Car windshields can become dirty due to various factors such as fingerprints, doggie noses, smog, smoke, dirt, dust, sea salt, and other environmental contaminants. One of the primary reasons for this dirt accumulation is off-gassing, which refers to the release of a substance that causes off-gassing. Cleaning your car windows is crucial for safety and the overall appearance of your ride. To find the best windshield washer fluid, consider factors such as temperature resistance, performance in both low and high temperatures, and the ability to clean streak-free.
A microfiber cloth is the best tool for cleaning the inside of your windshield, as it effectively captures and lifts dirt and residue without leaving streaks behind. RainX 2-in-1 All Season is the best windshield washer fluid, suitable for both interior and exterior glass parts of a car’s windshield. However, most brands of windshield washer fluid are highly toxic and not very environmentally friendly.
To clean interior and exterior house windows, vinegar in warm water in a spray bottle and newsprint can be used. However, it is essential to avoid using products that don’t evaporate the same way water does, as they may leave greasy streaks. Winter fluids contain alcohol, which doesn’t freeze during colder days but is not safe for health. Windshield wiper fluid is a highly toxic compound with ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, and Butanone.
After conducting thorough research, two distinct types of windshield washer fluid are recommended: lint-free microfiber rags or spray bottles, glass cleaner, distilled white vinegar, and rubbing alcohol. While Windex is a great product for home glass, it should not be used on your windshield, even for cleaning the glass.
📹 The Easiest Way To Clean The Inside of Your Windshield (No Streaks!)
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What can I clean the interior of my car with?
It is recommended that the following products be used for the cleaning of vehicles: disinfecting wipes, an ammonia-free window cleaning solution that is invisible to the naked eye, a leather cleaning agent, a carpet cleaning solution, and an upholstery cleaning solution.
Can I use windshield cleaner on my house windows?
While windshield washer fluid is an effective solution, its high toxicity renders it environmentally unsustainable. However, it is soap-free, effectively cleaning glass without leaving streaks or film, in contrast to some soap-based brands.
Is windshield cleaner the same as window cleaner?
It is recommended that a glass cleaner designed for automotive use be selected in order to address issues related to ammonia and streaking. Such products are known to yield superior results compared to their household counterparts.
Can you use a windshield washer on the inside of a windshield?
To clean the interior windows of a vehicle, it is recommended to use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe the windshield. Then, apply rubbing alcohol to remove grease and spray glass cleaner on the other side of the cloth, ensuring that it is not applied to the windshield.
Can I use glass cleaner on the inside of my windshield?
Windex is a cleaning agent that can be used to clean car windows and windshield interiors. However, it is generally advised to avoid using it with tinted windows due to a lack of evidence indicating that it causes any problems. In the event that the windows in question have been treated by a third party, it would be prudent to avoid the use of Windex.
Is glass cleaner OK for windows?
Glass cleaner is a popular household solution for cleaning windows and surfaces, but it can cause more harm than good when used on certain items. This post explains several surprising things you should never use glass cleaner on and explains the cautions. Understanding when to avoid glass cleaners can save you from costly damage and ensure the longevity and beauty of your possessions. For example, wiping down electronics with a standard glass cleaner may seem harmless, but it can cause serious damage to electronics and other items.
Is windshield washer fluid drinkable?
Methanol, the main ingredient in windshield washing fluid, is highly poisonous, with doses ranging from 2 tablespoons to 240 milliliters. Consumption can cause blindness, permanent organ damage, and even permanent blindness. The outcome depends on the amount of poison swallowed and the promptness of treatment. Although many windshield washer fluids are watered-down forms, they still pose a risk if swallowed.
Can you use car window cleaner on house windows and doors?
The author suggests using two towels to clean streak-free glass. First, fold one towel in half twice and spray the glass cleaner directly on it to prevent overspray. Clean one window at a time, or half a windshield, then buff the glass with the second dry towel. While household cleaners are not suitable for cars, less-harmful car glass cleaners can be used in the house, extending your budget. The author encourages others to share their experiences and questions about using less-harmful car glass cleaners in the house.
Do window cleaners do the inside?
