How to get a streak free window

Windows are by far the most frustrating part of car washing and detailing. But why? Let’s start with the basics:

Sand, soda ash, and limestone

These ingredients make up what we know of as glass. Made around the year 3500 BC, glass has been around for quite a while. And now it is used in almost all buildings (by law in some regions), objects, and of course where our expertise lies, in car glass. Car glass is unique in that it has to be shaped in aerodynamic ways and withstand the bumping of the road. Also unique is that car glass is usually tempered to prevent injury in event of a car crash, the glass will shatter into a thousand pieces instead of sharp shards of glass that will severely injure the passengers. With that quick overview of glass let’s get into the whole streaking situation…

Window Streaks

Windows streak because the either not all the window cleaning solution has been removed or their is dirt still remaining. This is turn shows the power of using great towels and great cleaning chemicals. We recommend using surgical huck towels and microfiber in conjunction. The surgical huck towels are great to pick up dirt and wipe it away. Microfiber will gather any leftover lint or residue.

The Power of Threes

Often in detailing and washing, we find that doing steps in patterns of 3 tend to leave the best results because the first step removes most of the dirt and grime. The second step will remove left over dirt and grime. And finally the 3rd step is a finishing step that provides a streak free shine.

For exterior windows:

1. Spray window with window cleaning chemical generously and wipe clean the window with the huck towels.

2. Do step one again.

3. Then finish the window by spraying it again lightly and wiping clean with a clean microfiber towel

For interior windows.

1. Spray the huck towel itself and then clean the window.

2. Do step 1 again.

3. Finish the interior of the window by lightly spraying a clean microfiber towel and cleaning the interior window.

Wiping Technique

Wiping technique is important! This also is crucial for streak-free windows. We recommend wiping left to right top to bottom in a cross hatch manner. Remember to switch sides of the towel after every pass through.

Conclusion

For our services, we then finish out the window process by having one detail technician standing outside and looking directly into the window “spotting” for the other technician who’s inside the vehicle cleaning any missed spots. But if working alone, it’s best to get a step ladder and clean the interior windows and then get out and check your work by looking at the window with the reflection of the sun or a bright light pointed into the window to create enough glare to simulate the sun illuminating any streaks.

Overall this is the strategy for getting clean windows, and it’s important to remember that nothing can be absolutely perfect. Windows that are 90-95% streak-free are a success and 100% streak-free is always the goal. Streaks happen, but if we’re using the right techniques, we can make windows look substantially better than when they first came in. Stay shining San Diego!