Don’t leave the Smudges: Tips for Cleaning your Car Windows

May 17, 2021

After an hour of washing your car in the hot sun, cleaning the windshield is typically the section we skip over, although we shouldn’t. Dirt particles on the surface of the glass don’t only ruin the clean aesthetic, it also reflects more UV light and reduces visibility. While grabbing a bottle of Windex and paper towels is the go-to, this method could be damaging your tint. When it comes to properly removing streaks off the glass, here’s what you should be looking for in cleaning and application products.

Types of Auto Glass Cleaners:

Spray:

Glass-cleaning sprays are among the most popular products for removing grime. What may come as a surprise is that a huge percentage of these cleaners are ammonia-based. If you have tints, ammonia should be avoided at all costs. The colorless gas can discolor and peel off tints completely. If you’re cleaning in direct sunlight, you’ll find that ammonia glass cleaners leave streaks on the surface rather than removing them. This happens because the heat causes the ammonia to dry before it evaporates. So, while you can use Windex, make sure you’re buying the ammonia-free kind.

Wipes:

Think about all those times you’ve been driving and sat there wishing you could clean that smudged mirror. While cleaning an entire windshield with a wipe isn’t practical, if you’re working on the side and interior mirrors then wipes come in handy. They conveniently come in resealable packs that can be stored anywhere in your vehicle. When you opt for glass-cleaning wipes, look for ones that are made with a streak-free formula.

Foam:

Similar to spray glass cleaners, a foam-based cleaning product comes in a bottle. Foam cans work quickly to break down and remove any residue on your windows. They’re also beneficial for avoiding overspray; the solution won’t drip down before you get a chance to wipe it off.

Towels:

Choosing the wrong drying cloth can leave you with streaks and even scratches, meaning an old t-shirt won’t do the job. A good drying towel should be durable, lightweight, and most importantly absorbent.

Waffle Weave: 

Waffle weave cloths provide the perfect combination of strength and softness. The ridges and satin border of this fabric work great to soak up water quickly and effectively. With lightweight plush material, waffle towels are also easy to wring out when you’re done drying. 

Microfiber Cloth: 

Made up of synthetic fibers, microfiber cloths can absorb dirt, wax, and liquid. This means you’re left with clear, streak-free windows every time. Its soft material reduces the risk of scratches and is extremely absorbent. Microfiber cloths are also reusable meaning you can easily wash them. 

While achieving shiny rims or a freshly waxed exterior can take priority when washing your car, a clean window is just as important. All the dust, smears, and residue on your car windows can impact your visibility on the road. No matter what material you select for both cleaning and drying, make sure you’re choosing ammonia-free cleaners and absorbent, lightweight cloths.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Gerri Evans
Gerri Evans
18:04 26 May 20
I had a wonderful experience at ecophant. My truck looks great and holding up well. They did a professional job in the time span they had given me. I highly recommend ceramic coating and ecophant.
Ryan Alucard
Ryan Alucard
00:34 24 May 20
I got my Porsche 911 GTS done with Ecophant detailing and they’ve done an amazing job I highly recommend this place for detailing needs. My car looks brand new thanks to them and their excellent... detailing services.read more
Colin O'Neal
Colin O'Neal
14:22 22 May 20
Mauricio is the owner and a very knowledgeable one at that. I brought in my Yukon to have the sports package done and the windows tinted - it was done the same day and the quality was great.... Mauricio, is patient and explains the products in detail so you know exactly what you are getting. Ecophant is defiantly my new spot for any future car needs. Great job guys! Highly Recommended.read more
Theo Dienes
Theo Dienes
21:32 13 Mar 20
Wonderful tint job by the Ecophant mobile crew today! The boss man Mauricio even came by to ensure a happy client. Highly recommend Mauricio and his team @ Ecophant Auto Detail. I will have them... back to wrap my car next...read more
Viviana Caicedo
Viviana Caicedo
15:40 13 Mar 20
Best place to take my car for Ceramic Pro Coatings I get the Silver Package on my Brand new Tesla Model 3. I highly Recommend Mauricio and his Crew.
walter alvarenga
walter alvarenga
12:40 09 Mar 20
Some many detailing companies I've tried before that I wasn't happy with. I moved from Virginia and I struggle to find a good place to take care of my car. I'm glad I found Ecophant for their... quality and professionalism. Nice job guys.read more
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Location:
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WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Gerri Evans
Gerri Evans
18:04 26 May 20
I had a wonderful experience at ecophant. My truck looks great and holding up well. They did a professional job in the time span they had given me. I highly recommend ceramic coating and ecophant.
Ryan Alucard
Ryan Alucard
00:34 24 May 20
I got my Porsche 911 GTS done with Ecophant detailing and they’ve done an amazing job I highly recommend this place for detailing needs. My car looks brand new thanks to them and their excellent... detailing services.read more
Colin O'Neal
Colin O'Neal
14:22 22 May 20
Mauricio is the owner and a very knowledgeable one at that. I brought in my Yukon to have the sports package done and the windows tinted - it was done the same day and the quality was great.... Mauricio, is patient and explains the products in detail so you know exactly what you are getting. Ecophant is defiantly my new spot for any future car needs. Great job guys! Highly Recommended.read more
Theo Dienes
Theo Dienes
21:32 13 Mar 20
Wonderful tint job by the Ecophant mobile crew today! The boss man Mauricio even came by to ensure a happy client. Highly recommend Mauricio and his team @ Ecophant Auto Detail. I will have them... back to wrap my car next...read more
Viviana Caicedo
Viviana Caicedo
15:40 13 Mar 20
Best place to take my car for Ceramic Pro Coatings I get the Silver Package on my Brand new Tesla Model 3. I highly Recommend Mauricio and his Crew.
walter alvarenga
walter alvarenga
12:40 09 Mar 20
Some many detailing companies I've tried before that I wasn't happy with. I moved from Virginia and I struggle to find a good place to take care of my car. I'm glad I found Ecophant for their... quality and professionalism. Nice job guys.read more
More reviews
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Contact us

Phone:
(561) 634-1456

Location:
2660 NW 2nd Ave Suite A
Boca Raton, FL. 33431

E-mail:
info@ecophantauto.com
Or fill out our contact form.

Follow us

#ecophantauto

Spread the word and get rewarded! Join our Referall Program.

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