Window cleaning services can be done from the outside, as long as the property’s gates are open. If you want the inside windows cleaned, you can use the free key pick up and delivery option. To manage your bookings, log into your Fantastic account or create a new profile. From there, you can apply changes to your service appointments. If the weather is bad and rainy, technicians will assess the situation and inform you if the service is impossible. If it’s impossible, you can reschedule the service for another day.
What do you clean interior windscreen with?
Cleaning the interior of windshields enhances visibility and mitigates glare from solar radiation or vehicle headlights. A solution of 50 parts rubbing alcohol, 50 parts water, 70 parts white vinegar, 15 parts glass cleaner, and 15 parts alcohol may be used.
Can I use Windex on my car interior?
Windex can be used on car windows without issue, but it should not damage other finishes, especially leather upholstery. Use the right materials for car seats to keep your car looking its best in Dover. If you’re still experiencing streaks or issues, try these tips to clean the inside of a windshield like a professional. Opt for a microfiber cleaning cloth instead of paper towels to leave behind small paper fibers. Use a reach-and-clean tool for tricky corner windshield spots. Use a circular motion when wiping with a microfiber cloth, then wipe vertically at the end to remove streaks.
📹 The Best Windshield Wiper Fluid in the World and Why
Windshield wiper fluid. The best windshield wiper fluid in the world and why, review and DIY with Scotty Kilmer. How to clean …
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As a widow l have found the importance of using quality products when it comes to your car. Now that my husband is no longer here to take care of the car l’m always looking at Scotty’s articles so nobody can pull the wool over my eyes. Thanks for all you do in taking care of us and our cars. You truly are appreciated.
Mr. Kilmer, I’ve been a proponent for quite a few products, for many years. Rain-X ; I’ve been using it since 1984… My, (then girlfriend) was amazed how mud, snow, & ice would slide right off and rain would barely even touch my windshield. Amsoil ; Love all thier products. Been using their products since my Dad was a Dealer for them in the 1970’s, (1972‐’73). Treadwright Tires ; Been using their tires since 1993… They started out being very affordable, and great traction in all weather conditions to a Tire Company that has Personal Customer Service, and an outstanding product built to take you anywhere you want to go be-it paved or just a slick-rock covered mountain and home again, safely. Thank You for All You do to Help show how “easy” it is to maintain & repair or replace parts on our vehicles. Sincerely, Sal ‘Boney’ Arico
This stuff really is worth it in my opinion. The greatest part is after a few squirts(washes), it leaves that “Rain-X” coating on the windshield & I hardly ever have to use my wipers anymore when it’s raining. The coating it leaves isn’t slimy or anything either. Love the “Lays” thumbnail by the way… nothing like buying a Frito-Lay product with three chips in it.
I knew Rain-x was going to be the best, but I wanted to hear your opinion! I LOVE Rain-x. At the end of the retail winter season, you can typically get Rain-x winter on clearance! so I stock up for next year! It really helps against rain, I noticed it works better at higher speeds. regardless of your speed, I typically only had to wipe the water off after coming to a complete stop, but don’t use them again after that! So it helps extend your wipers lives too! I just moved 15 minutes out of town into the country and I hit so many bugs in the spring/summer so I wanted better wiper fluid. Rain-x covers everything for you, no matter what type you get. All-season or winter, or whatever other ones they have. they’re all good. I have a milk crate in my trunk and I always have a gallon on hand. Just bought a used Honda Pilot and it’s got the blue crap in it 🙁
I am totally w/ya on this one! I used to get the 99 cent stuff too, but when I drove a 1965 VW bus, I always applied the Rain-X treatment to the windshields, and the wipers were not so great. Now I drive a 2004 Honda Element and use what you recommend here- If there is a light mist, the water just beads up and rolls off!
