When the inside of your windshield gets dirty with streaks, smudges, and that annoying haze that seems to always build up, it’s important to not only know how to clean your windshield but to also know which interior windshield cleaner works the best. Below is a list of glass cleaners that we recommend that will allow you to get a super-clean, streak-free windshield that almost seems to be non-existent.
- Invisible Glass 99050
- Chemical Guys CLD30064
- Driven Extreme Duty Glass Cleaner
- Griot’s Garage 11110
- Shine Armor Anti Fog Hero
- 3M Glass Cleaner 08888
- Trico 47112
Best Windshield Cleaner for Inside Car 2022 – Top Picks:
Invisible Glass 99050 | Chemical Guys CLD30064 | Driven Extreme Duty Glass Cleaner | Griot’s Garage 11110 | Shine Armor Anti Fog HeroQuick Wax | 3M Glass Cleaner 08888 | Trico 47112Ultimate Protection | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Manufacturer Part Number | 99050 | CLD30064 | DRIVEN-00007 | 11110 | CA-Fog1 | 8888_2PACK | 47112 |
Capacity | 22 oz | 64 oz | 16 oz | 128 oz | 5.6 oz | 19 oz | 19 oz |
Country of Origin | USA | USA | USA | USA | USA | USA | No data |
Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
Important Features of a Great Windshield Cleaner for inside car
A clean windshield will enhance the look of your vehicle and allow you drive better and with more confidence under any weather condition. Below are some of the features you should look for in a great windshield cleaner:
Ammonia-Free: Ammonia is good at cutting grease and grime, but it has some drawbacks. For one, its smell is rather offensive. Second, if you get any overspray on plastic, vinyl, leather, or the rubber seals, ammonia may dry the materials out prematurely. Finally, if you have tinted glass, the tint is applied to the inside and ammonia will harm the tint. Most household glass cleaners contain ammonia.
Best Ammonia-Free Windshield Cleaner: All of these listed cleaners are ammonia-free
Application Style: Windshield cleaners come in several application styles. These include liquids in spray form, foaming cleaners, and towelettes. Some come concentrated so that they can be diluted to a preferred strength.
Best Professionally Recommended Windshield Cleaner Type or Form: Chemical Guys CLD30064
Streak-Free: Nothing is worse than trying to see through the glare created by a streaky windshield on a sunny day or from oncoming headlights at night.
Best Windshield Cleaner for a Streak-Free Clean: Invisible Glass 99050
Invisible Glass 99050
Invisible Glass 99050 is a complete windshield cleaning kit that includes the cleaner in a trigger-action spray bottle, a flexible cleaning wand (with an extension pole) to help clean hard to reach areas, and reusable microfiber bonnets. Its formula contains no ammonia, soaps, or silicone that can cause material damage or streaking. It also contains no synthetic fragrances and no dyes that can make a glass cleaner “pretty”, but cause streaking. Because Invisible Glass contains no soaps, scents, or dyes, it will leave no residue that can attract dirt and grime.
Pros
- Ammonia-free formula
- No scents, dyes, or soaps
- Includes microfiber bonnets and a reach tool
- Also works well on mirrors and chrome surfaces
Cons
- Easy to over-wet the cleaning pad
- Triangular-shaped pad can be awkward to use
Chemical Guys CLD30064
Chemical Guys window cleaner is a favorite of auto detailers. It provides a streak-free shine and contains no ammonia or other harsh chemicals that will harm original or aftermarket window tints. It does contain static inhibitors that will help keep dust and dirt from clinging to your windshield, keeping it cleaner longer.
This cleaner will also perform well on mirrors, screens, and lens covers, making it a multi-purpose cleaner. Put it in a spray bottle, spray it on the windshield, and then simply buff it off. It couldn’t be easier.
Pros
- Will not streak, spot or stain tinted windows
- Ammonia-free formula
- Professional grade cleaner
- Helps reduce static cling
- No harsh smell
Cons
- Doesn’t work well on water spots
- Requires a completely dry cloth when removing to keep it from streaking
Driven Extreme Duty Glass Cleaner
Driven Extreme Duty Glass Cleaner is an acid gel formula cleaner that works well on stains and hard water spots. Care must be taken when using this cleaner, due to the fact that it is a powerful and aggressive cleaner. The windshield should be dampened before Driven Extreme is applied. To apply to your windshield, use a small amount of this cleaner on a damp cloth or sponge.
