[Philkotse guide] Tips and tricks of cleaning the windshields

A clean windshield is very important to give us a better view of the road ahead. Bugs, grime, dust, and dirt can easily accumulate on the car’s windshield. Not only will a dirty windshield make your car look grimy and dirty but it will also block your view while driving.

Good thing there are cleaning products that can help clean your car’s windshield together with the right cleaning procedure. Philkotse.com prepared some tips and tricks on how to clean your car’s windshield.

1. Cleaning the exterior windshield

Step 1: Lift the wipers ups

It is important to make sure that the windshield is free from any large dirt before spraying anything on the windshield or before getting it wet. Lift the wipers up and remove any twigs, leaves or other debris that has settled on the base of the glass.

There are leaves often trapped in the wiper’s arms. Leave the windshield wiper in an “up” position during the whole cleaning process.

Lift the wipers up and remove any twigs, leaves or other debris that has settled on the base of the glass

Step 2: Spray the glass cleaner on the half of the windshield

You have the option of whether to spray first the left or right side of the windshield. Spray it in a way that you can cover the widest area possible on that side of the windshield that you first intent to wipe. Two to 3 squirts of glass cleaner are enough for most vehicle windshields. If your car has a large windshield four to five squirts might be needed.

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Step 3: Wipe the windshield in a straight vertical manner

Using your microfiber cloth or rag, extend your reach to the upper center of the glass then wipe it down to the center of the windshield in a vertical line. Then continue to wipe the windshield with a vertical line again from the top of the glass to the bottom, slightly moving closer towards the side you are standing on. Repeat the process until your side of the windshield is wiped completely.

If you’re having trouble leaning over the front part of your car or reaching the top of the car to access the central part of the windshield, you can use a steady chair or step-stool to provide you some height.

Wipe the windshield with a vertical line from the top of the glass to the bottom

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Step 4: Wipe clean the windshield in a straight horizontal manner

After completely wiping the windshield in a vertical manner, start wiping the windshield in the opposite direction. Start wiping again. This time, wipe the windshield in a horizontal wipe-down manner.

Start at the upper center of the glass then drag the towel towards the side of the windshield where you are standing on. Repeat the same process, wiping the windshield in a parallel row towards your side. Continue the process until you're chosen half is completely cleaned.

This time, wipe the windshield in a horizontal wipe-down manner

Step 5: Repeat the whole process on the opposite side

After cleaning the other side of the windshield, do the same process on the opposite half. For example, if you start wiping vertically and horizontally the left side of the windshield. Move to the right side then repeat the process to make sure that the whole windshield is completely clean.

If you still need to go back to a particular spot once more, wipe it over using back and forth motion. Pro tip: Don’t use circular motions when cleaning the surface. Don’t wipe it the same ways as you buff windshield because it can leave streaks behind.

Step 6: Buff the windshield

The wipe-down earlier was meant to clean off the sprayed glass cleaner and also to remove the excess grime. The next step is to buff the windshield. This means you’ll buff the windshield in a circular motion. Use a different clean microfiber towel aside from the one you used earlier.

You might have to prepare several clean microfiber rags. It depends on the size of the car’s windshield. Just like before, you need to begin on one side of the car. After buffing one side, move to the opposite side. Make sure that the whole surface of the glass gets buffed.

>>> Read more: How to remove stickers from your car’s windows and windshield.

2. Cleaning the windshield’s interior

Step 1: Cover the dashboard with some microfiber towels

Those microfiber towels will make sure there’s no glass gleaner dripped in the car’s dashboard. You can also use the microfiber towels you used to clean and buff the exterior side of the windshield if you don't have that many towels to use.

Those microfiber towels will make sure there’s no glass gleaner dripped in the car’s dashboard

Step 2: Spray glass cleaner on the scrub pad

Spray an adequate amount of glass cleaner on the scrub pad and a few squirts on half of the windshield. Start on the passenger’s side in its upper-right corner. Wipe the pad down the glass in parallel rows, progressively moving to the left side of the driver’s side. Take a break after scrubbing the first half to spray some glass cleaner on the left part of the windshield.

You can stay in the passenger seat or reach and lean on the dashboard to prevent you from leaning or bumping the steering wheel while wiping and cleaning the other side of the windshield.

Step 3: Continue scrubbing the driver’s side of the windshield

Just like what you did on the other side of the windshield, continue scrubbing from top to down to the bottom. Repeat the process until the whole interior windshield is scrubbed and cleaned.

Once you’re done, use another clean microfiber towel to wipe dry the entire windshield surface to ensure you did not miss or leave any glass cleaner or cleaning liquid behind. Wipe the entire windshield surface in small tight circles.

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3. Tips on windshield cleaning

• Pick the appropriate glass cleaner
• Choose the right cleaning place, preferably under the shade
• Prepare several microfiber towels
• You can also use detailing clay in removing grime from your windshield
• Stick to auto glass cleaners and avoid ammonia-based products
• Don’t forget the wipers
• Be careful when cleaning the exterior windshield with wipers in an up position, it can snap back when moved and can cause cracks, chips or break the car's glass.

When done, you will see your car’s windshield is super clean, giving you a better and clearer view

>>> Also check: Simple Tips to DIY Your Windshield Washer Fluid.

When done, you will see your car’s windshield is super clean, giving you a better and clearer view. It's very easy to clean and maintain your car's windshields and in return, it will pay off big. Cleaning your windshield more often will prevent your wipers from causing scratches and dings. It will also allow give you a better and clearer view that is very important while driving.