Windshields guarantee the utmost protection from bugs, stones, dust, and debris. Even if you have put on the helmet and the visor is there to thoroughly shield the face, still, the windshield has its significance. They ensure you get a smooth driving experience and are no longer disturbed by the wind.
What to do if the windshield is jam-packed with massive dirt? You must clean it on a priority basis. You can check out the detailed guide on how to clean motorcycle windshields.
Guide to clean motorcycle windshields
Just a soft reminder for all of you: Never use any cleaner if your windshield is made of acrylic or polycarbonate. Common window-washing fluid only suits windshields that are made of glass. Alcohol and ammonia contents damage and chew the plastic.
You can now read the guide, and if there is any confusion, feel free to let us know anytime:
Step 1
Firstly, you must gather all the necessary materials to help you easily complete the cleaning task. Grab a good quality mild detergent, or invest in a windshield cleaner. Get a soft microfiber cloth/sponge and a bucket filled with water.
It is recommended to choose a spot that is surrounded by a cooler temperature setting. Better to bring your bike in the shade.
Some cleaning products react very differently in a hot setting due to the sun’s heat. So, perform the cleaning task in a cooler spot.
Step 2
Secondly, rinse the windshield! Follow the ”rinse and soak approach” and you will be good to go. Rinsing removes loose dirt and debris. Furthermore, use a hose for rinsing; it will make your job easy.
After removing the bigger dirt particles and bird dropping, you must also eliminate smaller stubborn particles.
Get a non-abrasive towel, soak it in a bucket filled with water, and wipe it onto the windshield. The towel should be made of microfiber, cotton flannel, or terrycloth. Grab a clean cotton shirt if you cannot find such a cloth.
Step 3
You can now prepare the cleaning solution. Grab another bucket, or you can use a deep basin as well.
Mix a quality windshield cleaner or a mild detergent in warm water. You must follow the product instructions; it will help you prepare the cleaning solution properly.
Experts have advised avoiding using glass-cleansing agents because they damage the windshield texture. Moreover, stay away from using petroleum-based chemical cleaners.
Especially if you have an acrylic windshield, a big no to abrasive cleaners! Such cleaners strip off the hard coating, which none of us ever want to imagine. Other cleaning ingredients that you must avoid are kerosene and ammonia.
Step 4
After preparing the cleaning solution, scrub it onto the windshield. Slowly and gently do the scrubbing, and avoid going for harsh movements. Remember! Gently apply pressure; windshields are delicate and easily damaged and scratched.
Dip the microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution and start cleaning it from top to bottom. It is recommended to work your way down, opt for side-to-side motions, and clean the whole windshield surface. Do not leave any spot. Furthermore, avoid going for circular motions; it will potentially cause more damage and scratches.
Let the cleaning solution sit on the windshield for a few minutes. It will loosen up the stubborn grime and dirt you could not remove.
Step 5
Rinse off the windshield now! Get clean water and remove the soapy solution. There should not be any trace of cleaner or detergent or any loosened dirt.
Step 6
Air-dry the windshield after you have thoroughly rinsed it! Grab a dry microfiber cloth and gently dry the surface of the windshield. You must wipe in a sweeping motion to avoid water spots. In other words, wipe in a blotting motion so no streaks appear.
Step 7
Inspect for further scratches and spots, if there are any. The right approach to treat the scratch depends on how deep it is. Remove the scratch in a way that does not damage the hard coating of the windshield.
For removing scratches, get a soft clean cloth that comes with a fine-grade buffing compound. Hard buffing is a recommended technique to get rid of scratches.
Step 8
The last step is to apply a protective coating. It will bring added protection to your motorcycle windshield. Hi-fi coating can repel dirt, grime, grease, and water!
Lots of specialized windshield coatings are available in the markets; you can try out any one of them. Choose the variant that is compatible with the windshield surface. Apply the coating evenly. There is also a polish containing wax; its prime job is to prevent bugs and flies from sticking to the windshield. Feel free to try out this hack too.
Related: How to Tint Motorcycle Windshield?
More tips about motorcycle windshield care and cleaning
- Avoid using paper for cleaning the windshields of your bike. It will simply scratch the plastic and damage the entire surface.
- Prepare a solution using warm water and mild detergent only.
- Stay away from using glass-cleaning and petroleum-based chemical agents. The solvent action of the alcohol is detrimental to the windshield.
- When cleaning acrylic windshields, be very careful. Avoid using abrasive cleaners on them. They scratch the surface right away.
- Please stay away from cleaners whose contents say they have kerosene or ammonia.
- Paper towels and shop rags seem too abrasive; they strip off the metal chips and hard coating and ultimately give you a scratched windshield.
Conclusion
We hope that you have understood how to clean motorcycle windshields.
Windshields are much more vulnerable to dirt, grease, grime, bugs, flies, wind, and rocks. After a few rides, they become massively dirty and jam-packed with bird droppings.
Regular cleaning and maintenance is a must which is expected from all motorcycle enthusiasts. So, gear up for this cleaning job and follow the guide mentioned earlier. Please share your feedback with us anytime.
