Cleaning the Windshield From the Inside: Steps, Tips, and Prevention

The windshield is crucial for safe driving, protecting you from the elements while providing a view of the road ahead. However, ensuring it keeps giving you a clear view takes more than wiping it down occasionally.

How to clean the windshield’s interior differs from the process for the exterior because each side accumulates different debris and residue.

How to Clean the Windshield from the Inside

Cleaning your windshield from the inside is best done with the following on hand:

• Microfiber cloth
• Glass cleaner
• Spray bottle
• Rubbing alcohol
• Vinegar

Once you have everything ready, follow the steps to get your interior windshield looking like new again:

• Step 1: Combine 70% water, 15% glass cleaner, and 15% alcohol to create a cleaning solution. Pour it into the spray bottle.
• Step 2: Wipe dust, dirt, and other debris from the windshield using a dry microfiber towel.
• Step 3: Use a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol to degrease the glass. If you live near the coast, you can use vinegar to dissolve any sea salt residue on the windshield.
• Step 4: Spray the cleaning solution onto the clean side of the microfiber cloth and use it to wipe the glass.
• Step 5: Let the glass dry properly to prevent residue or streaks caused by the cleaning solution.

You can also use white vinegar mixed with water as a cleaning solution in case you don’t have glass cleaners ready at home. You’ll need to mix 50% alcohol, 50% water, and a capful of vinegar to make a great cleaning solution.

Note: Make sure you don’t get the cleaner on the windshield as it could result in film.

Tips When Cleaning the Windshield

Cleaning the windshield is pretty straightforward, but you can always maximize the process by taking note of the tips below:

• Use microfiber towels to prevent streaking, as they’re made of materials that don’t leave behind particles.
• Wipe down the windows and the windshield in the shade or during colder temperatures to prevent the window cleaner from evaporating. Fast evaporation can result in streaks and smudges on the surface.
• Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners if your windshield is tinted because they can discolor it or cause cracks and peels. Ensure you’re using products suitable for your windshield.
• Use different rags for different cleaning tasks, as you risk getting an even dirtier windshield if you accidentally use a dusty towel.

What Causes Windshield Haze

Haze is often a concern in the windshield’s interior side. It usually happens due to off-gassing, smoking, and leaks from a heater core.

Off-Gassing

If your vehicle is brand new and fresh off the lot, its windshield can get hazy due to off-gassing. Heat can vaporize the dashboard’s plastic, and the vapors create a smoky film on the windshield.

Off-gassing usually occurs when you often leave your daily driver in the sun. It stops after several months.

Smoking

Smoking or vaping inside the car creates windshield haze, often in the form of grimy residue. The traces can’t be dusted or wiped away easily, especially carcinogens, which are found in exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke.

Windshield haze due to smoking is harmful, as it can cause cancer, so don’t take it lightly. The best way to keep your windshield free of it is to avoid smoking entirely.

Leaks From a Heating Core

It rarely happens, but a leak in the engine or the coolant can also cause windshield haze. Oftentimes, these leaks produce a strong-smelling colored haze that enters the cabin through the vents.

Inhaling coolant fumes is bad for the health, so it’s best to prevent or deal with the leaks as soon as possible. Keep an eye out for signs of coolant leaks like puddles under the car, low coolant levels, and an overheating engine.

Some of the causes of coolant leaks include damaged hoses, faulty radiator caps, corroded radiators, and blow-head gaskets. It’s worth checking each one if you suspect a leak.

How to Prevent Interior Windshield Haze

One way to stop haze and off-gassing is by using a windshield sunshade.

The sunshade attaches to the windshield or side window to prevent the sun from reaching the interior. It helps reduce cabin temperature when the vehicle is parked in the open.

It also helps prevent fading, which is when the windshield tint starts to fade because of sunlight exposure. In addition, the extreme temperature can also aggravate existing cracks on your windshield, and the sunshade can prevent that.

Of course, you can also go the extra mile by constantly cleaning the windshield.

Isopropyl alcohol does a great job of cleaning and preventing haze. You can apply it on a microfiber cloth and wipe down the interior windshield regularly.

Alcohol is a cheaper and more available option if you don’t have glass cleaners at home. However, it’s still recommended to use the latter as they’re specifically made to clean windows, windshields, and the like.

Final Thoughts

To clean the haze off the windshield, you’ll need to spray and wipe it down with a glass cleaner mixed with water and alcohol. You can also use vinegar as a substitute if you don’t have any glass cleaners at home.

Haze is typically caused by off-gassing, smoking inside the cabin, and leaking engine/heater coolant. Luckily, there are ways to prevent haze, such as using a windshield sunshade and consistently cleaning.

Where to Get Glass Cleaner for Your Windshield

Dirty windshields aren’t just bad to look at, they’re also dangerous. They can limit your visibility, which puts you at greater risk of getting into an accident. The good news is that cleaning your windshield is easy with the right tools. Luckily, getting a high-quality glass cleaner is fast and easy with CarParts.com.

At CarParts.com, you can find a wide selection of glass cleaners that are sourced from only the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. Our easy-to-navigate website is specifically designed to take the hassle out of shopping, but if you need any help, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service staff. They’re friendly, helpful, and available 24/7. If you’re itching to get back on the road, you’ll be pleased to know that we also offer fast shipping. Order by 12 PM ET, and you can expect your new glass cleaner to arrive in as fast as two business days.

Don’t wait until your dirty windshield hinders your visibility before cleaning it. Check out our selection of high-quality glass cleaners at CarParts.com and get one today!