How the F&*(*(k do you clean car windows?

[DanielDudley]

I had some really tough film on the inside of a 928's windows. I finally used simple green followed up by water, followed up by Windex. When I was a kid, my dad used Bon Ami powder on really tough glass buildup.

Sometimes conventional methods just don't cut it. I cleaned the windows on that 928 inside and out probably 10 times before I got serious. Watch out for vapors.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Microfibers with a weave designed for windows and Mckee’s Krystal Vision glass cleaner. Final wipe with the dry side of the microfiber. You’ll be hard pressed to find someone more OCD about window streaks, this process will get them spotless.

[john walker's workshop]

0000 steel wool to get the film off, then Sprayway and paper towel.

[MRM]

I’ve tried everything before I finally stumbled into a fix. Living this far north I have dedicated snow tires that go on in the fall and come off in the spring. I take the car in to the dealer to get it done and I have them do an oil change (even though they swear my oil doesn’t need to be changed for another bazillion miles) and whatever maintenance issues have popped up. They vacuum the car and run it through a car wash to make me sure I got my money’s worth, so I make them do my glass too. My Windows last about six months before I can’t see again, so my system works. I have no idea how they actually clean the glass without streaks and clouds and things.

[tevake]

I really made it hard on myself lately, had the steering wheel off trying to quiet down the new turn signal switch resently installed and to adjust the spring contact for the horn. Did some spraying with Gibbs oil only to realize later that I'd sprayed it on the inside of the windshield. In the process of cleaning it I hit the rear view mirror too hard and it separated from the wind shield. This did make cleaning it lots easier.
First tried windex and paper towels, then on to slightly soapy water and a squeegee. Actually I'm still working on the last bit of film.

I think Ill try some hot soapy water next.

I'm thinking of using some J B weld for the mirror base, any thoughts?

Cheers Richard

[wdfifteen]

Fresh grape leaves and live culture yogurt.

[tevake]

^^ Bawhaha. For cleaning or gluing the mirror base?

[john walker's workshop]

JB Quick works good on the mirror base. Duct tape in place so it won't slide and trim the squeezeout with a razor blade before it gets too firm.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Something else to be aware of, many of the more caustic or abrasive techniques mentioned here will destroy your window tint.

[manbridge 74]

Water spritzed and a well washed cotton towel works every time for a detailer I know.

[Crowbob]

Hang on. I'll ask the GF when she's done making sammiches.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Crowbob

Hang on. I'll ask the GF when she's done making sammiches.

Did you give her that new squeegy and spray bottle for Christmas? ...busy, busy, busy

[rfuerst911sc]

I'm not suggesting you go to the evil empire Walmart but this was the first one that came up in my search . My wife bought me one similar to this one last year and it really takes the circus contortion act out of cleaning the windshield and back windows . The one my wife bought came with one extra micro fibre towel . I only have used it for a few times before we packed everything in boxes and moved to our new home . But it worked great.

You should be able to find these at most FLAPS and maybe Target and the like . I actually was talking to my wife last year about inventing something like this , a week later she came home with one and asked " you mean like this " ? There went my million dollar patent


https://www.walmart.com/ip/1-Microfiber-Windshield-Clean-Car-Auto-Wiper-Cleaner-Glass-Window-Tool-Brush-Kit/144162617?action=product_interest&action_type=title&beacon_version=1.0.2&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&client_guid=e3973115-7f55-4ee7-3287-fe921b719ed1&config_id=106&customer_id_enc&findingMethod=p13n&guid=e3973115-7f55-4ee7-3287-fe921b719ed1&item_id=144162617&parent_anchor_item_id=16889197&parent_item_id=16889197&placement_id=irs-106-t1&reporter=recommendations&source=new_site&strategy=PWVUB&visitor_id=adWLAaOATKGu0COjTBS3Pw

[jwasbury]

Several years ago I bought a time capsule 928 S4 with only 18k miles on the clock. Car was virtually brand new. However, it had water spots that were permanently etched into the exterior of the glass. It was faintly noticable up close in daylight. At night it became really annoying vs. lights of other vehicles.

I tried all manner of cleaners and nothing worked. I eventually bought an orbital buffer and glass polishing products from Griots. Worked wonders and removed the water spots.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by jwasbury

Several years ago I bought a time capsule 928 S4 with only 18k miles on the clock. Car was virtually brand new. However, it had water spots that were permanently etched into the exterior of the glass. It was faintly noticable up close in daylight. At night it became really annoying vs. lights of other vehicles.

I tried all manner of cleaners and nothing worked. I eventually bought an orbital buffer and glass polishing products from Griots. Worked wonders and removed the water spots.

I had a similar problem. Clay bar also works.

[jcommin]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

Vinegar+water and old newspapers.


Good luck finding the newspapers.

I'm in the vinegar and water camp. I also use it to remove the salt stains on the carpet in my car.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by motion

I've tried everything. I give up.

I thought you were rich enough to just put new windows in your car when they got dirty.

[RKDinOKC]

Wash my terricloth and microfibre towels and rags used to detail in Dawn, then again in Sportwash. Dawn removes the wax and Sportwash removes everything else and doesn't add any brighteners or softeners that cause streaking. Then just about glass cleaner works well without streaking.

Claybar comes in a lot of different abrasivenesses. Griots sells a clay specifically for windows.

Get the widow actually clean and it will be just like you used rain-x on it.

[tevake]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

JB Quick works good on the mirror base. Duct tape in place so it won't slide and trim the squeezeout with a razor blade before it gets too firm.

Thanks John, appreciate the input.
I'll try it as soon as this 100% humidity blows thru.
I think a little warmth and dryer conditions are called for.

Cheers Richard

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by berettafan

always been frustrated by the inside. tough to clean.

especially the windshield. The angle gives me hand cramps!