Auto glass protection begins and ends with the vehicle owner, and an essential part of this responsibility is cleaning the glass the correct way. Every day, people make common mistakes that seem harmless, yet create costly damage or make their glass appear even dirtier than it was before.
Learn what cleaning practices to avoid to keep your car windows in pristine condition.
1. Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is a practice of wiping glass when it’s dry. Avoid this scenario at all cost. Moisture, be it from water or a cleaning agent, ensures the surface is lubricated, which minimizes friction. Without this protection, the glass is more prone to scratching.
Any particles on the glass will essentially be rubbed back and forth over the glass as you wipe, which makes damage inevitable. Only clean the windows when they’re wet or your cleaning tool is moist, even when you’re only trying to move a small area of dust, as you never know what could be present on the surface that could cause damage.
2. Ammonia Cleaners
Some of the more popular brands of glass cleaners are ammonia based, which make them readily available and cost-effective. However, ammonia leaves streaks behind, and while not damaging, they can obstruct your ability to see clearly out the glass, which is a safety concern.
In addition, ammonia is harmful to window tints. The chemical will directly target the adhesive that keeps the tint in place over the glass and eventually cause it to peel and fail. You should also avoid using a household soap, such as dish detergent, to wash the glass, as these products may also cause streaks.
Only use an approved auto glass cleaner to wipe down the window. If you’re having a hard time finding this type of product, a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water is another safe and effective cleaning agent.
3. Paper Products and Old Towels
Paper towels and old towels are staples in most home car washing kits. If you’re using these items to clean your auto glass, now is the time to stop.
Paper towels are dangerous for glass, as the rough texture of the paper towels can leave behind scratches. Old towels can trap dirt, gravel, and other hard particles in their fibers, even after they’ve been laundered. Sponges present much of the same dangers as these other cleaning tools.
Instead, clean your glass, and the rest of your car, with a microfiber cloth for scratch-free results.
4. Timing
When you choose to clean your auto glass may also be problematic. When you clean your car, you should always save the windows for last. To give the paint a great shine, you likely spray waxes and other products, and some of these products will inevitably land on the glass. If you washed the windows first, the product would remain on the glass, which will make seeing through the windows harder.
In addition, you should avoid washing your auto glass during the hottest part of the day. When you clean your glass in hotter temperatures, the cleaning solution you’re using will likely dry before you have an opportunity to wipe it, which will leave a cloudy-like residue on the glass. Wash your car during the morning, evening, or in a shaded area.
Make it a point to follow these safe cleaning tips to keep your auto glass in the best condition. However, in the event of a scratch or other damage, make swift repairs a priority. Even a small crack in the windshield lowers the overall safety of the glass and puts your protection in jeopardy.
Whether you need glass repair or a complete replacement , at Martin Glass, we are here to help.