HOW TO CLEAN A WINDSHIELD

Quick squeegee wipe-downs at the gas station don't count as a real windshield deep clean. Even if your car looks spotless on the outside, when was the last time you cleaned the inside of your windshield?

A dirty windshield can impair your view, especially in direct sunlight. It also makes your car look overdue for a wash.

Why does your windshield get so dirty?

• Outside: Bugs, dust, rain, smog, and other environmental grime build up over time.
• Inside: Off-gassing from your dashboard and interior plastics leaves an oily film that creates hazy streaks, especially if you've used oily cleaners before.

Skip ammonia-based glass cleaners, they can damage your car's plastic, rubber, and vinyl. Abrasive tools like paper towels and scouring pads also cause scratches. To learn how to properly clean your car's dashboard, click here

Simple Green Glass Cleaner is ammonia- and phosphate-free, making it safe for your car's surfaces. The ready-to-use formula removes fingerprints, smudges, dust, and grime for a streak-free, crystal-clear shine.

DIRECTIONS FOR CLEANING A WINDSHIELD:

Clean your car in a shady area, if possible. Parking in the sun dries your car quickly, making it difficult for you to spread water and product around.

1. Apply Simple Green Glass Cleaner. Start with the outside of the windshield after washing your car to avoid splashing dirty water. Lift the wiper blades out of the way. Spray Simple Green onto a microfiber cloth (not directly on the glass). Use one cloth to clean and a separate dry microfiber to wipe it streak-free.
2. Wipe the entire surface vertically, then wipe it horizontally. If you notice you are leaving streaks behind, that usually means your windshield, or your cloth was extra dirty. Reapply the cleaner if needed, making sure to use a clean microfiber cloth.
3. Wipe dry in circular motions to catch any leftover cleaning solution.
4. Clean your wiper blades by using Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner to wipe down dirty wiper blades. If these are left dirty, they will wipe grime all over your freshly cleaned windshield. Spray Simple Green on a cloth and wipe from the base of each blade to the top, then wipe one more time with a dry cloth.
5. Clean the interior. Repeat this process for the inside of the glass. Clean the inside of the windshield before you do any other interior detailing. This way, you'll push dust down onto your dashboard, which you'll then wipe away.

TIP: Don't forget to clean the rest of your car windows after you've washed your car - see how here.