How to Clean Your Windscreen Without Streaks
Sick of a dirty windscreen? Can’t see properly? Don’t know how to fix it? Well, you’re in luck because this guide will help you get your windscreen looking crystal clear again – and it’s not as hard as you think.
When and where to clean a windscreen
Before we start the process of cleaning your windscreen, we need to know when and where to clean the windscreen. The BEST time to clean your windscreen is first thing in the morning, before the sun has fully risen, or in the afternoon as the sun is setting. We want the temperature to be as cool as possible. Cleaning your windscreen in the shade is also vital; you do not want the sun to be hitting your windscreen when you clean it.
The hotter the temperature, the quicker your cleaning solution will evaporate from your windscreen, making it too hard to clean. If you decide to clean your windscreen in the middle of the day in direct sunlight, chances are your solution will evaporate before you can even use it.
What do I need to clean my windscreen?
- CRC Glass Cleaner Aerosol
- 2x clean microfibre cloths
The technique is key to a streak-free finish
Once you’ve mastered this technique, you’ll wonder how you ever drove around with a dirty windscreen. Let’s start with the interior of the windscreen.
- Spray CRC Glass Cleaner Aerosol (always read directions beforehand) onto one of the microfibre cloths, then wipe ONLY horizontally, left to right. Start with one side first.
- Use your other clean microfibre cloth to wipe off any excess product. Repeat on the other side.
- Before cleaning the exterior of the windscreen, give your car a clean first.
- Follow steps 1 and 2 again for the exterior. Instead of wiping horizontally, wipe vertically, up and down.
The reason we wipe horizontally on the interior and vertically on the exterior is so we can see if there are any parts we missed. For example, if we can see a horizontal smudge, we know we missed a spot on the interior of the windscreen. It’s common to miss parts or apply too much product and not get it all off.
If this is your first time cleaning your windscreen in a while, you might need to follow steps 1 to 4 again to ensure the best results.
Keeping your windscreen clean
Even if you have the technique down, nobody enjoys cleaning their windscreen. Tips that you can do to keep your windscreen clean for longer:
- Avoid touching your windscreen with oily fingers
- Use a sun reflector when not driving
- Check your cabin filter (usually behind the glovebox)
- Clean your dash often, or use a dash mat
- Tint your windows to keep the interior temperature down
- Use AC instead of putting your windows down
- Clean the interior of your car often
These tips can help keep your windscreen cleaner for longer; however, you’ll most likely have to clean your windscreen again in the future. If you follow these 4 easy steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a smudge and streak-free finish every time.