Scotty, I normally agree with you on your tips and tricks but I strongly disagree about using this product as over time it leaves a gunky film and at least in VW products at least in Ohio’s climate. VW, and I am sure other vehicles have a fluid sensor in the windshield washer fluid bottle that I believe work by electrical resistance to tell you if you are out of fluid. When the fluid goes below the sensor a dash light comes on. Whatever’s in this Rain-X fluid will coat the sensor and even full will light up the dash light because it coats the sensor making it think there’s no fluid in the tank. I had to pull my washer fluid tank and noticed all of this orange residue on the sensor and bottom of the washer fluid bottle that was a nightmare to clean out. I used soap, water, isopropyl alcohol and finally mineral spirits and towels on sticks to finally get all of that orange gunk out. This was last year, so maybe they changed the formula but for me and others on our VW forums this stuff was horrible. After cleaning it all out, cleaning the sensor, and refilling with the correct fluid, all was fine again but I would have concerns for buildup in the pump and lines. Because of this issue I will stick with the other brands.
It’s so crazy my wiper fluid ran out day before yesterday I came onto YouTube hoping @ScottyKilmer had a article and he did. I bought this today and it was way better than the one that it came from the dealership with. There wasn’t any noise. The one before it mad soo much noise on my windshield when the wiper was on. Thanks Scotty
I tried the Rain-X windshield treatment 30 years ago on my new Dodge Caravan. Worked fine for a while then began to wear off in streaks where the wiper blades ran. Applied more product which didn’t eliminate the streaks so called their 800 # to get advice on how to remove it. They had no idea on how to do that “since it never happened before to the best of their knowledge”. I tried lacquer thinner, MEK and acetone to no avail so would up using single edge razor blades to scrape the crap off. Never had the urge to try another Rain-X product since then.
This article came up as a result of my google search on this wiper fluid. I enjoyed it so much that I felt the need to leave google, log into my YouTube app, find this article, and leave this comment to let you know that I enjoyed this helpful article very much. I don’t do much car work myself, but I have subscribed and I now am enjoying other articles as well!
I put some of that orange stuff in two of my vehicles. Within two days, when using the solution, it smelled like a 3rd rate hooker i picked-up back in the day. Took forever to get that fish smell out of my washer bottles. As for the hooker, im still dealing with that problem today. Have a good one everyone!
VW advised me that Rain-X will void the warranty on my car’s automatic intermittent wiper and wash system, as it can foul the rain sensor that controls the intermittent wiper system. That’s disappointing, as I’ve used it for many years on all my other vehicles. It really does a good job cutting through the salt on the windshield used during snowstorms here in the Northeast.
I’ve been using the all season RainX for several years. Before that I used the Winter RaineX. I’ve tried their summer blend but it was not as good as their winter blends. Yep, RaineX is great stuff. Just remember to occasionally wipe off the overspray residue on the windshield as it tends to build up over time.
I found this stuff by accident 10 years ago or more now. Been using it ever since! I swear by this stuff. It is also a light De-icer. Its wonderful! If I take my car/truck in to get worked on, I ALWAYS tell the person not to put that blue SH*& in it. If they do. I make them siphon it all out and refill it with the rain-x at their OWN expense. I do not back down on that. That is how much I love this stuff!
I’ve only been using the rain x for years. Being up in Maine they have a de-icer version that works great! Especially after a nice winter storm and you have to clean them every 2 miles because of the dirty road spray! Beading the rain is absolutely a wiper saver and makes the drive that much safer. I will only use another kind if it’s the only option in a pinch, I swear by the rain x.
REV UP! YOUR KNOWLEDGE SCOTTY! I am surprised you have NOT mentioned that if you use the RAINX in cars that have a low washer fluid sensor in the washer fluid reservoir, that it eventually causes the sensor to malfunction !!!! and you will have a low washer fluid indicator light on your dash even when the reservoir is FULL !! very important to mention this Scotty!
Speaking of changing wipers, most people change them when they don’t have to. Just get a damp paper towel and clean the wiping edge off. I’ve gotten in the habit of using the paper towel that I use with the squeegee at the gas station. It’s a little wet from wiping the squeegee, and I run it along the edge of the wipers after I clean the windshield. Most people think that they have to buy new wipers because they streak, when there’s just a build-up of gunk on them. I had the original ones that came from the factory on my truck for 5 1/2 years, and only replaced them when they started to separate.
