It can be frustrating when you cannot get streak-free windows after you’ve done everything you can to clean them. There are a number of reasons why this happens.
One factor could be the things you use to get streak-free windows. Some cleaning products are harmful to certain types of window surfaces. For example, you cannot use ammonia on tinted windows. Moreover, using just any kind of cloth to wipe the glass surface can cause scratches. Not to mention that you may miss dirty spots, which can harden and become very tough to remove.
Also, you can get streaks from water spots, soap residue or some component of your window cleaning solution that dried up. Most of these marks do not go away on their own. You need to clean them the proper way.
Keeping your windows and windshield smudge and haze-free is a crucial road safety measure. Even a slightly greasy window can cause problems with visibility at certain angles. Therefore, it is important to clean streaks right away to prevent dirt build-up and avoid potential accidents.
Do’s and Don’ts to Get Streak-Free Windows
Cleaning car windows may seem simple for most of us. Actually, it is more complicated than you expect. Here are some things you should keep in mind, so your car will have streak-free windows after you wash it.
No Direct Sunlight
Avoid washing your car under direct sunlight. A hot window surface will cause the cleaning solution to dry up even before you can wipe it down. Hence the streaks and smudges. Do your cleaning when it is overcast or shady instead.
Wash the Exterior First
Make sure you are done washing your car’s exterior completely before you move on with the windows. Thus, you will avoid wax, soap, grime, and other contaminants smearing them.
Choose the Right Window Cleaning Product
The cleaner should be powerful enough to remove tough marks. Such marks can be nicotine, which can build up on the inside of the window from people smoking in the car. On the outside, consider bug stains on the windshield. However, the cleaner should also be gentle enough not to cause damage to the glass surface. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaning products on tinted windows as ammonia damages the tint film.
Use High-Quality Low-Pile Microfiber Towels
A microfiber’s tight weave scrubs glass stains more efficiently. This type of towel won’t scratch the surface, because dirt and debris are attracted to the cloth with an electrostatic charge and not dragged across the glass. It won’t leave particles or lint behind that will make the glass look hazy.
Streak-Free Windows Require Clean Towels
Do not wash window towels with towels used to clean your car’s exterior. Chemicals, wax, grime, and other contaminants from the car’s exterior can transfer to the window towel. And, if not rinsed thoroughly, these contaminants can stick to the glass when you use the window towel. Do not use the same dirty towel you used on one window to clean the next. This way, you’ll avoid spreading dirt and other contaminants and get streak-free windows.
Clean the Inside and Outside of Windows
The inside of your car’s windows needs as much cleaning as the outside. Parts of the car’s interior emit gasses that cause film build-up on the inner side of the window. You can use a different cleaning agent for the inside. For instance, a mixture of rubbing alcohol and distilled water. Spray the cleaning agent on the towel and not directly on the window to avoid overspray and contamination of clean areas. Remove contaminants on the outside of your car’s windows by using a detailing clay bar.
Mind the Wiping Motion
Use consistent horizontal or vertical motions to wipe windows down. This allows you to wipe down the entire area and see if there are any streaks left.
Practice Proper Maintenance of Windshield Wipers
Dirty wipers can also prevent you from achieving streak-free windows. Clean the wipers each time you wash your car’s windshield. Wipe them with a damp cloth and apply a wiper treatment to ensure that they hug the glass and won’t create noise.
Treat Tinted Windows Differently
Use cleaning products specially designed for cleaning tinted windows to avoid the tint film from cracking or peeling. We recommend PH-neutral and ammonia-free cleaners. These are gentle on the tint film, yet strong enough to remove stubborn dirt. Loosen up debris using a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaning tools that will scratch the tint. Use only water in cleaning the inside of tinted windows with vertical wiping strokes. Prevent bubbles from forming under the tint film by wiping in the direction of the film.
When all these steps become too overwhelming, you always have the option of getting the services of detail experts. Schedule an appointment with DetailXPerts now to avail of our exterior detailing services that include superbly clean, streak-free windows and windshields.
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