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While there are endless things to do when it comes to car maintenance, one part that can severely impact your overall experience is how clear your windshield is. For example, issues like wiper scratches, distortions, or glare can affect visibility, which in turn could lead to safety issues like accidents. Thankfully, there are several ways to make sure your windshield has minimal problems, including always keeping it clean. In 2024, TikTok user @alifebetterorganized shared multiple car-related Dollar Tree hacks, including one for your windshield. In their video, they show how the Essentials 2-in-1 Bathroom Mop Head could help reach tight windshield corners inside a vehicle.

@alifebetterorganized

Run to Dollar Tree… grab these items for a car clean & tidy car on a budget. Which is your fave hack? #dollartree #dollartreediy #budgetfriendly #cardetailing #hacks #cleaning #dollartreehacks

♬ Walking Around – Instrumental Version – Eldar Kedem

Unless you need a lot of them, you probably want to visit a store to get your hands on them, where they cost $1.50 each. While Dollar Tree does allow free in-store pickup, you may have to wait more than a week to have it delivered. However, this might be a good option if you don’t want to drive all the way there and realize it’s not in stock. If you do want to order online, Dollar Tree also lets you order them in bulk with a minimum order of at least 12 pieces for $18, which doesn’t sound so bad if you have multiple cars or want to keep some on-hand to use as a mop head. But, before you buy them, there are a few things you should know.

On the Dollar Tree website, the Essentials 2-in-1 Bathroom Mop Head doesn’t have a lot of reviews, although the nine people who have bought it have all given it a perfect 5-star rating across the board for its quality, value, and even the online shopping experience. However, it’s important to note that not a single person mentioned using it specifically for cleaning windshields.

As for what people like about it, the most common feedback was that it was versatile, could reach awkward places, and worked well with textured surfaces. Apart from the usual bathroom or kitchen cleaning, some unusual applications people have shared include using it to clean tanning beds and remove algae from pools. So, you know that if you’re not satisfied with its performance as a windshield cleaner, you have some peace of mind that it can work for a lot of other tasks at home.

Since they’re not washable, one person commented that you shouldn’t expect them to last as long as other mops. Multiple buyers also lamented that Dollar Tree didn’t sell just the sponges, so they could just replace them when they needed to, instead of the whole item. However, one person did say that their local store has been selling 2-pack replacements since 2024. That said, if you want to invest in your car’s windshield maintenance, there are other things that you might want to add to your car.

For people who want something similar that’s designed specifically for car detailing, the AstroAI Windshield Cleaner can be an effective solution. At $22.99, it’s definitely significantly more expensive. However, it does have added features that help justify the price, like a handle that extends up to 21 inches, a 180-degree rotating head, plus four pieces of reusable microfiber pads. As an Amazon’s Choice product, more than 23,300 buyers have reviewed it, giving it an average 4.3-star rating. 

After you clean your interior windshield, you should also work to keep its outside clean as well. After all, things like dirt and debris can lead to scratched glass, especially if they find their way under your wipers. If you want to avoid damaging tint or protective coatings, it’s also a good idea to invest in proper glass cleaning solutions, too.

With regular cleaning, you can also easily spot potential issues before they become a real hazard, such as when it’s time to replace the wiper blades. Although you can probably tell this if you find them skipping when in use, one sign that you can look out for is smearing. Additionally, if you see any chips or cracks, you can buy a windshield repair kit to fix them. Unless, of course, the damage is serious enough that you’ll want a professional to do the job. In some cases, you may need to say goodbye to your windshield entirely, which could take a few hours to replace.