Stupid Question: How to effectively clean interior windows?

[RST Dana]

If you have tint, make sure your cleaner does not have ammonia, otherwise, your tint will suffer.

 

[BlaineBug]

I disagree. All the plastic in these offgasses and puts a film on the glass (and other parts where it's not notice so much). It's ongoing. Forever.

Yes, it's a sort of transparent film. Big difference when cleaning for sure! You will also get streaks if your towel is too saturated and wet. The windshield is the biggest pain in the arse to clean, always has been!

 

[89Suburban]

I use sparing amounts of windex and microfiber cloths. I have of those hand held window cleaning pads with the swivel handle. And I have to zip tie the cloth to it. Still a PITA and not perfect but it's the best solution I have found so far. I am also following along here for other ideas as this is a BIG pet peeve of mine. I like my windshield crystal clear.

 

[89Suburban]

And the last time I used newspaper years ago it wound up scratching my glass so I took that off the list quickly.

 

[Sparksalot]

And the last time I used newspaper years ago it wound up scratching my glass so I took that off the list quickly.

Do newspapers even print anymore?

 

[B-train]

Hello All,

I feel idiotic for having to ask this, but how do you all effectively clean your interior windows? Specifically the windshield?

In times gone by, I have used Windex and newspapers quite effectively in other vehicles. Nice clean windshield, no streaks, no residue.

On my 2013 Escalade ESV (and my wife's 2008 Chevrolet Equinox LTZ), I cannot get the windshield clean to save my life!
The front door windows are tinted, so I don't use ammonia based cleaners. I had tried Invisible Glass, but it kept leaving residue that would show up on chilly mornings. IE fog the windshield, if that makes sense. Or, in direct sunlight, you can see a residue.

Searching on the internet, I found suggestions to use isopropyl alcohol to clean the windshield first, then Invisible Glass. That sorta worked better. Procedure was to spray alcohol on a microfiber rag, then clean part of the windshield. Do it again with a different side of the rag. Then do the same with the Invisible Glass.
I still had streaks and or residue.

Sooooo...thinking about it(which appears to be dangerous for me), I decided that I wasn't using enough of either. Meaning the rag was too dry. So, I drowned the rag in alcohol. Dried the windshield with a new microfiber cloth. Then drowned a rag in Invisible glass. Then dried the windshield with a new microfiber cloth.
And that left awful streaks and residue.


Please offer me advice so I can effectively clean the interior windows of my Escalade!

Thanks

I quit using interior shines years back because all they do is off-gas and make a mess. I've found, like others have stated, that vinegar/water mix works quite well for cleaning everything and leaves a fresh, neutral scent.....no gloss tho if that's your thing.

For windows I've found straight vinegar works phenomenal, and cuts all the crap off. The other thing I use is just plain, blue windshield wash. It also works well and is easy to clean. Wash with a damp towel, follow with a dry towel.

Do yourself a favor and rob the closet of the best towels your wife likes........windows love them too.

 

[89Suburban]

Ok that’s 2 for vinegar

 

[89Suburban]

Doesn’t vinegar stink though? Will the vinegar water mix freeze? I like to keep window cleaner in my truck year round.

 

[B-train]

Doesn’t vinegar stink though? Will the vinegar water mix freeze? I like to keep window cleaner in my truck year round.

Good question there @89Suburban

I would assume it will freeze, but maybe lower than water due to its acidity level. Yes, straight vinegar can smell strong, but it goes away quickly and leaves a fresh smell IMO. However, a gallon of blue -20F windshield wash would probably be your buddy. Nothing fancy needed, just the alcohol infused, colored water. It works almost as good as straight vinegar and has that minty fresh smell....

 

[BlaineBug]

Vinegar only is smelly while you're actively using it and it is wet. It is the oldest, safest, best cleaner around and has been used by generations. The downside is the smell, that's about it. Reminds me of coloring Easter eggs.