Clean Car Windows:
Using my PRO tips for success!

The quest for perfectly clean car windows seems never-ending for both car owners and professional detailers.

Reflecting on the countless window cleaners I've tested and the numerous cleaning techniques I've heard about and attempted, I'm truly amazed at how challenging this simple task can be!

I am betting that all you want is to have clean car windows without the headache you have likely come up against in trying to get streak free, smudge free windows.

Most people will assume that the problem is all about finding the best window cleaner.

I say this  is only half the battle!

To get truly streak free, clean windows every time is going to be about a winning combination of (3) things:

• A good car window cleaner
• The right type of window cleaning cloth
• Technique

I will walk you through each of these and show you my answer that if followed, will deliver the results you are after.

My PRO Window Cleaner

I will begin by telling you the correct way in which to pronounce Griot's

-most people get it wrong, so let's get it right: Gree'-ohs. 

Griot's Window Cleaner on Amazon

• Crystal-clear windows in seconds! Just spray and wipe for a flawless, streak-free shine.
• Foggy mornings? Not anymore! Clean windows defrost faster, keeping your view crystal clear.
• Tint-safe and worry-free! Ammonia-free formula ensures your tinted windows stay protected.

I have used many of the Griot's Garage products and each time I have always been very happy with both the results and the user experience.

Pro Window Cleaning Cloths

Truth be told, but if I had to choose between the "best" window cleaner and the best window cleaning cloth, it would be choosing the right cloth.

Most people shoot themselves in the foot right from the start by using traditional cloths to clean car windows.

And because most people don't understand why the right cloth can make or break the moment, they just assume it is due to choosing an inferior window cleaner.

The "right" cloth is worth every cent you pay for these!

Griot's Window Cleaning Cloths on Amazon

Let's discuss the qualities of these super cool, window cleaning, dedicated cleaning cloths:

• Streak-free perfection, every time! The tight microfiber weave ensures a flawless, lint-free finish. 
• Deep cleans tough grime! Crinkle weave powerfully lifts organic and oily residues for crystal-clear glass. 
• Dual-sided design for pro results! One side tackles heavy cleaning, the other buffs to a spotless shine. 
• Scratch-free, satin-edged, and perfectly sized! A 16" x 16" towel with radiused edges for safe, easy use.

In simple terms these window cleaning cloths are just that: cloths specifically designed to clean windows by incorporating two different types of weaves.

1. Side one: the crinkle weave performs the initial heavy cleaning.
2. The tight weave performs the final finessing for a perfectly clean window.

Darren's NOTE: Since window cleaning can become so problematic for both car owners and professionals like myself, these window cleaning cloths are "dedicated use only". This means I do not use them for any other detailing task!

Best Car Window Cleaning Method

• Work in the shade to prevent flash-drying of window cleaner
• Start with exterior windows by lightly misting glass cleaner onto the surface
• Wipe in a cross hatch pattern to ensure you get all areas of the window 
• Use the crinkle side first for the initial cleaning
• Flip the towel or switch to the smooth side to buff away streaks for a crystal-clear finish
• For interior windows, mist the cleaner onto a towel instead of the glass to prevent overspray
• Follow same steps as doing the exterior windows 
• Clean the windshield and rear window by pressing the towel into tight corners with the back of your hand
• Use overlapping strokes to ensure full coverage and prevent streaks
• Step outside and inspect the glass from different angles to catch any remaining streaks
• Roll down the windows slightly to clean the top edge where grime accumulates
• Recheck in different lighting to make sure all streaks are gone

Darren's Note: Some people prefer to spray the cleaner directly onto the glass, while others prefer to spray the cloth and then wipe. Only you can decide and yo may find that the situation dictated based on the moment. Meaning there wil be times you might prefer to spray the cleaner directly onto the glass, and other times where you want to limit any overspray and spray directly onto the cloth.

PRO Tips for Cleaning Interior and Exterior Car Windows

Each side of your car windows will present unique cleaning challenges -interior or exterior.