It is one of the strongest cleaners on the market. It contains a minty-smelling fragrance, so if you are sensitive to odors, this product might not be right for you. Extreme Duty is safe to use on tinted windows, but be aware it does contain abrasives, so care must be taken. If your car has been sitting for an extended period and the windshield is extremely dirty, this is the product to use to return the glass to its original luster.
Pros
- Strongest cleaner on the market
- Removes tough hard water stains
Cons
- Hard scrubbing could scratch the windshield glass
- Leaves a minty smell
Griot’s Garage 11110 Window Cleaner
Griot’s 11110 Window Cleaner is another favorite of professional auto detailers. It delivers a haze-free clean and contains no ammonia, making it safe to use on tinted windows. It also contains no dyes or perfumes. Because of this, it is a great choice for anyone with chemical sensitivities or sensitive skin.
Because it is alcohol-based, it is best to apply the cleaner to a microfiber towel and then use the towel to clean your windshield. Many users say that Griot’s works so well they carry a spray bottle of it in their car and will never use that “gas station” windshield cleaner again.
Pros
- Contains no ammonia
- Resists hazing
- Leaves no residue behind
Cons
- Pricy
- Will leave streaks if not completely wiped off
- Requires more buffing than other cleaners
Shine Armor Anti Fog Hero
Anti Fog Hero contains a coating technology that resists fogging and water condensation while cleaning your windshield. It contains anti-static properties that will stop dust and dirt from collecting on the glass. It will work well on all glass surfaces.
Anti Fog Hero contains no solvents, so it is great for interior windshield and window use for chemically sensitive individuals. You spray it on, wait for the cleaner to dry, and then buff it off. If you have tinted windows on your vehicle, try this shine Armor product in a small area first to make sure it works with your type of tint.
Pros
- Anti-fogging and anti-static properties
- Also works well on household glass
Cons
- Not as easy to use as other glass cleaners
- Can require multiple treatments to provide anti-fogging
- Can leave a film if not completely buffed off
- Doesn’t work as well on tinted glass
3M Glass Cleaner 08888
This 3M glass cleaner comes in a 2-pack, 19-ounce aerosol can. It does its work with a foaming action that stays where it is applied, even on vertical surfaces. It is safe to use on tinted glass, which is an important feature of an automotive glass cleaner. It works quickly to dissolve smudges and leaves behind no residue. This is really a multi-purpose cleaner. In addition to your windshield, you can use it safely to clean all vinyl and interior plastic materials. It is non-flammable and contains no chemicals that will damage painted surfaces, so you never have to worry about over-spray.
This 3M cleaner does have a stronger odor that some people complain about. So before you fill the interior of your vehicle with this cleaner, make sure that you can tolerate the smell.
Pros
- Foaming action
- Doesn’t drip or run
- Will not affect painted or metal surfaces
Cons
- Users complain about streaks and haze
- Several online complaints about the strength of the formula
- Pricy compared to other windshield cleaning products
- Has a strong odor
Trico 47112 Aquapel Aerosol Glass Windshield Cleaner
Aquapel is an ammonia-free, foaming glass cleaner that stays where it is applied until you wipe it away. It is easy to use and dries quickly with a streak-free finish. It is safe to use on vinyl and fiberglass surfaces. All that is required is a light spray, as Aquapel has a great foaming action.
Aquapel shouldn’t be used in bright sunlight because it will dry too quickly and cause streaks that can be very difficult to remove. Also, you should test it on a small area first because some users complain about it having a strong chemical odor.
Pros
- A little product goes a long way
- Will not drip or run
Cons
- Shouldn’t be used in bright sunlight
- Strong chemical odor
Conclusion
Keeping your windshield and car windows clean displays your pride of ownership. Doing so will also help with sun glare and reduce defrost times, making you a safer driver. In our opinion, Invisible Glass 99050 is the overall winner, hands down (>>> Find on Amazon). It has no annoying smell, is safe on all window tints, and is easy to both apply and wipe off. Because it leaves no residue behind, your windshield will remain cleaner longer.