Can You Clean Car Windows With Windex? Find Out Here

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Car windows get dirty ridiculously fast. Whether you recently went on a road trip or you haven’t washed your car in a while, it’s reasonable to wonder if Windex can get clean the windows. Using the wrong chemicals on automobile windows can cause streaks, but what about your favorite household glass cleaner?

You can clean car windows with Windex by spraying a thin layer of the cleaning solution on the inside and outside of the window and wiping it with a squeegee. You can use a chamois to dry your car windows since it’s quite absorbent. Don’t let Windex sit for longer than a minute on the car windows.

Throughout this post, you’ll learn the best way to clean your car windows with Windex, how you can guarantee a streak-free shine, and whether or not Windex is bad for tinted windows.

Is Windex OK for Car Windows?

Windex is OK for car windows because it removes dust, debris, and grime. You might have a difficult time removing sticky substances from the windows, such as sap. Windex recommends using its ammonia-free solution to prevent damage to car windows.

The Windex Ammonia-Free Glass and Window Cleaner is the perfect solution for cleaning car windows. It guarantees a streak-free shine without harming the coating on the glass. You can choose between one-pack, two-pack, and three-pack, depending on how often you clean your car windows.

Regardless of which cleaning solution you use, I suggest cleaning your car windows with microfiber, chamois, or a squeegee. Regular dish towels or pool towels will leave streaks and small fibers that are difficult to remove. You can keep these handy alternatives in your car, too.

How to Use Windex for Car Windows Without Streaks

To use Windex for car windows without streaks, follow these instructions:

  1. Spray a thin layer of Windex on the whole car window. A little bit of Windex goes a long way when you’re cleaning your car windows. Focus on the outside of the glass, then repeat these steps to wash the inside of the glass. Try not to use cleaning solutions on your car windows when the car is under direct sunlight.
  2. Go back and forth across the window with a squeegee. I use the Amazon Basic Window Squeegee. You can use it on your car windows, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, bathroom mirrors, and more. It has a comfortable handle and covers plenty of space, which is what you need to clean the car windows.
  3. For dirty windows, spray another layer of Windex and let it sit for 30 seconds. Let the solution sit on the stains, grime, and pollen caked on the car window. This process lets the Windex soak into the window, helping you achieve the cleanest look possible.
  4. Use a chamois to dry the car windows. I highly recommend using chamois for drying cars. I have two chamois that I clean my car windows with regularly. Wipe the windows, squeeze the chamois to get rid of the moisture, and repeat.

Can You Use Normal Glass Cleaner On Car Windows?

You can use normal glass cleaner on car windows if it’s ammonia-free. Some harsh chemicals specifically recommend not using them on car windows, especially those with tint. Contact the glass cleaner’s manufacturer before using it on your car windows.

Whether you’re annoyed by the rain making your car dirtier or you simply enjoy crystal-clear windows, it’s reasonable that you might want to reach for your household glass cleaner. Windex works great on most car windows, but there are plenty of cleaning solutions to try.

In most cases, you can use the same process to clean floor-to-ceiling mirrors as you would with your car windows. Again, it’s best to contact the company before using their product on anything not listed on their label. That being said, I’ve used Windex on my car windows plenty of times.

However, my hands-down favorite car window cleaner is Invisible Glass Cleaner. This solution sprays on and immediately removes the built-up dust, pollen, and dirt from your car windows. It comes off with a paper towel, microfiber cloth, squeegee, or chamois in seconds.

Can You Use Windex On Car Windows With Tint?

You can use Windex on car windows with tint, but you shouldn’t do it too often. While one application won’t damage the car window’s tint, doing it too often can cause problems down the road. It’s best to stick to cleaning solutions specifically designed for car window tint.

Blackout Empire explains that the rags you use are equally as important as the cleaning solution. Abrasive rags won’t do much to untreated car windows, but they can shred the tint on any window. Make sure the rag is soft and absorbent. You’re trying to remove the debris, not the tint.

If you’re determined to use Windex on car windows with tint, keep these tips in mind:

  • Spray the Windex on a rag before wiping the car windows. It’s always better to put a harsh solution on the cleaning material because Windex will damage the tint if it dries onto the car window.
  • Always opt for ammonia-free Windex when cleaning your tinted car windows. It won’t cause as many streaks, nor will it damage the window tint as much as other harsh cleaning solutions.
  • Wipe the windows gently rather than abrasively. The goal is to clean the windows without leaving streaks or taking some of the tint off of the glass.
  • Start with a small portion of the tinted window. It’s better to spot-test Windex on your car windows to see how effectively it works. The last thing you need is to remove part of the tint.
  • Try not to use Windex on cheap car window tint. High-quality tints can handle Windex and other cleaning materials. If you have low-end tint on your car windows, harsh chemicals could make it ripple and bubble.

Wrapping It Up

Cleaning your car windows doesn’t have to be a hassle. While car cleaners are typically the best solution, Windex can clean a car window without a problem. You can enjoy a streak-free shine by using squeegees, chamois, and microfiber cloths. Remember not to use Windex on tinted windows if possible.

Jonah

Jonah enjoys finding new DIY methods to fix common problems around the house. If he's not writing for one of his blogs, he's likely playing acoustic guitar, listening to audiobooks, or watching movies.

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