Updated on Apr. 04, 2025
Follow these steps to clean glass on the inside and get rid of fingerprints, smudges and the dust generated by your dashboard and upholstery.
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Time An hour or less
ComplexityBeginner
CostLess than $20
Learn how to clean inside car windows with these simple step-by-step instructions.
You don’t have to drive very far down the highway to notice how dirty your windshield gets. It feels like you’ve got to wash your car windows every time you stop to get rid of a thin layer of dirt and bugs. You’ve probably noticed that the inside of your car’s windshield can get pretty filthy too— especially if your windshield fogs up regularly. Cleaning your car windows requires special care and attention, especially if you have tinted windows. Fortunately, a good cleaning is pretty simple to achieve in just a few steps. Read on for tips on how to clean your car windows safely and what to avoid so that you don’t cause any damage to the glass.
While at it, discover how to tape up a broken car window.
Condensation and dust inside of your car can create a cloudy film that builds up on the inside of your windows. Other factors can make the inside of your windows dirty too, including smoke, fingerprints and even something called off-gassing, i.e. the breakdown of plastic and vinyl components inside the car (it’s what gives a vehicle that new car smell.)
It’s important to keep the inside of your windows clean because it helps them defrost faster, and it’s just safer. A thick, filmy layer on the inside of your window can cause problems with the glare, making it harder to see the road. Discover what are these little black dots on your car’s windshield.
Fortunately, it’s easy to clean the inside of your windows. Just follow these easy steps.
This prep step removes that nearly invisible filmy layer of dirt and dust particles that stem from the plastic, vinyl and rubber in your car’s interior.
Just a few spritzes at a time should do the trick. Avoid spraying the cleaner directly onto the glass. Too much cleaner can make the glass hazy.
There are a number of glass cleaning products that will work, but we recommend one that’s specific for interior use in a car, such as Meguiar’s Perfect Glass, That will help you avoid exposure to chemicals like ammonia while inside your car. Or make your own glass cleaner with equal parts distilled water and isopropyl alcohol, plus a capful of white vinegar.
Also, learn how to tint car windows.
You should not clean your car windows using paper towels because their rough texture could scratch the glass. Use microfiber towels instead.
Tinted windows require special care because harsh chemicals could damage the film. Avoid ammonia or alcohol-based cleaners. Instead, use mild soap and water and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
