Perfect Glass: Glass Cleaning Tips
by Ian Martinez
Glass cleaning can be a tricky task, let’s face it, it can be downright annoying. Small streaks here and there, getting in and out of the vehicle, etc. etc. Â So here are a couple tips that can make your glass cleaning a whole lot easier.
The Tools:
Glass Cleaning Towel – This is used for the initial clean. This has the perfect nap to get the grime off and leave you with a clean surface. However, using only this often leaves a few straggling streaks as the towel is not able to absorb the product fully before it begins to dry.
Waffle Weave Towel – This is your secret weapon. Since the Glass Cleaning Towel cannot absorb the product what would you use to fix that? Use a towel solely designed to absorb water! Simply use the Glass Cleaning Towel and then use the Waffle Weave Towel to quickly buff off the surface. This 1-2 punch will greatly reduce the amount of streaks left and most importantly reduce the time it takes you to clean the glass.
Glass Cleaner – Detailed Image offers many different cleaners (Stoner, Chemical Guys, Meguiar’s, etc.) and you can find them all here. All of them work great, so find one that you like the best!
The Technique:
Do you hate cleaning interior windows? Yeah, so does everyone else. But, there are a few things you can do to make them a bit easier. First, don’t sit in the driver’s seat to clean the windshield. Sit in the passenger seat and place your left hand on the driver’s seat, lean over and use your right hand to clean the window. This will allow you to reach all the way into the corners without having the steering wheel in the way. Do it in sections (3-4), first using the Glass Cleaning Towel and quickly following it with the Waffle Weave Towel.
The Tips:
- Do not over saturate your towel. Streaks stem from product that dried before it was wiped away, so less is ALWAYS more.
- Spray your towel, NOT the window. Not only does it allow a more even distribution of product on the towel, but it will eliminate the issue of having product mist on your dash or other interior bits.
- Wipe the inside of the windows in one direction and the outside in the opposite (in a cross hatching pattern). This will allow you to see if the streaks are on the inside or the outside based on the direction of the streak (Yeah I know, changed my life too). I normally do the inside vertical as it is just easier on the windshield, but either way will work great.
- If you are having trouble reaching corners, the Stoner Invisible Glass Reach and Clean Mop Tool will make it much easier.
Glass will never be perfect the first time all the time, the world is so cruel. However, using these tools, techniques and tips you will have the best chance and not only produce a better result, but produce it quicker.
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For heavily soiled glass like brand new or smokers car or not having ever really been cleaned well, Car Pro Eraser is awesome on glass both inside and out.And then follow up with what ever you like.It works well with either huck or microfiber towels.
I have a similar approach that gets great results on my truck even though I’m a light smoker. Out of all the products I’ve tried, Stoner, Meqs, Surf City, einszett has been the best, I’ll have to give the eraser a try next time though. First I use a high/medium nap spraying the product on the mf then I go back with a glass mf immediately. Always going vertically inside. The stoner tool is a back saver on a pickup, my go to for hard to reach spots.
Best window cleaner I have found is onr or something similar. I fill a bucket and leave a few towels soaking in it. Then follow the above outlined 2 towel method 🙂
Great info, Ian…. cleaning glass is my absolute least favorite part of the process. I know I am not alone here 🙂
Great info, One trick i learned was (if your cleaning glass in a garage) after i cleaned the glass i put my LED spot lights in front of the car and point them at the windshield. Open all the doors and you can go around the car looking through the glass. The led’s will show any streaks on the glass that were missed. Then just buff off missed streaks.
I have found using my speed wax works wonders on interior glass. Crystal clear.
Your all wrong!
NO STREAK Glass Polish really works
Ps just kidding about the all wrong part but not the NoStreak
I use my speed wax. a simple light mist and a microfiber towel and buff till clear and smooth. I had a client inquire what I was using on his windows because from where he was standing it looked clear. I noticed his glasses could use a cleaning, so he took them off, a little spritz and buff them clear, he was amazed. Thanks.