PSA: Don’t use this windshield cleaning ‘hack’ that the internet is obsessed with

There’s a new DIY car cleaning hack going absolutely wild on the internet right now, but experts are warning you might actually be sanding down your windshield if you try it. If you’re tired of the grime that comes from lovebug season, winter salt, or just everyday road oils, you’re probably looking for a quick fix. Unfortunately, the solution that’s trending online could cause some serious damage to your glass.

The hack comes courtesy of Ceith Griffith, a car enthusiast from Kentucky who loves sharing affordable cleaning tips using everyday household items. If you check his Facebook, you’ll find tricks using things like Coca-Cola and Vaseline. The latest trick that’s caught everyone’s attention involves the trusty Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, per Moto1.

Griffith instructs users to “Use a Magic Eraser on the inside and outside of your windshield to get rid of all the dirt, grime, and oils and to keep your window from fogging up.” He captions his videos as “DIY tips for your vehicle,” which sounds simple enough. However, the internet is absolutely not having it, and honestly, I agree with the skeptics on this one.

Mr Clean may not be the way for your windshield

Now, we have to look at the official stance. Motor1 actually reached out to Mr. Clean, the company that makes the Magic Eraser, to get their take. They didn’t completely shut it down, but they definitely added a huge caveat. Mr. Clean confirmed that “Magic Erasers can be used on car windows effectively.” However, they immediately followed up by saying, “I always recommend testing a small area first.” That “test a small area” warning is basically confirmation that this product carries some risk. If you’re going to try it, please be extremely careful.

A Magic Eraser is essentially a block of melamine foam. That material is a micro-abrasive. While it’s great for getting scuff marks off walls, putting something abrasive on your windshield is a huge risk. Think about it: glass is literally made with sand. If you’re rubbing a fine abrasive on it, you’re essentially micro-scratching the surface, which is awful for clarity and light refraction. Even a flood couldn’t clean that.

Brian Hovet, one user, joked about the absurdity of the hack by snarking, “I use 120 grit sandpaper on a belt sander. Worked amazing.” While that’s clearly sarcasm, it perfectly captures the concern that folks are worried about sanding their expensive glass. To be honest, this could ruin your car.

Even professional detailers are speaking up against this trend. Staci Jones, who has been detailing cars for 20 years, jumped into the discussion to offer a serious alternative. She believes the hack is bogus. If you want a truly clean windshield, she recommends using warm soapy water, preferably Dawn dish soap, mixed with some rubbing alcohol. You should put a towel down on your dash first, then scrub the windshield with a scrubby pad. After wiping it down, finish up with window cleaner. That sounds like a much safer, top-tier solution for achieving that brand-new look.

So here’s the takeaway: skip the Magic Eraser on your windshield. It’s just too risky, and you’re better off using a professional’s tried-and-true soap and alcohol method.