DIY Windscreen Cleaning Hacks
Keeping your car windows and windshield clean is a struggle known by every vehicle owner. So, if you’re looking for the best way to clean windscreens, you’ve come to the right place.
There are many car windscreen cleaners out there that promise to work wonders for your car windows, but what about homemade windscreen cleaners?
You have questions, and we have the answers. So buckle up because here we go!
How Important Is it to Have a Clean Windscreen?
The reality is that some people are more tuned into cleanliness than others, and that’s okay. However, did you know that a dirty windscreen could be a hazard in more ways than its appearance?
Protection
A windscreen protects your car from the dirt and debris on the road. Therefore, it keeps these unwanted elements outside of the vehicle. A well-fitted windscreen protects the driver, passengers and the vehicle itself from potential harm. A clean windshield is an effective windshield.
Visibility for Safety
Driving with a dirty windshield can be hazardous to your safety, as visibility is a non-negotiable on the road. You need to have a clear view of all car windows to ensure optimal safety while driving. Visibility entails cleaning the windscreen regularly and checking it for small cracks and fractures. If you discover any damaged areas, it’s better to attend to them sooner than later.
Wiper Blades
A clean windshield helps the wiper blades function optimally in lousy weather. A dirty windshield can cause the wiper blades to scratch its surface, affecting their working. Ensure that the car’s windshield is in good condition so that the wiper blades last longer.
Longer Lifespan
A car’s windshield must be cleaned regularly, as a dirty one is prone to damage, like small cracks or chips that may lead to more significant problems in the future. A clean car also adds to the owner’s personality, testifying to their dedication and cleanliness.
How Do You Know When it’s Time to Clean Your Windscreen?
If you want to know if your windscreen or car window is clean, run your fingers over it. If it feels rough and grimy, it is time to go on a cleaning spree!
What Will You Need for Your Cleaning?
You need surprisingly little to give your windshield a proper clean:
- Windscreen cleaner or car window cleaner
- A microfiber cloth or cotton cloth
- Water
- Newspaper
How Can You Clean Your Windscreen?
How can I make my windscreen crystal clear? How do you get rid of haze on the inside of the windshield? What is the best way to clean the inside of a windscreen? We share some nifty cleaning hacks to help.
Cleaning Hacks
The biggest windscreen cleaning hack we know is simple: DIY windshield cleaner. Why spend a lot of money on fancy products when you can make your own to get the best results?
What Is The Best Homemade Windshield Cleaner?
Most DIY glass cleaners use distilled water as a base, which we recommend instead of water from the tap. Distilled water is purer and less likely to leave stains or marks.
Here are three of the top recipes for making a homemade car window cleaner using elements you’re likely to have at home.
Vinegar
The most effective way to clean your windscreen is to use vinegar. Yep, you guessed it!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups distilled water
- ½ cup vinegar
- Ten drops of essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a clean spray bottle and gently shake together. You can also add the essential oil of your choice to personalise the experience.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol helps this solution evaporate quickly on glass surfaces, making it less likely to leave water spots behind. Remember that rubbing alcohol is highly flammable, so store this window cleaner in a safe place, away from kids and pets.
Ingredients
- 1 cup distilled water
- 2-3 tbsp. white vinegar
- ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
Add the rubbing alcohol and vinegar to a spray bottle, finally filling it with distilled water. Secure the lid and give it a good shake.
Dish Soap
Dish soap functions as a simple yet effective cleaning agent for glass surfaces.
Ingredients
- ½ litre of hot water
- a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid
Combine the water and dishwashing liquid in a large bucket to clean right away!
How to Clean Car Windows: Cleaning Your Windshield Step by Step
- 1. Wet the micro-fibre or cotton cloth with your homemade windscreen cleaner- the best window cleaner you’ll find!
- 2. Using the dampened cloth, scrub the windscreen gently to get rid of dirt and spots. Go over it again with another clean micro-fibre or cotton cloth for a super-shiny windshield. Allow excess fluid to dry on its own.
- 3. Gently clean the windshield wipers, using the windshield fluid washer to clean the blades.
- 4. Remove any foreign objects from the wipers, but be gentle to avoid damaging them.
- 5. You can use an extendable cleaning arm to access the hard-to-reach parts of the windscreen.
- 6. To remove stains and smoker’s film that may form on the glass, scrub the film using newspaper and a vinegar solution. This will break down the oils, which will wipe away quickly to leave your windshield sparkling!
Bad Habits to Unlearn
We’ve all picked up some bad habits when it comes to caring for our vehicles. Here are five habits to unlearn:
1. Parking where it’s unsafe. Always park inside a garage or underneath a carport, but avoid parking under the trees.
2. Parking in direct sun. The sun’s ultra-violet rays are incredibly harmful to your car. Direct sunlight causes your windshield to become brittle.
3. Applying excess wax. Always use wax moderately since excess wax accumulates on the windshield wipers, leaving it smudgy.
4. Neglecting the wipers. Always clean the wipers with the same level of care you extend to the windshield.
5. Driving too close to other vehicles. Always maintain a distance of two cars from the car in front to minimise the chances of damage to the windshield.
How to Clean The Inside of Windscreen
To keep the inside of your windscreen clean, always keep a box of wet wipes handy. This way, you can give your windshield a good wipe whenever you park somewhere. Otherwise, you can use the old reliable microfibre cloth and a bit of your homemade car glass cleaner inside your windscreen and car windows.
Who Can Help You with Your Windscreen Needs?
From car window tinting and all its benefits to windscreen replacement, contact Dean’s Autoglass today for all your car window needs.