Streak-Free Car Glass Cleaner

Steps

1. Pour 1 cup of distilled water into a 16 oz spray bottle.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and shake vigorously until dissolved.
3. Add 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of isopropyl alcohol. Shake to combine.
4. Spray a light mist onto a microfiber cloth — not directly onto the glass.
5. Wipe the glass in straight horizontal strokes from one side to the other.
6. Flip the cloth to a dry side and buff in vertical strokes to remove any remaining haze.
7. For the inside of the windshield, work from the passenger side to reach the far corners.

Why It Works

Vinegar dissolves the oily film that builds up on the inside of windshields from off-gassing plasticizers and on the outside from road spray. Cornstarch acts as an ultra-fine polishing agent that fills micro-scratches in glass, creating a smoother surface that scatters less light. Isopropyl alcohol breaks down greasy fingerprints and accelerates evaporation so the cleaner does not drip before you wipe it. Distilled water eliminates the mineral deposits that cause white streaks and spots.

Alternative

• Skip the isopropyl alcohol for a fully alcohol-free version. Dry time will be slightly longer.
• Add 5 drops of lemon essential oil for extra grease-cutting power on heavily soiled windows.

Tips

• Always shake before use. Cornstarch settles to the bottom between uses.
• Use a separate cloth for interior and exterior glass. Road grime on an exterior cloth will scratch the inside.
• Clean glass last when detailing a new car — other cleaning products can splatter onto windows.
• For stubborn interior windshield haze, make a second pass with a clean cloth.
• Keeps for up to 3 months at room temperature.