Cleaning the inside of your car windscreen is an essential task that ensures clear visibility and a safer driving experience. Over time, the interior of your windscreen can accumulate dirt, dust, fingerprints and other stubborn residues, impairing your vision on the road. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to clean the inside of your windscreen at home.

Step 1: Gather the necessary supplies

Before you begin the cleaning process, gather the following supplies:

Microfibre cloth or lint-free cloth
Glass cleaner (preferably ammonia-free)
Distilled water
Cotton swabs or a soft-bristled brush
Isopropyl alcohol (optional)

Step 2: Prepare the windscreen

Ensure your car is parked in a shaded area to prevent the cleaning solution from evaporating too quickly. Roll down the windows slightly to allow for ventilation during the cleaning process.

Step 3: Remove loose debris

Using a dry microfibre cloth or lint-free cloth, gently wipe the inside of the windscreen to remove any loose dust, dirt or debris. Start from the top and work your way down to avoid resettling any particles.

Step 4: Apply the glass cleaner

Spray a small amount of glass cleaner onto the microfibre cloth. Remember to choose a glass cleaner that is ammonia-free to prevent damage to your car’s interior surfaces. Avoid spraying the cleaner directly onto the windscreen to prevent overspray.

Step 5: Clean inside the windscreen

Starting from the top corner, wipe the windscreen in a vertical or horizontal motion, applying gentle pressure. Work your way across the windscreen, ensuring that you cover the entire surface. Use long, even strokes to minimise streaking.

Step 6: Address stubborn stains or residues

The best way to clean the windscreen inside if you have stubborn stains or residues is to dampen a cotton swab with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol. Gently rub the affected area in a circular motion until the stain or residue is removed. Be cautious not to scrub too vigorously, as this may scratch the glass.

Step 7: Dry and inspect the windscreen

Once you have cleaned the entire windscreen, use a dry microfibre cloth or lint-free cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture. Check for streaks or smudges, and if necessary, repeat the cleaning process using a clean cloth and glass cleaner.

Step 8: Clean the edges and corners

Don’t forget to clean the edges and corners of the windscreen where dirt and grime tend to accumulate. Use a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab dampened with glass cleaner to reach these areas effectively.

Step 9: Ventilate and enjoy the results

Finally, roll down the windows fully to allow proper ventilation and airflow. This will help dry any residual moisture and eliminate lingering odours from the cleaning products. Take a moment to appreciate your crystal-clear windscreen.

Natural methods to clean inside the windscreen

Many commercial glass cleaners can contain harsh chemicals that can cause redness or irritate your skin. The good news is that cleaning inside car windscreen can be done with natural methods.

Vinegar and water solution

The best way to clean the windscreen inside without using harmful chemicals is by using vinegar and water solution. Mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spritz the solution onto a microfibre cloth and gently wipe the inside of the windscreen in circular motions. Vinegar’s acidity helps dissolve grime and residue, while the cloth ensures a streak-free finish. Remember to open your car windows or work in a well-ventilated area to avoid the strong smell of vinegar.

Lemon juice and baking soda paste

For stubborn stains or spots on your car windscreen, lemon juice and baking soda paste can work wonders. Mix freshly squeezed lemon juice with baking soda to create a thick paste. Apply the paste to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the affected areas. Lemon juice acts as a natural degreaser and stain remover while baking soda provides gentle abrasion to tackle tougher stains. Afterwards, wipe the windscreen with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.

Newspaper technique

Believe it or not, newspapers can be surprisingly effective for cleaning the inside of your car windscreen. Simply crumple up a sheet of newspaper into a ball and rub it across the glass surface. The newspaper’s texture helps remove dirt and grime while leaving behind minimal lint or streaks. Additionally, the ink found in newspapers can act as a polishing agent, resulting in a sparkling finish.

How to minimise dirt on the inside of your car windscreen

Keeping the inside of your car’s windshield clean is not only important for aesthetic reasons but also for safety. A dirty windshield can impair your visibility, increasing the risk of accidents. However, keeping the interior surface of your windshield clean can be a challenge due to a variety of factors, including dust and cigarette smoke. Here are some strategies to help keep your car’s windshield clean:

Avoid smoking in the car

Cigarette smoke is a major contributor to dirty windshields. The smoke leaves a residue on the inside surface of the windshield, which can be challenging to remove. If you or your passengers smoke, consider making your car a smoke-free zone. This will help keep your windshield clean and the rest of your car’s interior smelling fresh.

Use car sun shades

When your car is parked in the sun, the heat can cause the materials inside your car, such as the dashboard and seats, to release gases, a process known as off-gassing. These gases can then deposit onto the windshield, creating a hazy layer. Using car sun shades when you park can help keep the temperature down inside your car and reduce off-gassing.

Use the car’s air conditioning system wisely

The car’s air conditioning system can either contribute to or help prevent a dirty windshield. When using the defroster, it’s important to set it to fresh air instead of recirculated air. Recirculated air can carry dust and other particles that can deposit on the windshield. On the other hand, using the air conditioning system wisely can help keep the windshield clean. For example, running the air conditioner on a low setting can help reduce humidity and prevent condensation, which can attract dust and dirt.

Install an air purifier

An air purifier designed for car use can help remove dust and other particles from the air before they have a chance to deposit on your windshield. This can be particularly helpful if you often drive on dirt or gravel roads or in dusty conditions.

Cleaning inside your car windscreen is a simple yet crucial task that contributes to your safety on the road. By following this step-by-step guide and using the right supplies and techniques to clean inside the windscreen, you can maintain optimal visibility and have a better driving experience.

Let Jim’s Car Detailing handle all your cleaning needs

While the methods discussed above can help you keep your windscreen clean, it can be a time-consuming task, and sometimes, you may not achieve the perfect finish you desire. At Jim’s Car Detailing, we specialise in cleaning the inside of windscreens. Our expert team has developed the best techniques, ensuring no streaks or smudges are left behind. Our car detailing services are designed to leave your car’s interior looking, feeling and smelling like new. Contact us today to schedule your car detailing appointment. We’re looking forward to giving your car the clean it deserves!

Clean Inside Windscreen