How to maintain a clean windscreen?

Regular Maintenance

To avoid damaging your car windshield, it's important to be mindful of where you park. Extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and falling branches from trees during storms can all cause cracks and chips. To protect your windshield, it's best to park your car in a garage. Additionally, replacing your windshield wipers regularly is crucial to prevent scratches on the glass. Cleaning your windshield regularly with a soft cloth and windshield-specific cleaner is also important to maintain visibility and prevent micro-abrasions that can lead to cracking. Finally, don't ignore chips or cracks, as even small ones can lead to significant damage and compromise visibility. 

Cleaning the Windscreen Wipers

Carefully pull back the arms of your wipers until you feel them lock into place. You can also remove the wiper blades entirely for easier cleaning. Dip your microfibre cloth into the warm soapy water and carefully wipe along the edges of the blades, making sure to remove any debris. Let the blades dry, then wipe them down with another clean cloth. To avoid streaks on the windscreen, it's best to wipe down your wipers with rubbing alcohol. This will get rid of any residue and leave them spotless. Once you're finished, clip your wiper blades back into place or push them into their usual position. Finally, switch them on quickly to check that everything is working correctly.

Avoiding Glass Damage

While driving, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles is essential to minimise the risk of debris hitting your windscreen. Avoid following large trucks or vehicles carrying loose materials, like gravel or sand. Parking your car in a covered garage can protect it from falling objects like tree branches or hailstones. Regularly inspect your windscreen for chips or cracks and have them repaired promptly to prevent further damage. These easy steps can help you avoid damaging your windscreen and keep your car in top condition.

Importance of a Clean Dashboard

A clean dashboard can help maintain your car's value and prevent damage to the interior. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time and cause wear and tear to the dashboard and other components. Keeping your car dashboard clean is essential for your vehicle's safety, maintenance, and overall enjoyment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making sure your windscreen is clean is super important for visibility and safety. It prevents damage, and reduces glare for your safety. For regular maintenance you need a high quality microfibre cloth and a spray bottle, regularly spray and clean your windscreen after most journeys. For more soiled windscreens, use either white vinegar or rubbing alcohol mixed with water. You need a fishscale cloth for the exterior and a super soft sensitive for the interior. Extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and falling branches from trees during storms can all cause cracks and chips. To protect your windshield, it's best to park your car in a garage.