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Nothing’s worse than a cloudy, streaky windshield that’s hard to see through. Not only is it annoying, it’s also dangerous. Whether driving on a clear, sunny day, through rain, snow, or fog, or at night, you need to be able to see what’s outside your vehicle clearly and accurately. Windshield washer fluid is only going to get you so far. Eventually, you will need a good window cleaner to clear the grime on all of your windows to restore that clarity you need for a safe drive.
If you’re looking for a great car window cleaner that won’t disappoint and will leave your windows looking as good as new, we got you covered with our top-of-the-line recommendations and handy buying guide that will help you weed through the hype and get a reliable cleaner that’s not a waste of money.
Our Methodology
The best car window cleaners are those that leave you with a streak-free, smudge-free line of sight whether you’re looking out your passenger windows or your front windshield. And that was the key metric we used to compare different cleaning products — our top picks are products that are formulated to leave windows crystal-clear, free of all kinds of marks from smudges to water spots to bugs and debris. We took a look at the formulation of each cleaner, looking for items that are potent yet safe for use on tinted windows. And we dove into users’ reviews to assess what kinds of results each cleaner could deliver when put to the test on dirty car windows.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Invisible Glass Glass Cleaner
- Best Value: Sprayway Glass Cleaner
- Honorable Mention: Chemical Guys Signature Series Glass Cleaner
- Best Cleaner/Repellent Combo: Rain-X 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner and Rain Repellant
- Best Concentrated Formula: Meguiar’s Glass Cleaner Concentrate
- Eco-Friendly Option: Adam’s Glass Cleaner
- Most Convenient Option: Invisible Glass Glass Wipes
Best Car Window Cleaner Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Invisible Glass Glass Cleaner
Pros
- Long-lasting cleaning solution
- Tough on dirt and grime
- Doesn’t leave residue, streaks, or haze behind
- Safe for chrome and tinted windows
Cons
- Large bottle can get heavy to work with
- Can’t adjust spray pattern
Invisible Glass wins our pick for the best car window cleaner overall because it’s the most product that you can get for the price and that removes a number of contaminants without leaving a single streak. This automotive glass cleaner comes in a 32-ounce spray bottle.
They don’t call it a mirror-like finish for nothing. When you clean a mirror, you want to be able to see a crystal clear image, so that’s why we chose Invisible Glass. You won’t have to worry about hazing, streaks, or residue. Invisible Glass even works on chrome surfaces to shine up your bling. The formula is ammonia-free, so it’s safe to use on tinted windows. The spray bottle packaging means you won’t have to worry about the compressed air within, as you would with an aerosol can.
However, you might find the spray bottle, at over 30 ounces of product, becomes heavy over time. You also aren’t able to adjust the spray pattern, unfortunately. At the same time, Invisible Glass makes it easy for any driver to clean their windows with ease.
Best Value: Sprayway Glass Cleaner
Pros
- Recycled steel canister
- Contains zero ammonia and ozone-depleting chemicals
- Little to no fragrance or scent
- Easy to apply broadly
Cons
- Can’t be used if nozzle is damaged or altered
- Harder to store than others
A close second, Sprayway’s Glass Cleaner wins our value pick this time around. A favorite among professionals, Sprayway gives a nod to the environmental folks with their recyclable cans that are actually made of recycled steel. It just goes to show that you can clean your windows and save the environment at the same time.
In all seriousness, Sprayway brings a strong, no-drip formula to the table. With zero ammonia and ozone-depleting chemicals, you won’t have to worry about damaging your tinted windows or the ozone layer. Sprayway’s glass cleaner has little to no aroma. With a replaceable cap and an ergonomic can shape, Sprayway glass cleaner offers up a small-but-mighty product.
Like almost any aerosol can, losing the nozzle means the can becomes a dud. Without any way to release the glass cleaner within the can, your only choice is to dispose of the product. Aerosol glass cleaners are harder to store since they have to be upright and can be awkward to stuff behind a seat or in the trunk.
Honorable Mention: Chemical Guys Signature Series Glass Cleaner
Pros
- Non-toxic, ammonia-free, and gentle on surfaces
- Widely versatile for windows, mirrors, and even electronics
- Breaks down dirt, bugs, and other debris
- Fresh scent
Cons
- Can streak if not wiped carefully
- Nozzle can loosen up with use
Chemical Guys is a reliable company that never fails to deliver high-quality products. This time, it offers a highly efficient glass cleaner that can be used on car windows, mirrors, computers, phones, and more. With such a wide application, it’s one of the most versatile cleaners on the market. You can use it on your vehicles as well as around the household.