I like how you said about what is in washer fluid. Yeah thats not sunny D kids or orange juice. . Lol but yes ive used rain x myself . Especially when driving a tractor trailer heck going 60 to 65 mph the rain was flying off window my wipers were off . And I could see great. . Plus that all weather formula is great for ice and snow it wont really stick on glass. My dodge dynasty uses alot especially because one of the squirters broke and I made it work by putting the hose in the other squirter. Each wiper arm has 2 on my car and one broke so I moved it down to the other to make it function
Scotty, I’ve been using the orange 2 in 1 All Season RainX for many years now and you are absolutely correct on this stuff!! The only difference is since I live in the Mid Atlantic and I travel to New York a lot to visit family I shop for the RainX that is rated for -25F. Always enjoy your article’s!!!!
My passenger side hops but driver side stays down. I just put new ones on a couple months ago and they seemed fine and were smooth. I think they got slightly dried up In hot climate and are maybe stiffer and I’m sure the rubber will start splitting In a few more months and I will have to buy some new ones again. And another thing, I tried the ones from dealership for my truck paying twice as much and they were even worse and Immediately hopping around on windshield.
I use a lot of washer fluid… well its not a lot to me, but a lot more than most other people I know. I used to have an hours drive to work, and had to get up and on the road early, so I used washer fluid every morning to clear the windshield, especially in the winter to clear the frost. But in the winter, I had a time with washer fluids freezing in the lines and nozzles, which slowed me down as I had to clear the windshield by hand, and did have any washer fluid if the window started to freeze over again while driving. I even had one fluid freeze in the tank before. So I tried mutliple different fluids. The second to last washer fluid I tried was the Rainx winter fluid you were holding. I like the rainx windshield treatment, so figured their washer fluid would be good too…. Well, I ran it for a while and it seemed fine. But then it got down in the teens to 20’s F one night, and the next morning it was froze in the washer fluid nozzles. Got the nozzles thawed out and working, so that day I added a whole bottle of alcohol to my washer fluid tank and flushed the lines, thinking adding the alcohol would stop it from freezing and I could at least finish using what fluid was in the tank. Well, the next morning the nozzles were froze again… and yes I made sure to flush the lines and nozzles when I filled the tank with the RainX. In any case, I couldn’t keep it from freezing, so the next fluid I tried was Preston’s Winter washer fluid, which (if I remember right) was supposed to be good down to -35f.
Rain-X might be good, unless you’re driving a VAG car. That stuff ruins the level sensor of the washing fluid tank on these cars. By the way, I feel bad for you guys in Texas, over here in Scandinavia the regular “blue stuff” is mostly made of water, propane-2-ol, ethanol and butanone. It’s strong, efficient, cheap and does not freeze until it reaches -0,4 degrees fahrenheit.
I’ve had problems with an oily inside windshield. I bought Windex, etc. None worked, I figure I’d splurge and buy the Rani-X windshield cleaner, didn’t work any better. Then for the outside I bought Rain-X wipers which it says it will leave a Rain-X film on the windshield so the rain will sheet off. The wipers didn’t do as listed and they squeek.
This stuff also coats the low fluid sensor in some cars and the low fluid light will never go off again. I lost some of the function of my dash display in my Passat for years because of the stuff (it covers the compass and obscures other warning lights). Be careful, or you may have to remove and clean or replace the sensor to fix it (or ignore it and be angry about it for years, which was the way I approached the situation…. 😁
Haha. Glad I saw this. My wife was protesting putting in the RainX that I had so I said I would just buy some of the cheap blue stuff. She said, no, ill just put water in it. I said it will be getting cold soon. She protested that too. So, she not only added water, but soapy water. So the wiper stops spraying and I finally determine the soap is causing the pump to fail through production of air bubbles. I siphon out as much as I can and then ran the hose into it to get the soap out. Eventually it starts working again. I think I should win a free gallon just for the trauma, Scotty. Thought I might have to replace the pump but got lucky.
That’s why I never allow that stuff to be in my car if I happen to be driving in California. I take it out and put something else in. I tend to use the Prestone because it’s good to about 30 below and it also what’s a finish on the windshield that allows the water to bead up. Which does protect the paint by the way.
Peak used to make a purple rain repellant fluid that I found much better than the Rain X. Haven’t seen it in years so I’ve been back on Rain X. It works well enough all season long. I wipe my wiper blades off and the scum line where they rest nearly every time I get in my car then give the washer fluid a tap. Dirty streaky windshields are not my thing.
