A dirty windshield greatly raises your chances of having an accident. Dirt and grime impede your vision, especially at night. Rain makes it even worse, for your windshield wipers just smear the filth all over the glass. Fortunately, you don’t need to go to the car wash to get your windshield clean. You can do this yourself. However, washing your windshield isn’t exactly like washing the windows of your house. Here’s how to do it.

Gather the Right Tools

The materials needed to clean your windshield are simple. They are:

• Streak-free window glass cleaner in a spray bottle. This cleaner should be free of harsh chemicals, including ammonia. Some people use a simple solution of white vinegar and tepid water. Another possible solution is three parts vodka, four parts water and a squirt of dishwashing liquid.
• At least two large microfiber towels. One does the cleaning and the other dries and buffs. They should be of different colors so you can tell them apart. Avoid paper towels, which are too scratchy and fibrous.

Start With the Exterior

As with all window washing jobs, it’s best to do it on a mild, overcast day. A hot, sunny day can cause the cleanser to dry too quickly and leave streaks. Spray the cleanser on the windshield if it’s cool or on the towel if it’s warm. Wipe the cleanser on vertically with one towel, then buff with the other. The reason to use a large towel is the ability to fold it in half or even in thirds. When one fold gets dirty, you can switch to the other fold.

Clean the Interior

Even as the outside of the windshield looks sparkling clean, the inside also needs some help. People in the know recommend sitting in the front passenger seat so you don’t have to struggle over the steering wheel. You should still be able to reach over and clean the part of the windshield over the driver’s seat.

First, use a clean part of the first towel to wipe away any dust or grime. Cleaning the interior is when you always spray cleanser on the towel. This prevents dirty cleanser from dripping onto your dashboard. Instead of cleaning vertically, clean horizontally. Then, use the other towel to buff the glass. The windshield should be sparkling clean, but the job isn’t quite over.

Inspect the Windshield

Now’s the time to walk around the car and view the windshield from different angles. You do this to discover any streaks you might have missed when you cleaned. If it’s an overcast day, back the car into the garage and check using the garage light or a flashlight. If you see any streaks, simply buff them out. If you have concerns or require windshield repair services, contact Auto Glass On The Move in Oakland, CA.