Although there isn’t a proper schedule for interior windshield cleaning, you’ll know when it needs to be done. Newer vehicles tend to need it more frequently and you’ll probably have to do it more often during the hot summer months.

 
 

Plasticizers are the main culprit

The culprit when dealing with the inside of a windshield is plasticizers — especially with newer vehicles. Although you don’t normally see them, you know they’re there because they’re responsible for the “new car smell” so many people are fond of.

As they work their way out of the vehicle’s plastic components, like the dashboard, they coat the inside of the windshield with a yellowish plastic-like film that can’t be removed with a simple spray-and-wipe using paper towels.

• Purchase And Use A Glass Scrubber Using your normal window or glass cleaner, give the scrubber a quick spritz to prepare it. Then, select one corner of the windshield to work on, and give it a couple of sprays too.
• Scrub Firmly, But Gently, from Top to Bottom The plasticizer film will be stuck on pretty well, but your scrubber will cut through it.
• Wipe Away Residue with a Microfiber Cloth Once the scrubber has done its magic, the residue should come right up with your microfiber cloth. Give your cloth a couple of squirts of glass cleaner and wipe the window in both directions, to pick up all the gunk.
• Buff the Windshield with a Microfiber Cloth To finish cleaning, wipe away any remaining cleaner or residue using a clean and dry microfiber cloth.
• Use Foam Cleaner for a Streak-Free Shine Both traditional window glass cleaners and foam cleaners have a place and purpose. Use a foam cleaner to remove streaks and get your windshield looking crystal clear.

Removing the yellowish plasticizer residue from the inside of your windshield will help improve your visibility and eliminate distortion while driving — especially at night.

 

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