HOW TO CLEAN YOUR CAR WINDOWS WITHOUT STREAKS

In this article you will learn:

How to clean car windows without streaks using the two microfiber method

What causes streaks and smudges when cleaning your auto glass

The best streak-free glass cleaners and microfiber towels

You’ve tried everything: switching cleaners, using twice as many paper towels and wiping down your windows as quickly as possible; but no matter how much you scrub, you can’t seem to get rid of those pesky streaks on your auto glass.

Keeping your car windows clean is important for safe driving—plus, when it comes to cleaning your car, there’s nothing more satisfying than crystal clear auto glass. But without the right tools, scrubbing away at your windows and windshield can create streaks and smudges that hinder your view of the road.

The good news is the key to achieving streak-free windows is a lot simpler than you think. All you need to do is make a few small adjustments to your cleaning technique, and you’ll have sparkling clean car glass in no time!

What you need to know

Cleaning your car windows is the final touch to any at-home detailing session. As you clean, protect and restore your car surfaces, you may get residues from other products on your windows, mirrors and tech screens by mistake. Wiping down these glass surfaces last is the best way to remove this excess product and ensure that all your hard work doesn’t go to waste.

Streaks and smudges can form on your car windows for one of three reasons: you're not using enough cleaning product to cover these surfaces, you’re using the wrong type of cleaner or you may be using the wrong type of microfiber cloth, a dirty microfiber or a paper towel to wipe down your windows and auto glass.

To clean your car windows without streaks, you’ll need a good car glass cleaning spray like Hybrid Solutions Interior Mist or Dash & Glass that’s designed to prevent streaks and filmy residues on your auto glass. Cleaners with a Flarisol trigger, like Interior Mist, provide a more even coverage and more control over your spray, making it easy to apply just the right amount of cleaning solution for a flawless finish.

You also need a thin, edgeless microfiber towel, never a paper towel, intended for use on glass surfaces. Many car owners fall for the misconception that the thickest and fluffiest microfiber cloths are best for cleaning their car windows. In reality, these plush-pile fibers leave behind lots of lint, creating an even bigger mess to clean. To achieve a streak-free finish, you’ll need two separate microfiber towels: one to wipe away dirt and grime and one to buff out your finish. This will prevent excess product and soils from streaking or smearing your windows and auto glass.

Start by cleaning your exterior auto glass

You should always pick one side of your windows to clean first before switching to the other side to see what you’ve missed. You can start with your exterior windows first and move on to your car interior, or vice versa. The important thing is to stay consistent with the order that you choose.

Apply an even layer of car glass cleaner

Spray a generous amount of your preferred cleaning solution all over you’re the surface of your windows and auto glass. Be sure to use a glass cleaner that’s specially formulated for auto glass. If you’re using a Flairosol spray like Hybrid Solutions Interior Mist, hold your trigger down to spray a fine, even mist on the surface of your glass panel. Be sure to spray one window at a time so your window cleaner doesn’t dry before you’ve wiped down your windows completely.

Use your microfiber towel to remove light stains and soils

Fold and quarter your first microfiber towel and apply a light amount of pressure as you begin cleaning the window from the top down, using circular motions as you clean to remove light stains, dust and fingerprints. Continue wiping each window until all the stains and soils stuck to your auto glass have been removed.

Switch to a fresh cloth to buff out your finish

Use your second microfiber towel to wipe away leftover car glass spray. Continue buffing your windows and auto glass to remove any streaks or residues for maximum clarity and shine.

Repeat these steps on your interior auto glass

Once you’ve cleaned your exterior windows and auto glass, repeat these steps on your interior windows, making sure to go back over any areas you may have missed once both you’ve cleaned both sides of your windows and windshield. Be sure to keep your cleaning and finishing cloths separate to prevent excess cleaner and soils from streaking or smearing your flawless finish.

Once you’ve finished cleaning your windows, consider applying a dirt and dust-repellant protectant to make it easier to wash and dry your car windows and help that crystal clear auto glass last!