How to Clean Your Windshield
Over time, windshields can build up a layer of film on the glass, impacting how the water clears off the glass. It can be dangerous for yourself and others to drive on the road with reduced visibility. Fortunately, cleaning your windshield can be quick and easy with just a few simple steps. It takes less than an hour with a bit of elbow grease involved. Read on and follow these three quick steps to clean your windshield.
Wash the Windshield
The first step to a crystal-clear view is washing your windshield. This can be done with car wash soap or a quick detailer. This step is just a quick wipe-down to remove any excess dirt on the glass. Clean off the windshield, and there’s no need to dry it, as we’ll be compounding with the Glaco Glass Compound tool in the next step. If your car needs a wash anyway, check out these articles on Car Wash Methods and the Best Exterior Detailing Products.
Compound the Windshield
Use the Glaco Glass Compound tool to apply the compound. I’d recommend about 3-4 passes, depending on how dirty the windshield glass is. I found it most straightforward to hold the tool at the base and work in up and down movements. This will take some elbow grease!
Before wiping off all the compound, we can check a spot to determine if we’ve removed all the film from the windshield. Wipe all the compound off an area and pour water on it. We should see that the water is sheeting off. That means the glass is completely clean, and no contaminants are left on the windshield. In the picture below, we can see that the corner of the windshield didn’t get compounded and still has film on the windshield.
Once you are satisfied with the results of compounding the windshield glass, wipe off all the compound. An IPA (isopropyl alcohol) wipe-down would also give the sealant the best bond to the glass. The next step will be applying the sealant.
Apply Sealant
Sealing the windshield will protect the glass from a film being formed again and increase its water repellency. You can use any car sealant that you have available. I’ve also listed a few that I like to use at the bottom of this article. There are also specific glass sealants made, but I haven’t tried them yet as the reviews were not promising.
Apply the sealant to the windshield using any applicator pad and wait the designated amount of cure time before wiping it off. For extended longevity, a second layer can be applied after a few hours (check the product for a specific recommendation). After the sealant is cured, you’re ready to hit the road.
A Quick How To Clean Your Windshield
- Wash the windshield
- Compound the windshield
- Apply sealant
In 3 easy steps, you’ll be on your way to enjoying a clear view of the road. Sit back and watch the water bead off!
