Cleaning car windows is nobody's favorite chore. Just when you think you're doing a good job, there are streaks again. In this article, we explain how you can clean your car windows (or truck windows) in 5 steps without streaks. And prevent bird droppings and insects? Well, that's not possible. But we are happy to explain how you can remove dirt such as insects as easily as possible.
The importance of clean car windows
Dirty car windows not only look unprofessional, but they can also seriously obstruct your view! Even if you think your screen is reasonably clean, there are certain factors that can still obstruct your view. For example, greasy streaks on your car window may not be visible when it is cloudy. However, with a low sun, these stains can be very annoying! Even in the dark, with the bright lights of oncoming traffic, greasy streaks and dirt on the car window can be very annoying. Let's take a look at how to best clean car windows and what you should pay extra attention to as a truck driver!
Supplies needed to clean car windows
Well begun is half done, so make sure you are well prepared before you start cleaning! Below are the supplies you will need to get your car windows sparkling clean again.
- Bucket with warm water
- Car shampoo
- Ladder (to reach the windows of your truck easily!)
- Garden hose
- Window cleaner
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloths
- Glass cloth
Cleaning the outside of car windows
Cleaning your car windows is not rocket science , only with a truck it can be a little more difficult of course . With the right products and the steps below, you ensure that you get a streak-free and crystal clear result. Don't feel like doing it yourself? Of course you can always visit one of our branches, we are happy to help you!
Are your windows really dirty? Start with step 1.
Step 1: Rinse
The first step is very important when cleaning car windows. Use a garden hose or bucket of water to rinse the windows thoroughly! This ensures that all loose dirt and dust particles are removed from the surface. This prevents you from smearing the dirt or making scratches in the following steps. Now, the chance that you will scratch a window is not very big, but it would be annoying if it did happen.
Step 2: Use soapy water
Are the windows still very dirty after rinsing? Then use car shampoo and water to free the windows of the remaining grease and other dirt particles. Mix the shampoo from TrucksSupply 1:100 for the best result. Finished washing? Then rinse well!
Step 3: Dry the windows
Now it is time to dry the windows, this can be done with a clean microfiber cloth. A dry surface is important for a streak-free result! Water can leave stains, partly because of the lime that is in it. Make sure you dry thoroughly, especially in the corners of the windows.
Step 4: Apply a glass cleaner
Now we're really going to get to work to make sure the windows of your truck are crystal clear! Apply a car window cleaner to the windows. Read the instructions on the bottle carefully, as these can differ per window cleaner. Do you have a lot of insects on the windows? Then use an insect remover!
Make sure you cover the entire window with the glass cleaner, including the corners and edges. All of our glass cleaners are safe for window rubbers and trims. So spray generously!
The best glass cleaners for windows
- Great-Lion – Erase Vision Window Cleaner 1L
- Kenotek – Glass Cleaner
- Truckssupply – Glass Cleaner
- Blue Yel – Glass Cleaner
Of course, it is always possible that some stains have still appeared: that is not bad, it can happen. If you still see stains, try to polish the stain away with a dry glass cloth or microfiber cloth. Often these stains are dried glass cleaner or water.
Cleaning the inside of car windows
We all know that the outside of a truck can get pretty dirty, but the inside shouldn’t be forgotten when cleaning either! You can of course use the same steps for the outside of the windows, but we don’t recommend using a garden hose 😉 That’s why we’ve collected the steps to clean the inside of your car windows here:
- Apply glass cleaner liberally to the inside of the window surface.
- Use a glass cloth, such as from Vital Elements, and clean the window thoroughly.
- Take a clean, dry glass cloth and rub it well. This helps prevent streaks and spots and ensures a crystal clear result.
Bonus tips
- Troubled by foggy windows? Use an anti-fog product! Rain-X Anti-Fog is a very handy product that you apply to the inside of the windows. It helps prevent windows and mirrors from fogging up.
- While you're at it, take the truck mirrors with you. The same steps apply to the mirrors too!
- When washing your glass cloths or microfiber cloths, never use fabric softener! Also, do not put the cloths in the dryer. Both can affect the structure and quality of the cloths.