I use RainX washer fluid up here in canada. It is giod but i like tye General Motors washer fluid only from GM dealers its pink called optikleen… GM spent a fortune in tge 1970s developing a windshield washer that would work for bugs and ice in all weather in all parts of the world. Every GM car truck leaving the factory has it. Its about the same price as RainX. Costs gone up here in Canada both around 6.99-10.99 a gallon.
Counter-point: Rain X washer fluid ruined my wife’s BMW’s windshield sprayer motor. The shop said the regular standard blue washer fluid was the best stuff to use to avoid damage. I believe it’s the waxy agents in the Rain X that jammed up the sprayer motor. Use the standard blue stuff, maybe years ago it was trash but nowadays it’s good.
I use Rain-X products on all my vehicles. I only use Rain X in my transport trucks But I also clean all of the vehicles glass including the mirrors. Start with Rain X window cleaner on all the windows and mirrors, now follow up by rubbing all the glass with 0000 steel wool then clean the windows again to remove the small 0000 steel wool dust. now apply Rain X water repelant which is not the same as the Rain X cleaner. I apply 2 coats of the spray to all the windows including the mirrors, letting each coat to dry. Once the Rain X dries lets say after 5 minutes now use a micro fiber towel to buff each window to remove the excess residue then take a second clean micro fiber towel and rebuff to a brilliant shine. This does take some time and minimal effort but its worth the time. First time take the longest as you have to clean the window surface 1st. But remember you need to reapply the Rain X treatment about every 60 days and bu using the Rain X windshield washer fluid you may not have to do this as often but its well worth it. I drive in the heaviest of rains and show and hardly use my wipers. Great products.
I’ve noticed that rain exe comes in different solutions the normal one I used to buy used to say was good to – 25 I need that when i go up to Vermont skiing i seen ones that only good to – 20 made by rain exe hey Scotty, Prestone on makes 1 it’s good to – 27 could you check that 1 out i have found out that any the solutions that only go up to – 20 freeze up in Vermont
Bought a used Toyota van from a non Toyota dealership. In December. Of course, they didn’t use defroster antifreeze. And it froze in the tubes. Lesson learned. Dealerships go figure. Wanted a 123 year vehicle which is hard to find privately cuz people haven’t paid him off. Good deal, but of course issues. Can’t believe the washer fluid thing. That took a few minutes to fix. But suck to find out the hard way
I think the cheap stuff also clogs the wiper system and sprayers with calcium deposits, etc. I noticed after using the cheap wiper fluid that it clogged my rear wiper sprayer, noticed green dried stuff on the nozzle. I sprayed a bit of wheel cleaner and it seemed to de-clogg the sprayer but thats it, no more cheap stuff. Much appreciated tip Scotty, thank you!
BIG CAVEAT: Scotty lives in Texas. If you live in the north, like me, the 0-degrees farenheit stuff will still freeze in your lines. In Michigan we get well into the negatives. I just keep the -20 degree stuff in my tank at all times. The “summer” blend that’s supposed to be better at cleaning bugs isn’t that big of a difference. Especially if you don’t have garage parking, if your lines freeze, they’ll be frozen all winter.
Great product and I agree with the Rain X all season. Rain-X…..the faster you go on a rain slicked interstate….the better it works!!! This maybe overkill but I apply the Rain-X wax to the windshield surface with a microfiber towel. Even with that I still use the Rain X washer fluid. Prestone is great but in my experience the Rain-X is better especially with the water repellent qualities. I have give into full on squall line downpours and either use no wipers at all or at the minimal setting.
hello, the window cleaning fluid is not the best if it cleans the best, it’s the best when it doesn’t destroy your wipers and cleans your windshield. Sometimes the expensive cleaner is so good that in little time it damages your wiper blades, so that’s bad. Specially in the summer, even water is ok. it doesn’t damage your blades. i still have my original blades on my 12 years kia proceed. on other car after market ones last one two three months at most. so for me wiper blades life is more important than a sparkling clean windshield. i mean if making it shine is your goal use gasoline or naphtha, it will definitely clean it best…..