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Get Squeaky Clean Windshield Inside Out With The Best Windshield Cleaners

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Last Updated: May 3, 2024, 1:18 p.m.

Sticky handprints, dust, bird droppings, and dead bugs — plenty of things can make your car’s windshield and windows grubby. Nothing can be more annoying than a streaky, cloudy windshield because it minimizes your visibility on the road when driving. Whether driving at night, through rain or fog, or on a sunny day, you should be able to see the oncoming traffic clearly to drive safely. Having a pristinely clean windshield can save you from accidents, and that’s where a quality windshield cleaner comes in handy.

While cleaning the windshield can be frustrating, having a low-quality cleaner might leave streaks, which is the least you would want. Choosing the right cleaner that won’t disappoint you might be intimidating. We’ve jotted down some great windshield cleaners of 2023 to help you weed through the hype and pick a reliable, high-quality product.

Buying Guide: Windshield Cleaners

While plenty of cleaning products available on the market promise to remove dirt and clear away debris without streaks and smudges, many cleaners don’t live up to those claims. We’ve put together this comprehensive buying guide to help you search for a top-tier windshield cleaner.

Types of Windshield Cleaners

Spray cans

Many windshield cleaners are compressed into a spray can for mess-free application and often come with replaceable caps for convenient storage. Spray cans require a bit of shaking to lather, and you can apply them with the help of a trigger nozzle.

Wipes

Windshield cleaner wipes are popular for cleaning from the inside of the car, but you can use them for exterior cleaning as well. We recommend using wipes to clean windows and windshields when they aren’t too dirty because a wipe may not be ideal for cleaning layers of dirt. Plus, you can also use them to clean side mirrors and headlights.

Cleaning tools

The most common and efficient type of windshield cleaner is a cleaning tool that often has a long hand with a microfiber cleaning towel attached to its one end. The head is usually pivoting, and the handle is retractable to help you clean the windshield thoroughly.

The Difference Between Automotive and Household Glass Cleaners

Ammonia

Most household glass cleaners contain ammonia, which works great for cleaning household mirrors and windows but might deteriorate the tinted layer on your vehicle’s glass. Automotive glass cleaners are usually ammonia-free to protect the expensive tint on your car’s windows.

Streaking

Household glass cleaner, whether with or without ammonia, can leave streaks when exposed to direct sunlight because ammonia dries on the glass before the chemical evaporates. Household glass cleaners won’t effectively clean the build-up from gunky windshields and might leave residue and contaminants behind. Windshield cleaners are made to be streak-free to promote visibility for a safe driving experience.

How to Properly Clean Windshields

Clean at normal temperature

Cleaning a piping hot or freezing cold windshield can be tough, so make sure that it’s a tepid temperature. Hot temperatures can dry the product too quickly, resulting in smears and smudges, while cold temperatures may lead to a misty or foggy windshield as you clean it.

Use enough cleaning agent

If you’re using a cleaning liquid or spray, use enough product to loosen the buildup for quicker cleaning. Some cleaners are more powerful, and a little goes a long way, so you should try the product once to see how it works and use it accordingly.

Don’t make swirls

When cleaning the windscreen, don’t make swirls because they can cause streaks and smudges. Instead, gently sweep the product and use your cleaning tool in left and right, up and down motions.

Use a lint-free cleaning bonnet

If you’re using a cleaning tool, make sure that the cleaning bonnet is lint-free and doesn’t leave streaks on the windshield.

Don’t push the cleaning tool

Even though the head of the windshield cleaner is soft and pivoting, you shouldn’t push it hard against the windshield to scrub off stubborn stains. You should use a strong cleaning agent and leave it for a few seconds to loosen the accumulated debris, and then gently wipe it with the cleaning tool.

Top Picks

Best Overall: X Xindell Windshield Cleaner
Great Value: Astroai Windshield Cleaner
Highest Quality: Invisible Glass 99031 Windshield Cleaner
Best Design: Randalfy Windshield Cleaner
Budget-Friendly: Gven Windshield Cleaner

Reviews

Best Overall

X Xindell Windshield Cleaner

Pros	Cons
Ergonomic handle for effortless cleaning Microfiber cloth doesn't scratch the surface Retractable, rotatable, and washable	A bit shorter for some

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Great Value

Astroai Windshield Cleaner

Pros	Cons
Works as a safety hammer for emergencies Ergonomic, non-slip handle for better grip Highly absorbent microfiber pad	The cleaning pads are a bit smaller

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Highest Quality

Invisible Glass 99031 Windshield Cleaner

Pros	Cons
Reversible and reusable microfiber bonnets Padded, comfortable-to-hold handle Removable hook for easy storage	Replacement microfiber clothes may not fit perfectly

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Best Design

Randalfy Windshield Cleaner

Pros	Cons
Machine-washable, reusable cleaning towel Highly water-absorbing cover cloth Recyclable, eco-friendly materials	Handle might feel flimsy

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Budget-Friendly

Gven Windshield Cleaner

Pros	Cons
Three towels of different thickness Durable aluminum handle last longer Flexible, rotating head for deeper cleaning	The handle can be of better quality

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FAQs

Can I use windshield cleaner on windows and mirrors?

Absolutely! High-quality windshield cleaners are safe to use on mirrors, windows, and headlights. You can also find some products that are suitable to use all over your vehicle but be sure you choose a mild cleaning agent and don’t rub the surface hard because it can damage decals or stickers.

Can my windshield cleaner remove bird dropping?

Most windshield cleaners efficiently remove bird droppings and bud guts if these aren’t too sticky. If these things are thickly coated on the windshield, you might need a tougher cleaner for targeted cleaning, especially for tar or sap.

How often should I clean my car’s windshield?

There’s no straightforward answer to this question. While many people say that you should clean windows and windshield once a week when you wash your cars, others argue cleaning the windshield every other day ensures a safe driving experience.