What's your INSIDE the windshield cleaning routine?

L

LavaRand

Joined
Jan 23, 2022
Messages
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My new Toyota Sienna has major problems defrosting the inside of the windshield. My old van took maybe 5 or 10 minutes but this one is still half-fogged even after 20 minutes.

There might be something wrong with the van, but either way, having the inside of the windshield clean is a constant battle. I'm aware that the plastics inside cars outgas and coat the inside of the windshield with organic crud that's really hard to clean off. Half the time I'm not sure I'm even cleaning it off or just smearing it around. So, what's the definitive way to PERFECTLY clean the inside of a windshield?

What kind of towels do you use? Paper towels? Microfiber? Newspaper (I knew a guy who swore by newspaper)?

What kind of cleaning solution? Windex (has ammonia)? Invisible Glass (doesn't have ammonia; works by magic perhaps)? Dilute dish soap? Vinegar (opposite of ammonia because it's acidic)? Something else altogether? Nothing?
 
I've had good luck lately putting some hot water and a few drops of dawn dish soap in a clean bucket. Soak and squeeze out one microfiber cloth for cleaning and another for drying.

Like you, I find most spray window cleaners and paper towels leave streaks for me.
 
I use this:
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And these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HRD6JKK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
 
I got a new windshield recently and am having a ton of trouble getting some kind of film off it…always shows in my early AM and late PM drives in the streetlights.

Best I’ve gotten it so far was cleaning it with a magic eraser, then foaming window cleaner with 2 rags…1 initial then the perfectly dry one as a final wipe.
 
Windex, although sometimes I think the best is just one of those brown paper napkins from any fast food place, used dry.

I realize that fogging can be made worse by having a bio film, but maybe there is something else at play here? For years, in cooler weather, I would crack open a window when the car was cold, and drive a bit with window open until I had some sort of heat coming out of the vents. I'd think a leaking heater core would not be the issue here, but maybe there is some other source of moisture causing problems?
 
I just use cheap windshield washer fluid in a spray bottle most of the time. If it's being cantankerous, I'll use Magic Eraser first.

Use a windshield screen when it's parked. It will help redirect the gasoff of the plastics away from the windshield. The Queens '23 Acura is really bad for the gasoff. I'm cleaning the inside of the windshield twice a week.
 
I watched a older gent at a car show using crumbled-up newspapers and Windex. I asked him and he said it's the easiest way he's found to clean the glass without the annoying streaks. I tried it and have been using this method since. I bet it's even better with Iso alcohol.
 
BISCUT said:
I watched a older gent at a car show using crumbled-up newspapers and Windex. I asked him and he said it's the easiest way he's found to clean the glass without the annoying streaks. I tried it and have been using this method since. I bet it's even better with Iso alcohol.
Click to expand...
Who actually gets newspapers anymore?

I remember way back people saying that but I found many to leave ink streaks. Maybe it was just the newspapers dad had. I found regular paper towels better and more convenient until I got Micro Fiber cloths and have not gone back.

I use SprayWay and Invisible glass mostly.

If it's fogging often, check under your carpet for moisture from leaks.

Some vehicles do not automatically turn on the AC when trying to defrost but that is mostly older ones OR if you do blend defrost/floor. Make sure AC is on and working as it will help dehumidify. I can do mine on floor air flow and turn AC on and it clears.
 
Sequoiasoon said:
Who actually gets newspapers anymore?

I remember way back people saying that but I found many to leave ink streaks. Maybe it was just the newspapers dad had. I found regular paper towels better and more convenient until I got Micro Fiber cloths and have not gone back.

I use SprayWay and Invisible glass mostly.

If it's fogging often, check under your carpet for moisture from leaks.

Some vehicles do not automatically turn on the AC when trying to defrost but that is mostly older ones OR if you do blend defrost/floor. Make sure AC is on and working as it will help dehumidify. I can do mine on floor air flow and turn AC on and it clears.
Click to expand...
Also the paper they use is not the same as it used to be....
 
Using the old style newspaper worked great for the outside glass when abrasive carbon black pigment was used years ago. Nowadays, the black ink is made from soy which has zero abrasive properties. Don't use newspaper on the interior glass unless you want to leave permanent black streaks all over the adjacent trim and headliner. I found this out years ago on a car with a beige interior.
 
Using a scrub pad with window cleaner can help really bite into thick gunk. By scrub pad I mean a detail specific pad like the "Scrub Ninja". It's not like scotch bright or anything as aggressive. But it bites more than a microfiber would.

I would also use probably double the window cleaner for extra lubrication and to carry away the junk.
 
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