What makes this product stand apart from others is a unique streak-free formula. The liquid sprays and spreads on the surface with ease, removing dirt, dust, debris, bugs, and other types of residue without leaving streaks. The formula is also non-toxic and ammonia-free, which makes it safe to use on all kinds of surfaces. You can even use it on tinted windows. Additionally, the cleaner leaves a fresh smell that lingers.
There are a few things to keep in mind with this cleaner, though. First of all, it might leave some streaks on the exterior if not wiped off carefully. It might require some extra elbow grease. Secondly, some users noticed that the nozzle tends to loosen up after a while.
Best Cleaner/Repellent Combo: Rain-X 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner and Rain Repellant
Pros
- No-residue formula
- Cleans quickly and with little elbow grease
- No buffing required
- Protects and repels rain
Cons
- Can damage interior tint
- Bottles may leak during shipping
If you’re looking for a versatile product you can use on different glass types, this might be a perfect choice for you. The Rain-X cleaner is ideal for all kinds of vehicles and windows around the house. You’ll be able to clean glass surfaces rather quickly and effortlessly.
The Rain-X cleaner features an efficient formula that removes snow, ice, bugs, dirt, water spots, and other residues. It also leaves a protective coat that repels rain. The application is super easy—you just need to spray the liquid on the surface and wipe it off. No extra buffing is required. Also, the product leaves no residue behind, so you won’t notice those annoying streaks after cleanup.
The main drawback of this product comes from the powerful formula. It might damage the tint on the inside glass of car doors, so make sure to use it with extra care. Also, some buyers complained about getting bottles that leaked during shipping.
Best Concentrated Formula: Meguiar’s Glass Cleaner Concentrate
Pros
- Cleans exterior and interior of windows
- Can be diluted to varying strengths
- Works on dirt, bugs, and residues
- Easy to spray and wipe
Cons
- Does require extra buffing for a flawless finish
- Strongly scented
Meguiar’s is one of the best-rated companies when it comes to automotive cleaning products. With a wide range of cleaners, polishers, and waxes, it provides customers with many choices. Our pick is the glass cleaner concentrate that proves to be very efficient in removing dirt, bugs, and other residues from glass surfaces.
The concentrated formula is incredibly effective at cleaning both the inside and outside of car windows. You get to have crystal clear glass without much effort. The liquid sprays and wipes off effortlessly, which makes the overall cleaning process as easy as it can get. Although very powerful, the formula won’t damage the window tints and is safe to use. The product comes in a 1-gallon bottle and lasts for quite a while.
Just keep in mind that this product might require some extra buffing for flawless results. It tends to leave some streaks if not wiped thoroughly. Also, a lot of users complained about the strong scent that lingers for quite a while. You might need to wait sometime after cleanup to drive your vehicle.
Eco-Friendly Option: Adam’s Glass Cleaner
Pros
- Leaves behind a protective layer to fight dirt
- Eco-friendly
- Ammonia-free formula
- Fresh, pleasant scent
Cons
- Can leave behind residue
- Can leave behind a foggy haze
Adam’s Glass Cleaner is an efficient product you can use on both inside and outside car windows. It comes from a reliable company that never fails to deliver high-quality products. With a powerful formula, this cleaner proves to be one of the top products within the category.
The cleaner has a concentrated formula that is safe to use on tinted and non-tinted windows. It applies in a breeze and leaves a protective coating on the surface. The product is eco-friendly, doesn’t contain ammonia, and ensures enhanced visibility. It’s ideal for removing dirt, dust, debris, water, and other substances. Additionally, it has a fresh smell that lingers.
The main drawback of the product is the tendency to leave some residue. The glass might be foggy if not wiped carefully. There’s another possible issue with the product. Some buyers didn’t receive the bottle with the sprayer nozzle. Having to use the sprayer from another bottle is quite inconvenient.
Most Convenient Option: Invisible Glass Glass Wipes
Pros
- Easy to apply and use
- Portable and won’t spill
- Works on interior and exterior of windows
- Strong enough for bird droppings and bugs
Cons
- Really best used for quick cleanups
- May leave behind residue
The Invisible wipes are ideal for those who are looking for a quick cleaning solution that can be used on the road. They come in a convenient container you can take with you and keep within hand’s reach for emergencies. For such versatility and portability, they are also very well priced.
