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

[RKDinOKC]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

especially the windshield. The angle gives me hand cramps!

I use a wand for the windshield that has a triangular pad. Looks like these...

[NutmegCarrera]

Griots also has a window cleaner (I assume distilled water and isopropyl), and it works well. I use their glass specific microfiber towels and have good luck.
I have used the aerosol glass cleaner (from Walmart) in the past and like this stuff better. I find that the biggest improvement is staying away from paper towels. They tend to be full of lint.

[Steve Carlton]

I take a couple of gas station paper towels and wet them with water, and wipe the glass. Then I dry it with 3-4 gas station paper towels until dry and it works great.

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by Superman

Alcohol, acetone, naptha, MEK, wolverine urine....these things are unnecessary overkill, IMHO.

I use Sprayway, on the inside and outside of glass. However....

This can leave behind a waxy film that is nearly impossible to remove. Something acidic is necessary, which is why you are hearing the vinegar suggestion. Cream of Tartar actually works best, but it's expensive.

I live in rain country. When the rain is falling, there are two kinds of motorists:

1) Those who do not use Rain-X
2) Those who can see things located outside the car

With Rain-X, the secret is to polish it REALLY well using a soft cotton cloth or a very slightly damp soft paper towel. If you do this, you will not need to use your windshield wipers at all.

We do the exterior of all the windows on the cars/truck with Rain-X. Does wonders in the winter also.

[motion]

Thanks everyone. So it sounds like nearly any fluid will work, but the important factor is the towel construction. I use Windex, which is probably fine, but my towels are not working. For sure, those yellow detail towels from Costco have something in them that leaves grease on the windows. Maybe I'll check out the brown paper towels from the gas station and see if they make a difference.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by RKDinOKC

I use a wand for the windshield that has a triangular pad. Looks like these...

Thanks I'll give it a try.

[Aragorn]

Just a quick little question for the experts here- I have waxed the side and back windows (outside) on all my cars for years. On the SUV's, the rear glass seems to stay cleaner longer and the wiper doesn't chatter as much. The water will bead on the sides and not develop the film caused by water spots and dirt and they are easier to wash the next time. (I use the Klasse all in one by the way.) Good idea? Yes or no...

[wswartzwel]

Surprised no one has mentioned tranny fluid.... It'll clean the sludge right off!

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by wswartzwel

Surprised no one has mentioned tranny fluid.... It'll clean the sludge right off!

Would it work with gas station bathroom towels?

[ramonesfreak]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

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

And rain-x type sprays will prevent your rain sensing wipers from working properly

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by motion

Thanks everyone. So it sounds like nearly any fluid will work, but the important factor is the towel construction. I use Windex, which is probably fine, but my towels are not working. For sure, those yellow detail towels from Costco have something in them that leaves grease on the windows. Maybe I'll check out the brown paper towels from the gas station and see if they make a difference.

I, personally, have never had good luck with Windex on car windows. I think it is something from the VOC that it doesn't clean very well.

[911 Rod]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Part of the problem is reaching them. I only thought the 911's back window was tough to clean, The s197 Mustang back window has me wishing I had two elbows and a swiveling wrist.

Try throwing a roll bar into the mix.

[stealthn]

Originally Posted by motion

Thanks everyone. So it sounds like nearly any fluid will work, but the important factor is the towel construction. I use Windex, which is probably fine, but my towels are not working. For sure, those yellow detail towels from Costco have something in them that leaves grease on the windows. Maybe I'll check out the brown paper towels from the gas station and see if they make a difference.

They changed the formulation of Windex a while ago and it really sucks now, don't use it

[Por_sha911]

Windows are easier to clean anywhere but in the USA.

Yes, newspaper or mircrofiber towels are many times better. Paper towels are worthless. I prefer Invisible glass and clean twice.

[Brillo]

Originally Posted by motion

Thanks everyone. So it sounds like nearly any fluid will work, but the important factor is the towel construction. I use Windex, which is probably fine, but my towels are not working. For sure, those yellow detail towels from Costco have something in them that leaves grease on the windows. Maybe I'll check out the brown paper towels from the gas station and see if they make a difference.

Stop using Windex. It may take a few times, but eventually you should see an improvement.

[Rickysa]

This works brilliantly