Over time the upholstery of your car vents out gasses that accumulate on the inside of your windows and causes haze.
Reduced driving visibility can be dangerous, especially when it rains or at night! No matter how much you use your windshield wipers and the amount of wiper fluid you spray, the problem still exists.
Some glass cleaners might just smear the film and make streaks all over.
This can be quite frustrating. That’s why in this article, I’ll share all my knowledge and tips for cleaning windshield haze.
Things that Cause Film on the Inside of Your Windshield
Some of the most prominent culprits of hazy windshields are acid rain, roadside dust, and bird droppings. However, I shall focus on the internal causes and how to remove windshield haze.
Clogged Cabin Air Filter
An exhausted air conditioning system has reduced airflow due to a cabin air filter that is several years old and covered in dust.
Which makes air temperature gradually increase depending on how clogged the cabin filter is, along with other factors such as outside temperature and sunlight exposure.
Not only does that cause foggy car windows, but it also produces a musty stench while HVAC is ON. Change your cabin air filter regularly to avoid a hazy windshield.
Bad Heater Core
Another possible and common problem that may occur is leakage from one of the connectors to the heater core.
Once the heater is working, the air that moves through the box will collect the coolant and deposit it onto the windows through the front vents.
This is causing haze on the car windows and a sweet smell that comes from ethylene glycol(an organic compound used for antifreeze formulations).
Normally, you see leaking on the driver or passenger floorboard, as the heater core is located somewhere under the dashboard. Or, in some cases, see antifreeze under the car.
At this point, the best advice I can give you is to visit a certified mechanic to verify the leak and give an adequate solution.
Vinyl Off-Gassing or Vinyl Protectors
Complete interior outgassing, such as vinyl seats, seat covers, and dash, may vaporize and make a hazy inside of your windshield.
Vinyl protectant products that have been sprayed on the vinyl itself are more likely to cause the problem.
Exposing your car to the sun may enhance the effect.
Top 3 Products That Clean Windshield Haze
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Plunge the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser in water; it works superbly to eliminate the oily film and smoke residue on your car’s windshield. Haze buildup really tough on dirt and offgas from the vinyl interior.
If you or any of your passengers smoke, it will significantly increase the amount of haze that forms from the smoke residue.
Quick and easy solution, I have tried this, and it works perfectly to make your windshield crystal clean. Keep in mind, do not use the magic eraser hard and dry, or it may leave small scratches on your car’s windshield.
Adam’s Aerosol Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner
While eco-friendly, the Ammonia Free Glass Cleaner is safe to use on tinted windows. Glass cleaner aerosol product is a brilliant way to clean interior windshield haze for a cheap price.
Invisible Glass
The Invisible Glass is another excellent glass cleaner that does an awesome job of cleaning foggy windshields. Do not leave streaks, and get rid of the residue of your inside glass perfectly, as the name says.
You get the impression that the glass is invisible since the product is named “Invisible Glass”!
How to Clean Windshield Haze – DIY Process (Vinegar and Alcohol Spray)
Vinegar and Water Mix
We are using a mixture of white vinegar and water to clean and remove the stubborn thin coat of film on your car. This is one of the most effective home remedies you can make.
Items Needed:
- 250ml distilled white vinegar
- 250ml distilled water, if possible
- empty spray bottle with a nozzle
- clean microfiber cloth and paper towels
Pour the white vinegar and water into the spray bottle and shake them well until they fuse.
Next, protect the dashboard from accidental drops by putting paper towels all around.
Spray the cleaner mixture of vinegar and water generously on the windshield surface. After, wipe the windshield clean with a microfiber cloth.
Boom, you’re done with cleaning! If you are unsatisfied, repeat the process to remove the haze completely from your glass.
Alcohol
Another DIY way to clean windshield haze is by using rubbing alcohol.
Rubbing alcohol breaks down sticky or hard materials and evaporates very quickly without leaving any stains.
All you need this time is one part water and two parts rubbing alcohol in your spray bottle. It is a good cleaner, but keep in mind it’s not recommended as it’s harsh and strong-smelling.
Store-bought glass cleaners formula contains alcohol mixed with other ingredients, making it safer to use.
Prevent Windshield Haze
Sunshade Cover
Especially if you park outside in direct sunlight and deal with vinyl and plastic offgas, a good windshield sunshade cover is a great idea. To keep your vehicle cool and clean in the summer months.
Side Window Deflectors(Open Windows)
If you have a problem with a clogged air filter, open one or two of your side windows to provide fresh air. Window deflectors come in clutch here when you park your car outside.
You can leave your vehicle with opened windows to the point where fresh air will be provided, and at the same time, you are protected from rain or snow coming inside your car.
inRain-X to Prevent Windshield Haze
One of the best products that I like to prevent car windshields haze on the exterior is inRain-X. It prevents water from drying and forming a thin coat of haze.
It also does a good job of making it difficult for other substances (like pollen) to stick to the surface.
A haze will appear when you apply this product, which is normal. After when it’s dry, pour water and clean the remaining haze.
Make sure to read the instructions for the best results. Do not apply this product on an interior surface.
Final Thoughts
If a glass fog occurs in your vehicle, take it seriously. It may seem harmless, but believe me, it can get you in a lot of trouble.
Now it’s your turn to tell me, from all the things explained above, what’s causing you the annoying windshield film on your car?
If you have any additional proven tips and tricks, please be sure to mail them to me so I can include them in this article!
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