How to clean the inside of your windshield without streaks or haze

The inside of a windshield gets dirty in a different way from other glass: a greyish film appears, it fogs up more easily and, with the sun in front of you, every mark turns into a huge smudge. It is also awkward to clean, because the dashboard is so close and the angle is strange. In this guide we explain where that film comes from and how to clean it properly, without streaks.

Why it gets dirty on the inside

• Dashboard film. The plastics and vinyl inside a car can release vapours, especially in the heat, that settle on the glass and form a haze you cannot see until the sun hits it.
• Moisture from breathing. Vapour sticks to the glass and carries dust with it, which is why dirty glass fogs up more.
• Fingerprints and grease. One touch leaves a mark that the cloth then spreads.
• Dust and smoke. They build up slowly and are only noticeable when the sun shines straight in.

What you need

• Warm water and, if there is a lot of film, a drop of mild dish soap.
• A small microfibre tool that fits between the glass and the dashboard.
• A clean, dry microfibre cloth for the finish.

Avoid ammonia-based cleaners if your windows have tinted or polarised film, because they can damage it. Water and mild soap are enough in most cases.

Step by step

1. Find shade and cool glass. With the car in the shade and the glass cool, the water does not evaporate before you dry it.
2. Remove dust first. Run the head over the glass dry or barely damp to lift loose dust so you do not drag it around later.
3. Dampen and wring out. The head should be damp, never dripping; dripping water stains the dashboard and runs into the gaps.
4. Clean in long lines. Start at the top and work down in continuous horizontal passes, overlapping each one slightly.
5. Reach the corner. The lower part, next to the dashboard, is where most film builds up. A compact tool lets you get into that gap without twisting your wrist.
6. Dry straight away. Wring out the head or use the dry cloth and go side to side. A second dry pass removes streaks.
7. Check with the sun in front. Look at the glass from the driver's seat and the passenger's seat; that is where you see what is missing.

The rear window and side windows

On a rear window with defroster lines, always clean along the lines and do not scrub hard. Side windows are done like the windshield: long passes and immediate drying. Leave the windows slightly open when you finish so they air out.

How to keep it clean longer

• Air the car out from time to time; trapped moisture fogs the glass faster.
• Avoid leaving new plastic objects against the glass with the car in the sun.
• Wipe with the dry cloth every week: it is shorter than a deep clean every month.
• Do not use your hands to wipe away the fog; they leave prints.

Where Flowipe™ helps

Flowipe™ is a portable mop with a high-absorption microfibre head and a retractable handle that wrings itself out: you pull the handle and the water comes out without you touching the dirty water. It measures 15 × 13 × 3 cm, so it fits in the glove box or the door pocket, and it works wet or dry. It is 100% manual, with no batteries or charging. After using it, rinse the head.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean the inside of the windshield? It depends on use and climate; if you notice haze with the sun in front of you, it is time. A short wipe every week stops it building up.

Can I use vinegar? Diluted and only on the glass, without letting it touch the dashboard. With polarised film, water and mild soap are better.

Does it work on car mirrors and screens? On mirrors, yes. On touch screens, use only a dry microfibre cloth.

See sizes and packs at Flowipe™ Portable Self-Wringing Mop or explore the full catalogue.