Let's examine each side for additional tips for success:

Exterior Window Problems:

• Exposed to the weather and elements.
• Excessive dirt, water spots, fall-out.
• Not all glass is created equal and many variables exist: The "way" in which the window was made, the "ingredients" used, the age of the glass, how often the glass is cleaned, etc. (I recommend using a clay bar to remove airborne contaminants from your car windows that create a gritty feel to them. This process will essentially "exfoliate" your exterior car windows from unwanted surface contaminants that will not be removed during traditional car washing or even window cleaning. You will need one of these clay bar kits to treat/decontaminate your car paint anyways. This only needs to be done to the exterior of the windows)
  

Interior Window Problems:

• Film build-up from out-gassing of interior parts such as plastics, rubber, vinyl, etc. (Out-gassing is a term used to describe the natural process of chemicals used in the manufacturing process of car interiors that emit chemical gasses when exposed to air, heat, and UV lighting.)
  
• Window tint film.
• Just like above: Not all glass is created equal and the same variables listed above for the outside of your car windows, applies to the inside; except the interior car windows will not get airborne contaminants.
  
• Windshields have always been more of a challenge to clean relative to all other windows of your vehicle. I don't know for certain why this is the case, but it is likely due to the added safety films applied as part of the manufacturing process. The problem is that the windshield will "grab" most cloths preventing you from being able to smoothly glide any cloth across the windshield. This holds true for both the interior and exterior windshield.
• When I am dealing with excessive haze on the inside of the car window I am detailing, I will take a separate microfiber cloth that is damp and wipe all the windows first, as this will remove 98% of this haze build-up prior to your dedicated window cleaning efforts

Additional Tools of Success

Use the additional tools below based on my professional tips to take your car window cleaning to the next level.

Invisible Glass Reach and Clean Tool

Windshield Cleaning Tool on Amazon

• Perfect tool for cleaning the inside of the windshield.
• Reach those tight corners.
• Clean the tight area between the windshield and the dashboard just above the instrument cluster that many large handed people are unable to get their hand between.
• With this tool and its handle, you are able to leverage your cleaning efforts if you lack the strength required to properly clean the windshield.
• The actual tool I carry and use on the cars that don't have enough space between the instrument cluster dashboard area, and the windshield for my hand to get in between.
  
• The tool may appear "cheap" or "cheesy", but I was pleasantly surprised the first time I ordered one and used it. Made of durable plastic that you can really use to leverage when cleaning the windshield. (your shoulders will thank you! I am in great physical condition and my own shoulders start to scream in pain when I have to clean an excessively dirty windshield).
  

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Detailing Clay to Prep Your Car Windows

Chemical Guys Clay Bar on Amazon

• To be used on the outside of your windows to remove bonded contaminants from glass (you should have a clay bar anyways to remove bonded contaminants from your car paint, and if you don't then now is the time to get one)
• Use with some form of clay lube (if you perform this task during the car washing process, you can decontaminate your car windows with the car washing water as you wash your car)
• Makes the outside of your car windows perfectly smooth which will deliver better clean car windows if you follow my tips on this page

Special Instructions and Tips for Smudge-free and Streak-free Car Windows

Tinted Windows: Many people worry about cleaning aftermarket tinted windows, but the good news is—they’re actually easier to maintain! Tinted film helps mask the haze that typically builds up on the inside of windows. The products and methods I recommend are completely safe for tinted windows, so you can clean with confidence.

P.S. For the sake of clarity, you do not use the clay bar on the inside of the car windows.

Window Rubber: Your car’s windows are held in place by weather stripping, sealants, or rubber gaskets—materials that vary by manufacturer and even between the inside and outside of the glass.

When cleaning your windows, your cloth can pick up residue from these rubber seals and smear it onto the glass, creating streaks or haze. This issue worsens in hot weather when the rubber softens, making transfer more likely.

Knowing how to clean your car windows means knowing what *not* to do—avoid dragging your cloth along these seals to keep your glass truly clean.

Window Rubber Gasket Sealants: As your car ages and faces heat, the sealant beneath the rubber gaskets can start seeping out, both around the exterior and interior windows. If your window cleaning cloth touches this sticky residue, it will smear across the glass, creating stubborn streaks. Once that happens, you’ll need a fresh cloth—otherwise, cleaning becomes a frustrating mess!

Window/Glass: Not all car glass is the same. Some windows let your cleaning cloth glide smoothly, while others seem to grab and resist, making wiping a challenge. There’s no clear explanation—just know that different types of glass can affect your cleaning process, and you’ll notice it the moment you start.

Pay "Clean Car Windows" Forward!

Thank you for visiting clean car windows.

I bet you know of at least one other person who is also frustrated with cleaning their car windows; friend, family, or anyone part of your circle. Help me spread the word by sharing or posting this page to your favorite social network.

Thank you in advance!

Darren Priest