Cleaning your car windows might not seem like the most glamorous task, but it’s crucial for safe driving and maintaining your car’s overall appearance. There’s nothing more frustrating than wiping your windows only to find them covered in streaks and smudges.

If you’ve ever tried to drive with a windshield and windows full of these annoying marks, you know the struggle is real.

So, let’s dive into the art of window washing — Soapy Shark style!

How to Wash Car Windows: Step-By-Step

First things first, let’s gather our cleaning arsenal. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Microfiber cloths
  • Glass cleaner (preferably ammonia-free)
  • Water (distilled if possible)
  • A bucket

Having the right supplies on hand makes the process much smoother and helps achieve that streak-free finish. Before you get started, park your car in a shaded area to prevent the cleaner from drying too quickly and leaving streaks.

If you’re planning a full interior clean and car wash, take a look at our guide on How to wash car seats for more tips!

Start From the interior Windows

It’s best to start with the inside of the windows to avoid any dirt or dust from the outside being transferred inside. Plus, cleaning the inside first helps you spot any missed spots more easily.

Here’s how to clean the inside windows: 

  • Spray the Cleaner on the Cloth. Avoid spraying directly onto the window to prevent drips and streaks.
  • Vertical Wipe, then Horizontal. Start by wiping in a vertical motion, then go over it horizontally. This crisscross method ensures thorough cleaning.
  • Don’t Forget the corners and Edges. Pay extra attention to the corners and edges where grime tends to accumulate.

The goal is clear, streak-free windows that give you a perfect view of the road ahead!

Cleaning the Outside of the Windows

Wash your car to clean the exterior of the car, windows and windshield. 

  • Rinse First: Give your windows a quick rinse with water to remove loose dirt and debris.
  1. Apply Cleaner and Wipe: Use a separate cloth for the outside to avoid cross-contamination. Apply cleaner and wipe in circular motions for those stubborn spots.
  2. Circular Motion for Stubborn Spots: If some spots are particularly stubborn, a little elbow grease in circular motions will do the trick.

The goal is clear, streak-free windows that give you a perfect view of the road ahead. For an exterior-cleaning combo, check out how to choose the right soap and how to hand wash your car guide. 

Do’s and Don’t: Tips for a Streak-Free Shine

  • Use Distilled Water. Using distilled water can help prevent mineral deposits that cause streaks.
  • Avoid washing in direct sunlight. Cleaning in direct sunlight can cause the cleaner/water to evaporate too quickly, leaving streaks behind.
  • Use Newspaper for polishing. For an extra shine, try giving your windows a final polish with newspaper (just make sure it’s suitable for your cleaner).
  • Don’t use Paper Towels. They can leave lint and fibers behind.
  • Avoid Ammonia-based Cleaners. These can damage window tint and leave a residue.

This brings us to the end of our guide. We hope you found useful tips to wash your car windows without leaving a streak. And if DIY isn’t your style, Soapy Shark offers detailing services that will leave your windows spotless.

And for the ultimate clean, visit Soapy Shark for professional car wash services. Visit us in Okeechobee or Lake View for a professional car wash that gets you back on the road looking great. We do the dirty work while you enjoy the ride.