How To Clean Vape Film From Car Windows: The Best Way

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As a vaper who has successfully transitioned from cigarettes to vaping, I can confidently say that the benefits have been immense. However, there’s one issue that tends to bother me and many others in the vaping community – the annoying vape film that accumulates on car glass surfaces, such as windows and windshields. 

Initially, I struggled to remove this stubborn residue effectively, but after much trial and error, I have finally discovered an excellent method to keep my car windows crystal clear. 

In this article, I’ll be sharing my technique for cleaning vape film from car windows so you too can enjoy spotless glass surfaces.

How To Clean Vape Residue From Car Windows

Before we dive into the step-by-step process of cleaning vape residue from your car windows, let’s quickly go over the essential equipment you’ll need to get the job done effectively. 

The required tools and products are:

• an all-purpose cleaner, 
• a microfiber towel, 
• two waffle towels,
• an automotive glass cleaner. 

With these tools at hand, you’ll be ready to tackle the problem head-on.

Step 1: Spray All-Purpose Cleaner on Glass

Begin by choosing a suitable all-purpose cleaner that is safe for use on glass surfaces. I highly recommend Chemical Guys Nonsense APC (check price), as it effectively removes vape residue without causing any damage to the glass. 

Keep in mind that using an all-purpose cleaner might leave the glass slightly smeary, but don’t worry – we’ll address this in the subsequent steps. 

Start by spraying the cleaner onto the glass, and allow it to sit for approximately 30 seconds, giving it enough time to break down the vape film.

Step 2: Wipe Off With a Microfiber Towel

After allowing the all-purpose cleaner to sit for 30 seconds, use a clean microfiber towel to wipe off the vape and APC residue from the glass surfaces. Remember, the goal at this stage is not to achieve a perfectly clean window but to remove as much residue as possible. 

To effectively wipe the surface, use straight-line motions in all directions – right, left, up, and down. This technique will help you remove a significant amount of the residue, preparing the glass for the next cleaning steps.

Step 3:Clean with Automotive Glass Cleaner and Waffle Towel

Now we come to the actual cleaning of car windows and windshields. You’ll need a high-quality automotive glass cleaner to achieve a spotless finish on your window or windshield. I highly suggest you use Gyeon Q2M Glass Cleaner (check my review) because it always leaves glass surfaces streak-free and is completely safe, even on tinted windows.

Spray the glass cleaner onto a waffle towel, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Now, start cleaning the glass surface with the waffle towel, focusing on thoroughly covering the entire area, including the edges. It’s essential to clean the edges meticulously for a perfect result. 

As before, use straight-line motions in all directions – right, left, up, and down – to ensure even coverage and a streak-free clean.

Step 4: Buff the Window with a Dry Waffle Towel

The final step to achieve perfect clarity is buffing the glass with a dry waffle towel. Take a clean, dry waffle towel and start buffing the glass surface thoroughly. 

At this stage, you can switch to circular motions, as this helps to eliminate any remaining streaks and provides a flawless finish. It’s essential to buff the glass quickly, ensuring the glass cleaner does not dry on the surface, which could create additional smears. 

Once you have completed this step, your car windows should be free of vape residue and have a pristine, clear appearance.

What Causes So Much Vape Film On Glass Surfaces?

Vape film accumulates on glass surfaces mainly due to the components present in e-liquid, such as propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), and various flavorings. When you exhale vapor inside a confined space like a car, these substances tend to cling to the glass, gradually building up a layer of residue over time. 

The higher the VG content in the e-liquid, the more likely it is to leave a film on the windows, as VG is thicker and more viscous than PG.

Additionally, temperature fluctuations and humidity levels within the car can exacerbate the buildup of vape film. When the interior of the car cools down, the vapor residue may condense on the glass surfaces, making it even more challenging to remove.

If you’re a vaper, you should drive your car with the windows slightly open whenever possible. By doing so, most of the vapor from e-cigarettes will exit the car, reducing the amount of residue that accumulates on the glass surfaces. This simple practice can significantly minimize the buildup of vape film, making it easier to maintain clean and clear windows over time.

Bottom Line

As you can see above, cleaning vape residue from car windows doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the simple steps I outlined in this article and using the right tools, you can effectively remove the stubborn vape film and maintain the clarity of your car’s glass surfaces.