The 10 Best Windshield Cleaners of 2020
Photo: Invisible Glass
Vehicle safety encompasses many things, but one that is easy to overlook is keeping the windshield clean enough. But, it is still one of the most important things you need to do for your safety and that of other road users.
And while most people will often use regular soap and water to clean their windshields, this is not always very effective. For fast and effective windshield cleaning, you need to use the best windshield cleaners.
Windshield cleaners have a unique formula for cleaning glass, and they will leave with a clear windshield to ensure excellent visibility. Also, they will protect the glass from the elements to ensure long service life.
However, like most other car accessories, there are several types of windshield cleaners from various companies in the market.
And to help you choose something effective at cleaning your windshield below, we review 10 top-rated windshield cleaners and explain the vital factors to watch out for when shopping for one.
You can also read other product reviews of windshield washer fluid, dashboard cleaner, catalytic converter cleaner, upholstery cleaner, wheel and tire cleaner.
10 Best Windshield Cleaners - Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Invisible Glass 91164 (Best Overall) | ||
 | 2. Rain-X 800002243 (Best Water-Repellent) | ||
 | 3. 303 Products 230371 (Instant Windshield Cleaner you Can Trust) | ||
 | 4. Glass Plus 1920089331 (Best Value for Money) | ||
 | 5. Meguiar's G8224 (Effective & High Gloss Cleaning Solution) | ||
 | 6. 3M 08888 (Great Cleaner for All Glass Surfaces) | ||
 | 7. Rain-X 5080217 (Ideal for use On-the-Go) | ||
 | 8. Mothers 06624 (Looks Nice & Cleans Well) | ||
 | 9. Stoner 92164 (Inexpensive but Still Effective) | ||
 | 10. Chemical Guys CLD-202 (For Huge Demand) |
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Invisible Glass 91164 (Best Overall) |
2. Rain-X 800002243 (Best Water-Repellent) |
3. 303 Products 230371 (Instant Windshield Cleaner you Can Trust) |
4. Glass Plus 1920089331 (Best Value for Money) |
5. Meguiar's G8224 (Effective & High Gloss Cleaning Solution) |
6. 3M 08888 (For All Glass Surfaces) |
7. Rain-X 5080217 (Ideal for use On-the-Go) |
8. Mothers 06624 (Looks Nice & Cleans Well) |
9. Stoner 92164 (Inexpensive but Still Effective) |
10. Chemical Guys CLD-202 (For Huge Demand) |
1. Invisible Glass 91164 – Best Overall
Photo: Invisible Glass
Invisible Glass is a reputed brand when it comes to quality glass cleaning. If you are looking for a premium automotive glass cleaner, then this is a perfect choice.
This top-rated windshield cleaner is perfect for both tinted and non-tinted windows, and it will be more Eco-friendly as it does not contain any ammonia.
Also, the formulation does not contain soaps, dyes, additives, and scents. And it is effective in removing bird droppings, salt spray, smoke haze, bug splats, plasticizer film, and road grime from mirrors, windows, and windshields.
This product is easy and convenient to use thanks to a non-drip formula, and it will not make any mess or leave any streaks on your windows. Also, it is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
This product is also one of the cheapest options on our list, which means you not only get a high-quality product but also without spending much. And although the nozzle seems to dispense a little slowly, this will hardly be a concern for most users.
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2. Rain-X 800002243 – Best Water-repellent Windshield Cleaner
Photo: Rain-X
Meet this glass cleaner if you want a solution to repel snow and rain. This product is a right addition to your cleaner collection, as it has a formula that repels water for excellent visibility in any weather condition.
This cleaner follows hydrophobic water beading technology allowing the water to roll away while you drive. Given this feature, it will make it easy to drive even in wet weather.
Also, it removes discoloration and haze by restoring headlights and clear plastic. And it is also straightforward to apply to a cleaning cloth and then use it to wipe the windshield or headlights.
Although 7 fluid ounces is quite little when compared to what other options in our automotive glass cleaner reviews provide, its formulation ensures that a little goes a long way. So you will still use it for several applications.
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3. 303 Products 230371 – Instant Windshield Cleaner you Can Trust
Photo: 303 Products
While they might not come in a liquid form like others on our list, these windshield tablets are still highly effective and can make up to an impressive 25 gallons of the cleaning agent.
These tablets are more concentrated, and hence offering 3 times better cleaning power when compared to an ordinary windshield cleaner. And they will remove dirt, grime, bugs, and much more to leave your car with a crystal clear windshield.
Plus, they are pretty easy to use as all you need to do is add 1 tablet to 1 gallon of water. When the mixture dissolves completely, you can use it to clean the surface as desired.
Furthermore, it is a non-toxic solution and made with a biodegradable formula, which is safe to use for paint and rubber as well.
