How to Clean the Inside of a Windshield Quickly & Easily

Cleaning the inside of your windshield is easy and doesn't need any fancy chemical-based product from the store. All you need is two natural ingredients that you probably already have at home.

Clean Inside Your Windshield Without The Nasty Chemical Cleaners

Over time, the inside of your windshield can take on a hazy, streaked appearance that is not just unsightly but can also be dangerous, as it may hinder your line of sight when driving.

Much of that grimy film probably comes from pollutants inside and outside of your vehicle. These can include things like engine exhaust, dust particles, or city smog.

To keep the inside of your windshield clean, stash a natural-fiber cloth or recycled paper towels in your trunk or glove compartment, as well as a handy bottle of your natural homemade windshield cleaner.

The fact is, you don’t need harsh chemical cleaners when a simple (and gentle) white vinegar and water mix will do the job every time. Rubbing alcohol and even vodka will also work, but if you end up spilling these inside your car, you’ll have an unwanted odor problem on top of your dirty windshield problem. White vinegar when mixed with water is far less smelly and less damaging if it accidentally gets onto any synthetic surfaces or fabrics in your car’s interior.

The outside of your windshield has its own set of problems that need handling: 3 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Defrosting Your Windshield

Make Your Own Windshield Cleaner

To make your own natural windshield cleaner at home, the first thing you’ll need is some organic white vinegar. There are plenty of US organic brands available such as Spectrum which is also non-GMO verified by the USDA, but if you can’t find that particular brand, there are similar organic alternatives available in most stores.

Second, you’ll need some tap water or distilled water. Since distilled water will be purer than regular tap water, this may be a good option to avoid future streaking on your windshield, but it is not an imperative. Tap water works just as well for this simple mix.

Measurements are as follows:

• 1 cup of white vinegar
• 2 cups of tap water or distilled water

Follow these instructions: 

1. After mixing your two ingredients, pour the mix into a handy reusable spray bottle. White vinegar works wonders when it comes to cutting through oil, dirt and other residue on your windshield, but it needs to be combined with water so as to not potentially damage or stain surfaces inside your car.
2. Place some clean towels or dishcloth over the dashboard to protect it from the windshield cleaner mix. Better to be safe than sorry!
3. Spray the windshield cleaning solution liberally over the windshield surface on the inside.
4. Wipe down the windshield with a dry, clean cloth. A reusable cotton cloth is best since you can wash it after, but failing that, some recycled paper towels will work just as well. As the cloth or towels gets damp and dirty, flip to the other side or exchange for a frsh one to avoid streaks forming on your windshield. To support the environment, remember to avoid microfiber cloths as much as possible.
5. Depending on how long it has been since you last cleaned the windshield, you might want to repeat the process to get it as crystal clear as you possibly can.
6. That vinegar odor from your spray mix will dissipate quickly, but if it really bothers you, just leave some of your car windows open for 10 to 15 minutes until your a satisfied the odor has faded.

Read More:

• Homemade Window Cleaner: DIY Glass Cleaner for a Streak-free Shine
• How to Clean Mirrors Naturally: Easy DIY Cleaning Solution
• How to Remove Stickers from Glass: 5 All-Natural Methods

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Tags: Cleaning Guide Practical Tips