The key to streak-free interior windows is using the right tools and a proper technique. You'll need a high-quality microfiber cloth and an ammonia-free glass cleaner. Ammonia can damage tinted film and dashboard materials. Start by vacuuming the window edges to remove dust. Spray the cleaner onto the cloth, not the glass, to prevent overspray onto the dashboard. Wipe in a vertical motion on the inside and a horizontal motion on the outside; this way, you can instantly identify which side a streak is on. Finally, use a dry, clean microfiber cloth to buff away any remaining residue for a crystal-clear finish.
Many people create streaks by using paper towels or dirty rags, which leave lint and simply smear the grime. The interior film on windows is often a mix of dust and oily residues from hands or cabin air. A microfiber cloth is essential because its fibers are designed to trap and lift dirt away instead of pushing it around. For stubborn sticky spots, like those from stickers or kids' fingerprints, a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cloth can dissolve the residue without harming the glass. Always clean windows in the shade, as direct sunlight causes the cleaner to evaporate too quickly, leading to immediate streaking.
| Common Mistake | Why It Causes Streaks | Better Alternative |
|---|
| Using paper towels | Fibers shed and smear dirt | Premium microfiber cloth |
| Spraying cleaner on glass | Liquid soaks into dash/doors | Spray cleaner directly on cloth |
| Using ammonia-based cleaner | Can damage window tint | Ammonia-free glass cleaner |
| Circular wiping motion | Creates visible swirl marks | Straight, overlapping motions |
| Using a single dirty cloth | Reapplies dirt to the surface | Two cloths (one damp, one dry) |