These wipes efficiently clean glass surfaces, removing bird droppings, bug splatters, dirt, grime, and more. They don’t leave any streaks or residue themselves and allow for hassle-free use. You’ll be able to easily wipe away annoying residue from both inside and outside windows. Additionally, the wipes are ammonia-free. They are safe for tinted windows and don’t leave any odors. All in all, these wipes make cleaning glass surfaces super easy.
Still, it’s important to keep in mind that these wipes are designed for quick cleanups. Therefore, they are not the best solution for removing stubborn stains and piles of dirt. Also, you might need to use a microfiber towel to wipe the surface after the first cleanup. This way, you can avoid possible residue that the wipes might leave on the surface.
Our Verdict on Car Window Cleaners
When it comes to the best of the bunch, you’re going to want to equip yourself with Invisible Glass’ Glass Cleaner. This top-tier car window cleaner leaves your windows beautifully clean and streak-free, plus it’s safe for use on almost any surface. But if you’re keeping value at the top of your mind, consider Sprayway Glass Cleaner. It’s a much-loved choice for automotive cleaning and detailing, and it’s priced affordably.
What to Consider When Buying Car Window Cleaners
Car Window Cleaners Key Features
Easy Application:
Applying glass cleaner to your vehicle shouldn’t be the hard part. Choose a glass cleaner that goes on easy in whichever way you choose, whether it’s via a spray bottle, aerosol can, or glass wipe. Spray bottles tend to be easier to use, but you may find the spray nozzle on an aerosol can to be less demanding of your hand. Multiple spray patterns aid in quick application as well.
Chemical Components
Most car window cleaners have chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, butoxyethanol, and more. While these chemicals are great at cleaning and not leaving behind any streaks, they can be harmful to children, pets, and people with skin sensitivities and allergies. If you’re concerned about that, consider choosing products with natural ingredients, such as vinegar and essential oils that are less likely to irritate your skin and respiratory tract.
Rated for Tinted Windows
Whether or not your windows are tinted, you should purchase a glass cleaner that is safe for this type of aftermarket upgrade. Tint-safe glass cleaners don’t include ammonia in their formula, so stay away from those products that list it as an ingredient. The more non-toxic your glass cleaner is, the safer it is to use not only on your glass but also in other applications as well.
Streak-Free
Glass cleaners only work when they leave your windows looking new. Choose a streak-free formula so you don’t have to climb in, out, and around your vehicle trying to make sure you wipe away all the haze. Glass cleaners that leave a residue behind are notorious for causing streaks, so avoid these products if you can.
Car Window Cleaners Pricing
Car window cleaners are very affordable. In fact, most single spray bottles and aerosol cleaning solutions are priced at just $2 to $10 total. You’ll also find single-use wipes within this price range. For $11 to $25, you can get more cleaning solution per bottle or pack. And if you want a comprehensive kit, you can get car window cleaner plus microfiber towels, wipes, and other accessories for $26 to $35.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: While many car glass cleaners are safe and recommended for use on multiple surfaces, including household applications, be sure to read the label of the brand you choose prior to use. Some glass cleaners can damage stickers or decals, as well as remove the lettering printed on your dash, stereo, and steering wheel.
A: Again, this depends on the brand of glass cleaner that you use. Most are safe for dashes, door handles, touch screen displays, vinyl seats, etc. Read your label first, though, to avoid damage and heartache. We certainly don’t recommend using glass cleaner on your car’s leather interior, either.
A: In theory, most glass cleaners will be effective at removing bug guts and bird droppings, depending on how thickly these things are coated onto your windows. However, for most tough cases, you’ll need a stronger, more targeted cleaner, especially for really sticky and tough tree sap, tar, and road paint. We recommend trying more aggressive cleaners on an inconspicuous area first to ensure that they don’t damage your car’s finish or paint.
A: The best way to apply car glass cleaner is to spray the cleaner directly onto a clean and soft microfiber or paper towel, then apply this to the windows in a uniform direction. Try to keep a set of towels dedicated only to window cleaning to ensure they don’t get contaminated with other chemicals and leave behind unsightly greasy streaks and debris, or worse, scratch the surface of your windows. Try also to avoid applying glass cleaner in extreme heat or direct sunlight, as this can cause it to dry out faster than you can wipe it off, leaving streaks behind.
A: While many people recommend cleaning your windows each time you wash your vehicle, you may be able to get away with cleaning your interior windows less frequently. However, if you have children or pets who tend to touch the windows and windshield frequently, you may want to clean more often. If it’s a stormy or messy time of year, you may need to clean pollen, bird droppings, bug guts, mud, and other debris off your windows more frequently — maybe even daily.