There’s nothing more gratifying than achieving a sleek, streak-free finish after giving your vehicle a bath. Unfortunately, there’s also little things more difficult than achieving just that. If you’re a prideful vehicle owner who bemoans his or her luck every time you put away the cleaning supplies only to notice your windows are a streaky mess, grumble no more. There is a way to get a professional finish and ensure your windows look good from the inside and out.
Assemble Your Cleaning Supplies
Several car cleaning supplies contain chemicals that can damage automotive paint and window tint. The worst thing you can do is let any chemical sit for more than just a few short seconds on your car’s surfaces (unless the product container says it is safe to do so). While you should consult with your nearby auto detailer or auto parts store regarding the best products to use for your particular window finish, you can minimize the risk of causing damage to your vehicle by keeping all your supplies close at hand. At a minimum, your supply list should include the following:
- Bucket of distilled water
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloth
Cleaning Your Rear Window and Windshield
The size and shape of these windows often make them difficult to clean. Some tips to make the process a tad easier are as follows:
- Use a sponge, cloth or squeegee and wipe it along your window in several different directions. This makes it easier to notice any smudges or missed spots when your car begins to dry.
- DO NOT rub the towel or sponge in circles. Though Hollywood favors the circular method, the truth is that the more you wipe in one direction, the more smudged your windows will be in the other.
- Do not use paper towels. Though they can remove grime and dirt, they tend to leave streaks.
Buff Out the Bug Spatters
There are products on the market designed to get rid of tough stains such as bug spatters and bird droppings, but you don’t really need them if you have a quality microfiber cloth and baking soda on hand. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the tough stain and let the stain absorb it. Once it’s done fizzing, take the cloth and buff it out with the cloth.
Don’t Forget the Tops of Your Windows
Before you pack up the cleaning supplies, roll down your windows a bit and tackle the tops. The part of the window that slides into the rubber at the top is a commonly missed part of vehicle windows. You can prevent your windows from developing unsightly lines by taking your cloth and just giving the section a quick swipe.
Clean Your Wiper Blades
Spray some cleaner onto your wiper blades and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, take a cloth and wipe each blade down. This final step will ensure that any dirt that may have been on your wiper blades won’t transfer to your newly cleaned windows in the next rain.
Keeping your windows clean is essential for both cosmetic and safety reasons, as clean windows provide you with a clear view of the road ahead. Use the above tips to achieve windows that look as if they’ve professionally cleaned. For help with issues that extend beyond dirt smudges, contact Astro Auto Glass.