While this windshield cleaner might not work very well in overly cold areas, it should still clean the glass enough to maintain excellent visibility. For any other weather, it will be perfect.
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4. Glass Plus 1920089331 – Best Value for Money
Photo: Glass Plus
Glass Plus makes this cleaning agent to give users something that is not only effective at cleaning windshields, but is also a multipurpose product that can clean computer screens, granite, stainless steel Plexiglas and fiberglass.
This glass cleans and gives the window a pleasant shine, and without ever leaving any streaks. All you need to do is to spray the solution, wipe it off, and enjoy a nice shine.
Plus, it is good to remove fingerprints and smudges on every surface. As it is ammonia or bleach-free, you can use it without worrying about your safety and the environment.
The smell is also quite pleasant, and so you can be sure that it will not leave any unpleasant scents in your car. And although the spray bottle quality is a little wanting, it should still work well enough and last until you finish the product.
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5. Meguiar's G8224 – Effective & High Gloss Cleaning Solution
Photo: Meguiar's
Meguiar’s G8224 is one of the best car window cleaners out there, not only because it is from a reputable company but also thanks to a unique formulation. And this high gloss formula not only cleans windshields but will also leave tires looking nice and shiny.
Its formula has water-resistant polymers and anti-ozonant technology. Hence, it can deal with the dirtiest glass, and it spreads and wipes off quickly.
Moreover, you can expect streak-free glass, and it is safe for tinted windows as well. And using it will also take care of premature aging of the glass.
Furthermore, it makes driving safer due to the anti-hazing formula, which clears the mirror. When using this product, sometimes it can dry with few water spots, but they are hardly noticeable, and overall you will have a streak-free finish.
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6. 3M 08888 – Great Cleaner for All Glass Surfaces
Photo: 3M
If you want a windshield cleaner that can also be useful for cleaning other surfaces, this one by 3M is perfect as it will clean almost any glass surface.
It is perfect for many glass surfaces, including mirrors, windows, side glass, windshields, automotive vinyl, chrome, metal, and plastic, and it will also leave them with a pleasant gloss and streak-free.
The formulation loosens the dirt and stubborn grime, making it easy for you to wipe it off to ensure cleaning your windshield is quick and easy. And it is also useful in restoring aging glass surfaces.
Also, it works well on painted surfaces, chrome, plastic, and metal, so you need not worry about using it on any of these surfaces.
While this windshield cleaner has quite a strong odor that might be super annoying for some users, you should not have any issues if you use it outdoors
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7. Rain-X 5080217 – Ideal Windshield Cleaner for use On-the-Go
Photo: Rain-X
Rain-X hardly ever disappoints when it comes to windshield cleaner, and so even before you use this one, you can be confident it will work well for you.
This glass cleaner promises to remove grime, dirt, and dust build-up pretty effectively. Plus, you can also expect amazing results when using it on headlights and clear plastic.
It is also ideal for removing haze and discoloration, so that you will get good driving visibility. And besides cleaning the glass, it also leaves it streak-free and with a pleasant shine.
With its wiper blade performance, it cleans the windshield so well to provide non-obstructive cleaning.
Using this windshield cleaner will require quite some elbows grease, but the results make it worth the effort.
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8. Mothers 06624 – Looks Nice & Cleans Well
Photo: Mothers
Mothers Revision brings you this amazing glass surface cleaner that comes in a good-looking and easy-to-hold bottle and cleans as well as it looks.
It has a potent formulation that will remove all kinds of dirt, grime, oily films, and even fingerprints from your windshield and most other glass surfaces.
And you can also use it to clean chrome, plastic, tablets, smartphones, GPS screens, window tint, gauges, and a variety of other displays.
Also, you are free to use it on appliances, monitors, countertops, and TV, etc. If you buy this powerful formula cleaner, it will leave behind a streak-free shine. And it is formulated with no ammonia, and the trigger spray bottle makes it super easy to use.
When used on the interior glass surfaces, this product can fog it up, but you will hardly ever need to use it on such surfaces.
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9. Stoner 92164 – Inexpensive but Still Effective
Photo: Stoner
Invisible Glass glass cleaner is the cheapest option among our windshield cleaner review, and so you not only get a top product from a leading brand also do it at a bargain.
It is manufactured with a residue-free formula to ensure that there are no streaks or marks on the glass surface once you finish cleaning. And it is highly effective for removing dust, grime, grease, fingerprints, smoke haze, smudges from windshields and other surfaces like chrome.
The clear dry formula does not contain soaps or toxins, which makes it safe for both users and the environment. And it is both non-abrasive and non-foaming to make it even better for your windshield.
While the smell might not be the most pleasant, it is also not the worst when compared to others out there, and it should not be a big concern unless you will use the product indoors.
