It’s easy to overlook how important clean glass is on your car—until the sun hits your windshield just right and you’re left squinting through streaks and smudges. While it might seem like a simple task, there’s a right and wrong way to clean your car’s windows. And if you’re not careful, you could end up doing more harm than good.
At ProCurve Glass Design, Inc., we know glass—especially the custom curved kind—and we want to help you take the best care of yours. So, if you’re planning to give your car a proper cleanup, here’s how to do it the right way.
Pick a Cleaner That’s Safe for Your Glass (and Your Car)
Let’s start with the cleaner. It might be tempting to grab the first glass cleaner you see on the shelf, but a lot of them contain ammonia or alcohol—and that’s a problem.
Not only can ammonia-based cleaners damage tinted windows, but they can also cause the rubber around your windows to dry out over time. Plus, no one wants to breathe in harsh fumes while cleaning. Instead, look for a tint-safe, ammonia-free glass cleaner, preferably one made for automotive use.
Your Towel Choice Really Does Matter
We get it. Grabbing an old T-shirt or kitchen rag to wipe down your windows seems like an easy solution. But those materials can scratch your glass or leave behind lint that’s almost as annoying as the dirt you were trying to clean off.
The best option? A high-quality microfiber towel—specifically one that’s thick and soft. These are designed to pick up dust and grime without scratching the surface or leaving a mess behind. Try to use a different microfiber towel for the inside and outside of the glass, too.
The Right Technique Makes All the Difference
Here’s where most people go wrong: random wiping. If you want streak-free windows, you’ll want to clean with intention. Start by wiping horizontally, then go back over the area with vertical strokes. This helps catch any missed spots and cuts down on streaks.
Also, avoid cleaning glass in direct sunlight or on a hot day. Heat causes cleaner to evaporate too fast, leaving behind annoying residue that’s tougher to remove.
Don’t Skip the Inside
It’s not just the outside glass that gets dirty. The inside of your windows builds up a film over time from things like off gassing from plastics, smoke, or even just humidity. Give your interior glass the same attention—just make sure to use a clean towel and a safe cleaner.
And here’s a quick tip: roll your windows down a bit so you can clean that top edge. It’s easy to miss, and it makes a difference.
Protecting Your Automotive Glass for the Long Run
At ProCurve Glass Design, Inc., we create custom curved and laminated glass that’s built to last, but even the toughest glass benefits from proper care. Whether you’re dealing with a standard windshield or something more specialized, regular cleaning done the right way can keep it looking clear and performing well for years.
If you’re unsure about what kind of glass your vehicle has—or looking for a replacement—ProCurve Glass Design, Inc. is happy to help. We’re proud to be a trusted manufacturer of curved automotive glass for vehicles of all kinds.
Give ProCurve Glass Design a call at 215-441-9101 if you have any questions or want to learn more about how to protect your investment.