How to Remove Streaks on a Windshield

Windshield streaks reduce visibility while driving, which can be dangerous. Remove windshield streaks by using glass cleaner and cleaning the wipers.
Written by Kathryn Mae Kurlychek
Removing streaks from windshields is easy when you use glass cleaner. If the source of the streaks is a windshield wiper, you'll have to clean the individual wiper blades.
  • A streaked windshield is dangerous and should be taken care of as soon as possible.
  • The best way to clean your car’s windshield is with an automotive-grade glass cleaner.
  • Don’t forget to clean your wiper blades along with their resting place, or they'll get your windshield dirty again. 

Use glass cleaner on windshield streaks

When it comes to getting your windshield squeaky clean, the first step to take is to use a glass cleaner. While you can get away with using generic brands (like Windex) on your car, it’s probably better to pick up some automotive-grade solvent from your local auto parts store.
Windshield glass cleaner typically comes in a spray bottle, which can be easily wiped away with a microfiber cloth. 
For minimal streaking, here’s what to do:
  • Start by wiping the windshield in a vertical pattern.
  • Switch to a horizontal pattern when you’re close to finished.
  • Avoid circular motions, which can increase glare
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
Find insurance savings

Clean the windshield wipers

If your windshield is frequently dirty, it may not be the glass to blame. Rather, your windshield wipers could be the culprit. 
Even if the wipers aren’t what caused the streaks in the first place, if you’ve ever tried to use them to clean something off your windshield, they’ve probably gotten grimy in the process.
Dirty windshield wipers can cause serious streaking—but you don’t always need to resort to replacing them. Using an all-purpose cleaner, follow these steps to clean your car’s wiper blades:
  • Wipe the blades up and down with a cloth and an all-purpose cleaner.
  • Clean the part of the car where the blades rest—either at the base of the windshield or the cowl.
While you’re at it, inspect the blades to make sure they’re not chipped or torn. If your wiper blades are crumbling, your car may need replacement blades.
Another tip: Keep an eye on the
windshield wiper fluid levels
and washers. Make sure they're functional and not clogged or dirty.

Protect the windshield

Once you've cleaned streaks off of your windshield, consider adding an extra layer of protection to your glass with a specialized glass treatment. 
Glass treatments—whether they be self-applicable solvents or a transparent film custom fitted to your car’s windshield—can be a worthwhile investment that protects your windshield from dirt and streaking, along with more harmful debris. 
According to
Saferoad.org
, here are the top three glass treatments on the market:
MORE: What size windshield wipers do I need?
“When we added a new car to our family, we were shocked at how high our current insurer was going to hike our rates. We used
Jerry
for some comparison shopping and are now saving around $1000 a year. Thank you, Jerry!” —Darius P.

FAQs

Your windshield could be hiding lots of dirt and dust if your windshield wipers aren’t working properly, or if they’re too worn out. If cleaning the windshield and wiper blades doesn’t help eradicate the problem, it may be time to replace the blades.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings