How do I clean a windshield properly from the inside ?
Between the rain and all kinds of splashes (mud, stones, bird droppings, sometimes aggravated by the regular use of dirty and poorly maintained wipers) the windshield is put to the test and exposed to countless dirt particles which, without rigorous maintenance, can leave lasting marks. Keeping the windshield clean seems obvious to drivers, whose visibility is directly affected, and is facilitated by the use of wipers. But cleaning the windshield from the inside, which is less accessible because of its inclination and the cumbersome presence of the dashboard, is also a necessity to ensure optimum vision: the glass is affected by cigarette smoke, dust accumulation and the formation of greasy films. How do you get rid of it and what technical means should should be used ?
What product should I use to clean my windshield ?
The operation, to be carried out on both sides of the windshield (inside and outside), requires the use of special cleaners and utensils designed to improve the driver's visibility and to maintain the equipment in the best possible condition, without damaging the glass with an unsuitable product or uncontrolled manoeuvres and gestures. To complete the maintenance, it is highly recommended to check the level of the windshield washer and to check the good condition of the wiper blades.
Individuals who undertake to wash their windshield themselves have a choice between two solutions: special products marketed in cleaning kits available for purchase in one of the Glassdrive installation centres, or ""home-made"" preparations based on soap, washing-up liquid and... lemon, a citrus fruit well known for its degreasing properties.
Most of the detergents dedicated to glass cleaning sold by professionals contain a more or less important content of ammonia, an aqueous substance, with strong cleaning qualities, obtained by dissolving the gas of the same name (ammonia) in water. This product, which is very suitable for combating the toughest stains, is a chemical substance with a strong and slightly aggressive odour that should be used with a certain amount of care and a minimum of protection (on the hands, and even the nose for the most sensitive).
This is why some drivers sometimes prefer gentler and more natural solutions: homemade washing-up liquid, for example, made with Marseille soap and bicarbonate of soda. This preparation is mixed with hot water, to which a spoonful of white vinegar, a very cheap acetic acid obtained by fermenting beet sugar, can be added. Although natural, these products should be used with a minimum of care: apply them to the glazing with a microfibre cloth, a perfect tool for erasing imperfections without producing an abrasive action on the windshield. The citric acid in the lemon will help you avoid deposits and grease streaks left on the glass by the cloth.