Ammonia is an excellent glass cleaner. However, it can easily damage the paint, upholstery, and carpet in your car. Be careful of drips when using it as a cleaner. [1] X Research source To make your own water-vinegar cleaner, mix one part hot water with one part vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake well.
If you’re using ammonia to clean your windows, pour a small amount of ammonia on the microfiber cloth before wiping the windshield. Remember to wear gloves when handling ammonia. If you don’t have microfiber cloths, newspaper can be used instead.
When using a squeegee, you can skip the cleaner and fill a bucket with dish soap and warm water. Dip the squeegee in the bucket and clean the windows. Keep a paper towel on hand to dry the rubber side of the squeegee in between strokes.
If you don’t have microfiber cloths, consider buffing the windshield dry with newspaper. The newsprint won’t leave lint marks and the ink polishes the windows to a shine. [5] X Research source Don’t let the windshield dry on this own. This is how those pesky streaks are created in the first place.
Keep all the doors open to ventilate your workspace, especially if you’re using ammonia. Breathing in chemical fumes can be harmful to your health. Don’t use a squeegee on the inside of your car.
Most cars have a lever near the steering wheel that operates the windshield wipers. To spray windshield wiper fluid, simply pull the lever towards you. Check your car periodically to make sure your wiper fluid is at the right level. Never substitute with water.
The windshield wipers should move from their resting position into their “cleaning” position easily. If you feel too much resistance when moving them, stop and refer to your car manual. Don’t get soapy water on your clean windshield or you may undo all of your hard work!
Pinch the edge of the wipers with the cloth when drying them. This will help maintain the sharp edge of the rubber. Wipe in the same direction when using a cloth on windshield wipers. Start from the part closest to the car and move out towards the edge.
If you are handy with cars, you can replace them yourself. However, make sure you use the correct windshield wiper for your car. Most people prefer to change their windshield wipers at the end of winter just before the spring rains start.
Don’t opt out of wiper fluid. It’s dangerous to drive without it. If you get mud on your windshield, your wipers won’t be able to remove it and your visibility will be dangerously limited. If you run out of wiper fluid and don’t know how to refill it, ask your mechanic to do it for you.
