How to clean car windows streak-free
Two towels, one direction inside, the other outside — and never in the sun.
20 minBeginner5 steps
The inside of a windscreen collects a film from dashboard plastics, breath and, in smokers’ cars, nicotine — which is why it glares at night and fogs up in winter. Streaks come from too much product, dirty towels and glass that is warm enough to flash-dry the cleaner. An ammonia-free cleaner keeps tints and rubber seals safe.
- 1
Work on cool glass
In shade or early evening. Glass that is warm to the touch dries cleaner before you can buff it.
- 2
Spray the towel, not the glass
Especially inside, so overspray does not land on the dash and screens. Two sprays onto a folded towel is enough for half a windscreen.
- 3
Wipe, then buff dry
Wipe with the damp towel, then immediately buff with the second, dry towel until the glass squeaks.
Bay tip · Wipe horizontally inside and vertically outside. If a streak remains, you will know instantly which side it is on.
- 4
Get the edges
Wrap a towel over your fingers to reach the bottom of the windscreen behind the dash. Lower each side window a few centimetres to clean the top edge.
- 5
Wipe the wiper blades
Run a damp microfibre along each wiper blade. Dirty blades smear fresh glass on the first rain.
Common mistakes
- Cleaning hot glass in the sun
- Ammonia household glass cleaners on tinted windows
- Using towels washed with fabric softener
- Spraying directly onto the inside of the windscreen