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10. Chemical Guys CLD-202 – For Huge Demand
Photo: Chemical Guys
Chemical Guys make this windshield cleaner with an ammonia-free and non-toxic formulation to ensure that it will be safe for you and the environment.
But, there is more to it than just being Eco-friendly as the formula also provides effective cleaning and works on various other glass surfaces besides windshields.
It delivers a streak-free finish, and it makes removing debris, grime, dirt and fingerprints fast and easy.
Moreover, it is safe to use for tinted glass interior and exterior windows. Also, it is perfect for use on motorcycles, boats, and even motor homes.
While this might be the priciest item on our list, you get 128 fluid ounces of cleaning product, and hence it is worth every buck you pay. And given there is a lot of it on the container, it will be perfect when you have a lot of cleaning to do.
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How to Buy the Best Windshield Cleaners
Photo: Chemical Guys
1. Size
The size or quantity of the windshield cleaner is an essential factor to consider ensuring you get the best value for your money.
Given that this is a product that you will need to use quite often, if you use your vehicle a lot, you should choose something that has enough product to last several uses.
Depending on the brand and price, you can get windshield cleaners in bottles that are small as 5 fluid ounces or as large as 100 or more fluid ounces. Hence, it is up to you to decide the size you need.
2. Multi-surface
Besides cleaning your windshield, a good windshield cleaner is one that you can also use to clean different surfaces as it will be convenient to have around.
Those for cleaning fiberglass, Plexiglas, mirror, stainless steel, computer screens, tablets, smartphones, and other glass surfaces are often the best buys. Also, it should be ideal for use on both interior and exterior surfaces.
3. Eco-friendly
You cannot overlook the impact that the product you use will have on the environment because it can even land you in trouble in some jurisdictions.
It is crucial to make sure that the windshield cleaner you buy does not contain any harsh or harmful chemicals or ingredients that can harm animals or plant life.
The best idea is to avoid products with things like ammonia and bleach, as they are bad for both the environment and the user.
4. Ease of use
The windshield cleaner must be pretty easy to use. And this implies that the product should neither be too sticky nor too runny as both can give you problems during application.
Also, an easy-to-use windshield cleaner is one that comes with an ideal spray bottle that lets you adjust the nozzle to control the flow. And if it also comes with a free cleaning cloth, it will even be better.
How to Clean Your Windshield
Photo: Invisible Glass
While a windshield cleaner can give you a clean and streak-free windshield, you still need to know how to use it correctly for the best results. But, cleaning your windshield is the easiest part. And here is how to clean both the outside and inside sections.
Outside
- Wipe the outside section of the windshield with a soft cloth to get rid of any larger debris and dirt.
- Spray the cleaner on the windshield and make sure you cover it adequately.
- Now take a microfiber towel and wipe off the surface vertically moving up and down from one end to the other.
- Once you finish, you can proceed to the horizontal wipe down. Start from the top and wipe back and forth. If you cannot cover the entire length in one swoop, you can divide it into two sections.
- The last step is to give the windshield final touches just in case you missed some sections, and make sure you never use a circular motion as it will leave an unsightly look.
Inside
- Start by wiping the surface with a clean cloth to get rid of any loose debris and dirt.
- Spray the cleaner on the windshield generously and try to cover as much of it as possible.
- Now take a clean microfiber cloth and use it to wipe off the cleaning agent. But, if you think it is too dirty, you can use a scrub pad instead.
- Lastly, take a dry microfiber towel to dry the whole windshield and make sure there is no residue left behind.
Conclusion
If you want your car glass to look clean and shiny for better visibility to ensure safer driving, you need to invest in the best windshield cleaner.
But with this piece to guide you, finding that perfect cleaner for your windshield should now be quick and super-easily. All you need to do is consider factors like size, ease of use, and environment-friendliness.
Plus, we also provide some in-depth reviews of 10 of the best options currently on the market. Hence, you only have to pick one that suits your budget from our reviews above.
- 10 Best Windshield Cleaners - Review
- 1. Invisible Glass 91164 – Best Overall
- 2. Rain-X 800002243 – Best Water-repellent Windshield Cleaner
- 3. 303 Products 230371 – Instant Windshield Cleaner you Can Trust
- 4. Glass Plus 1920089331 – Best Value for Money
- 5. Meguiar's G8224 – Effective & High Gloss Cleaning Solution
- 6. 3M 08888 – Great Cleaner for All Glass Surfaces
- 7. Rain-X 5080217 – Ideal Windshield Cleaner for use On-the-Go
- 8. Mothers 06624 – Looks Nice & Cleans Well
- 9. Stoner 92164 – Inexpensive but Still Effective
- 10. Chemical Guys CLD-202 – For Huge Demand
- How to Buy the Best Windshield Cleaners
- How to Clean Your Windshield
- Conclusion
