cleaning windshields
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 1
From: Burlington County NJ
cleaning windshields
Can you guys give some detailed explanations on how you clean your windshied - particulalry the rear one.
No matter how well i think i clean it, its always got streaks or dirt...
do you use a big towel? etc.
thanks
No matter how well i think i clean it, its always got streaks or dirt...
do you use a big towel? etc.
thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,739
Likes: 0
From: New Port Richey Florida
I use Stoners invisible glass and a microfiber towel. I first clean the windows in a side to side motion, then flip the MF towel over and spray some more stoners and clean in an up and down motion. The windows come out spotless every time.
Stoners is also safe for aftermarket tint.
Stoners is also safe for aftermarket tint.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,479
Likes: 13
From: Dallas/Grand Prairie Texas
First off, I wax it along with the car thus making it easier to clean later.
I dry entire car with high powered leaf blower and touch up with a shamie and then if still any steaks left I'll use a microfiber towel on it after it's dried.
I dry entire car with high powered leaf blower and touch up with a shamie and then if still any steaks left I'll use a microfiber towel on it after it's dried.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,069
Likes: 1,287
From: Central Ma
I used newspapers for the first time in my life recently and was impressed. Also bought a Glass master cleaning tool, which is a long wand with a micro fiber bonnet on it for cleaning the hard to reach places.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Lewes DE
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 685
Likes: 2
From: Orange CA
I've recently been using Simple Green Glass. It's ammonia and alcohol free and does a great job on glass and plastic. It also is safe for tinted windows. I spray it on and wipe it off with microfiber towels.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA
When I detailed cars at a dealership, pretty much the only thing I took away from there was their glass cleaning technique.
Get a couple thin (hospital style) low lint towels stacked, then fold them into quarters. Spray the inside of the window liberally with glass cleaner, and wipe the opposite direction of the the defroster grid(environmental contaminants tend to grab onto the ridges and this helps to dislodge them). Then flip the towel over, and go with the direction of the defroster grid. Fold the towel inside out, so a very dry portion is outside, then dry off the window very thoroughly, this is the most important part. My windows come out perfect every time.
Get a couple thin (hospital style) low lint towels stacked, then fold them into quarters. Spray the inside of the window liberally with glass cleaner, and wipe the opposite direction of the the defroster grid(environmental contaminants tend to grab onto the ridges and this helps to dislodge them). Then flip the towel over, and go with the direction of the defroster grid. Fold the towel inside out, so a very dry portion is outside, then dry off the window very thoroughly, this is the most important part. My windows come out perfect every time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,909
Likes: 4
From: Ponte Vedra Beach / London State: Dazed and confused
I'm amazed that a stealership would use such a sophisticated glass gleaning methodology
Alternative Glass Cleaning Process:
Use dedicated Lint-Free Surgical Towels, they have a tight cotton herringbone weave that is ideal for hard surfaces like glass (http://towelsbydoctorjoe.com/5.htm:) Fold both towels (one for washing, one for drying) in half and then half again Mist the glass surface with 1:1 ratio of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
As with all chemicals they must be allowed a certain amount of time to work (dwell) so leave area to soak for a few minutes and then start on the next glass surface, agitate the first area with the towel, dry the glass with the second towel by agitating in the opposite direction than that used in the cleaning, and repeat for second glass surface and etc. For each section of glass use a clean side of the folded towel
Always wash Lint-Free Surgical Towels separately and do not use fabric softeners but add a teaspoon per towel distilled white vinegar in place of a softener, the vinegar doesn't coat the fibres but instead works to eliminate detergent residue and the acid counteracts any alkaline minerals in the water supply. Vinegar (Acetic acid, pH=2) works well in the rinse cycle to make your towels softer. Detergent is an alkaline (pH=12, the opposite of acidic on the pH scale).
Last edited by TOGWT; Feb 2, 2007 at 04:19 AM.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 556
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta GA
I'm a big Stoner's fan as well! Although Spray Way is very good too. Neither have any ammonia which seem to cause a lot of the streaking problems.
I too recently tried the newspaper route and it worked great....on the windows, but it left black ink all over my hands. So I'm back to the microfiber, waffle weave towels.... with Stoner's....No streaking!
I too recently tried the newspaper route and it worked great....on the windows, but it left black ink all over my hands. So I'm back to the microfiber, waffle weave towels.... with Stoner's....No streaking!
