How to Clean Foggy Car Windows from the Inside
Tired of fogged-up windshields and windows every winter morning? Here’s how to fix interior glass haze and stop fog from coming back.
Why Windows Fog Up in Winter
When warm, moist air from your breath or wet shoes hits a cold window, condensation forms—and quickly fogs up the glass. This gets worse in winter because:
- Cold temperatures chill the glass
- Moisture builds up from snow, rain, or damp clothes
- Poor cabin ventilation traps the humidity
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Interior Glass in Winter
1. Choose the Right Towel
Use a Softer Than Soft Towel designed for glass. This reduces lint, drag, and streaking. Avoid paper towels or cheap cloths that shed fibers.
2. Use a Proper Glass Cleaner
Spray a dedicated, streak-free glass cleaner onto the towel—never directly on the glass in cold weather. This avoids overspray and helps you control application.
3. Wipe in Overlapping Motions
Start at the edges and work inward in vertical strokes, then follow with horizontal strokes. This crosshatch motion ensures total coverage and reveals streaks from any direction.
4. Follow Up With a Dry Towel
Immediately use a second, dry microfiber towel to buff off any remaining cleaner. This is where the Softer Than Soft Towel shines—no drag, no smears.
How to Prevent Interior Glass Fogging
- Run your defroster on AC + recirculate off
- Keep floor mats dry to limit moisture inside the cabin
- Store a microfiber towel in your car for daily touch-ups
- Apply an anti-fog treatment as an added barrier (optional)
Pro Tip: Clean Your Glass Last
Interior glass should be your final step after you’ve cleaned and vacuumed the rest of the cabin. This keeps dust and mist off the windshield after wiping.
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FAQs
Why do my car windows fog up so fast in winter?
Because of the temperature difference between the warm, humid air inside your car and the cold glass. Moisture condenses into fog quickly—especially when it’s cold out.
Can I use regular paper towels to clean my windshield?
Not recommended. Paper towels leave lint and can cause streaks. Use a quality microfiber towel like the Softer Than Soft towel for best results.
What’s the best way to prevent fog from coming back?
Use your car’s defrost setting, crack a window slightly while warming up, and keep your floor mats dry to limit moisture inside the cabin.