Does your car’s windshield have dirty stains that obscure your view as you drive? Is your windscreen blurry? Are you unsure of the best way to clean your windshield? Have you tried to clean your windshields in vain? Don’t worry, there are ways to get it sparkling again.
Not only does a clear windshield make the driving experience more enjoyable, but it’s essential for a safety on the road. Driving with dirty windshields can be a dangerous task. Poor visibility can lead to an accident, and car damage, or worse, harming the driver and passengers.
By cleaning your windshield, you ensure that your car is in the best condition. A clean windshield means you see the road clearly and avoid crashing.
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Cleaning a windshield with vinegar
To clean your car windshield with vinegar, you will need the following:
- A soft brush for scrubbing
- White vinegar
- Water (Distilled water is best because it does not leave stains)
- Old newspapers
- Automotive glass wax
- A garden hose to spray water
- Degreaser
- A microfiber towel
Since a car windshield has two sides, the inside and the outside, they need to be treated differently. Let’s take a look at each separately.
Cleaning the outer side of your windshield
The outer part of your windshield is the most exposed to elements. It can get water stains from rain, and also get dirty when you are driving due to debris like insects or bird poop.
To clean the outer part of your windshield, you will need:
- White vinegar
- Water
- A microfiber towel
- Automotive glass wax
- Old newspapers
Follow these steps:
- Start by lifting your windshield wipers to get them out of your way. Leaving them down when cleaning will lead to dirty spots under them after you clean.
- Create a cleaning solution using vinegar and water. Use the ratio of four parts water to one-part vinegar. Place this solution into a spray bottle.
- Spray the cleaning solution on the windshield. Make sure you cover the windshield with the cleaning solution.
- Using your microfiber towel, start to scrub the windshield. Start by scrubbing the windshield vertically. Start at one end of the windshield and progress to the other end.
- After vertically wiping the windshield, the next step is to wipe horizontally. Starting on one end, wipe the windshield horizontally. It is best to start at the center and move toward the edge. Repeat this process until the whole windshield is clean.
- After you ensure that no stains are on your windshield, the next step is to dry it. You can use old newspapers or a dry cloth. Place one leaf of a newspaper on the windshield. Press it on the windshield to absorb any moisture on windshield. Repeat the process until your windshield is completely dry.
Cleaning the inside of your windshield
After cleaning the outside, we move to the inner side of the windshield. This is the part that is prone to becoming blurry. When people are inside the car, they cause blurriness when they exhale. The moisture from their lungs condenses on the windscreen.
To clean the interior, you will need:
- White vinegar
- Water
- A microfiber towel
- Automotive glass wax
- Old newspapers
To clean the inner windshield, follow these steps:
- Start by covering the dashboard of your car. You can use old newspapers or a nylon cloth. Covering the dashboard is very important because it prevents water from damaging electric components in the dashboard.
- Create a cleaning solution using vinegar and water. If you still have some leftover solution from cleaning the exterior, you can use it here too. Place the solution into a spray bottle.
- Start by spraying the windshield with the cleaning solution. Spray half of the windshield and start scrubbing.
- When scrubbing, you should use an up and down motion then follow up with a horizontal scrub. Scrub to ensure that no stains are left.
- Spray the other half of the screen and repeat step 4.
- After you finish scrubbing, dry the windshield with the old newspapers. Ensure that you completely dry the windshield. Leaving it wet can cause stains. It is also important to dry the cleaning solution to prevent damage to the windshield.
Alternative ways of cleaning your windshield
Go to a car wash
If cleaning your windshield on your own seems like too much effort, you can take your car to a carwash for cleaning. Not only will the carwash crew wash your car, but they will also scrub your windshield until it’s sparkling clean.
Use your car wipers
Wipers are the easiest way to clean the external side of your windshield. Make sure that your windshield wiper fluid tank is always full, as it can help keep you safe on the road. During rainy conditions or after driving past a trunk, it may be necessary to wash your windshield with fluid and the wipers.
FAQs on how to clean a windshield using vinegar.
How do I keep my windshield clean all the time?
Most of the time, car windshields become foggy because of temperature differences and moisture accumulating inside the car. Rather than wiping the inside of your windshield, which can leave behind streaks, you should turn on the defrost and heat, which clear up the window in a matter of minutes.
What are some of the alternatives to vinegar when cleaning the windshield?
There are a variety of alternatives for cleaning car windows. You can use detergent or buy auto-glass cleaner from a dealer. Detailing clay can also be used to remove stains.
I washed my windshield with water. However, after cleaning, it still has white stains. What could be the cause of this?
Using water with minerals is known to cause white water stains. If you decide to clean your windshield, then distilled water is the best option. Distilled water does not leave stains.
Keep a clear view of the road
Clean windshields while driving are very important. Cleaning your windshields could save a life. A clean windshield could be the only thing between you and tragedy.