The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Car’s Glass Like a Pro
From a Coeur d’Alene Detailing Expert
If you’ve ever tried to clean the inside of your windshield only to end up with streaks, haze, and frustration, you’re not alone. Even experienced car lovers struggle with glass care—it’s one of the most overlooked and challenging parts of detailing. But at Glänzen, we’ve dialed in a step-by-step process that delivers spotless, streak-free results every time. Whether you’re in Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, or Spokane, this guide will help you achieve that clear, polished finish like a professional.
Why Glass Is So Difficult to Clean
Glass shows everything: fingerprints, bug splatter, smudges, and hard water spots. The inside of your windshield, in particular, builds up a greasy haze over time that can be tough to remove without the right tools and process. But when you follow the steps below, you can restore total clarity.
What You’ll Need:
- High-quality glass-specific microfiber towels
- Standard microfiber or paper towels (for pre-cleaning)
- Disposable gloves (to keep towels oil-free)
- Isopropyl alcohol (70%)
- Distilled water
- Spray bottle
- Autofiber Glass Reacher Tool + Glass Flip Towel (optional but highly recommended)
Mix Your Own Glass Cleaner
We prefer a DIY mix of 50/50 isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. It evaporates cleanly, cuts through grease, and won’t leave residue.
Step-by-Step Glass Cleaning Process:
- Start with the Interior Windshield
- This is the toughest part, so tackle it first.
- Mist your standard microfiber or paper towel with your cleaner (3 sprays max).
- Wipe the outer edges of the glass and any trim first to avoid dragging dirt later.
- Clean the entire windshield with that towel to remove all residue.
- Switch to Your Premium Glass Towel
- Using the Autofiber Glass Reacher Tool with the Flip Towel (smooth side), apply one light spray of cleaner to the towel.
- Sit in the passenger seat, lean across, and make vertical strokes across the interior windshield.
- Repeat for Side and Rear Windows
- Always clean the interior first, then move to the outside.
- Use the same process: general wipe followed by a glass-specific towel for final polish.
- Clean the Exterior Glass
- Make horizontal strokes so you can cross-check streaks later.
- Final Inspection
- Step outside into the sunlight or shine a bright light through your windows.
- Vertical streaks = inside. Horizontal streaks = outside.
What About Water Spots?
Prevention is key. Avoid parking near sprinklers, dry your car thoroughly after washes, and use deionized water for rinsing. If you already have water spots:
- Try WSP by Underdog – It’s our go-to product for glass-safe spot removal.
- If spots are etched into the surface, professional polishing may be needed.
Want to Take It a Step Further?
We also offer glass coatings that repel rain, improve visibility, and keep your windshield cleaner longer. It’s one of the most underrated upgrades for drivers in North Idaho and Eastern Washington.
Don’t Want to Do It Yourself?
We get it—not everyone has the time or patience. If you want to reset your glass properly, book an inside-and-out detail at Glänzen. It’s $379 and includes our full glass treatment.
Just want your glass professionally cleaned? Call Matt for a custom quote based on your vehicle and needs.
At Glänzen, we help vehicle owners in Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, Liberty Lake, and Spokane keep their rides protected, polished, and looking their best. Want to love the view through your windshield again?
Call Matt to schedule a consultation or book your next detail today.
