Clean windows

S

Spook

New member
This is my first post ,What I was wondering waswhat you guys clean your windows with (exterior).

My car "95 BMW 318i se" was cleaned at a local dealer but what ever they used to clean the windows with it has caused them to smear badly in the wet especially at night. I spoke to them and they just said it was a window polish.

I have tried cleaning them with vinegar and some other potions but to no evail, I have also cleaned the blades but it does not make any difference , so how do you get it back to bare glass ?
 
Spook, I don't have the answers for you, but I wanted to add to your great post a question I also had about windows for the autopians. When you clay your windows guys, what are you using for lube??? Glass cleaner, QD etc...? Spook, on 2nd thought I might be of some help, because they might tell you to clay your windows :nixweiss
 
grt1today said:
When you clay your windows guys, what are you using for lube??? Glass cleaner, QD etc...? Spook, on 2nd thought I might be of some help, because they might tell you to clay your windows :nixweiss
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I use the same stuff I am using to clay the paint, which is 1:16 Zymol Auto wash:Water .



Usually, I just go over the windows with the wash mit when washing and dry with a MF when drying the car. No glass cleaner necessary.



To answer your question though, to remove the stuff on there now use Rubbing Alcohol or PrepSol.
 
Stoner's IG and the MF as above. My mom's car had this problem for a while also - I tried cleaing it with a bunch of different things to get rid of the smear whent he window was wet, and finally a combo of the IG and new wiper blades seemed to fix it. You might want to try new wiper blades.



-FordTaurus
 
LouisanaJeeper said:
Usually, I just go over the windows with the wash mit when washing and dry with a MF when drying the car. No glass cleaner necessary.
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I do the same.. Initially I used rubbing alchohol just once since then I use a MF towel to dry the windows and occasionally I use a Turtle Wax brand MF dry for the outsides and for the insides its exclusively a) water on a paper towel b) followed by a TW MF towel to dry it ... no cost .. no streaks .. just a clean window. The TW MF towels will work dry on the insides too.. along with glasses/sun glasses and the CD test gave no scratches. And are only $3 Can .... no lint.
 
Don't use just any microfiber towel though...towels with long fibers are more likely to leave streaks and lint.



Try our new Ultimate Glass Towel - It has no pile so it will not leave streaks or lint, it is heavy (very absorbent), and it is slighly rough for good cleaning ability.





Ultimate Glass Towel
 
I have waxed my glass and had the same blurr problem.

I once used 409 cleaner to get it off and it worked pretty good.

The blurr only lasts a few days. I have found out that btw the wiping of the wipers and a trip through the carwash with the "swinging carpets" dragged over my car make that blurr disappear. I know a trip to the carwash is a "sin" in the autopian world, but it is better than letting salt sit on it and under it.

"Oh forgive me Almighty Autopian God" lol :)
 
Autofiber.com said:
Don't use just any microfiber towel though...towels with long fibers are more likely to leave streaks and lint.



Try our new Ultimate Glass Towel - It has no pile so it will not leave streaks or lint, it is heavy (very absorbent), and it is slighly rough for good cleaning ability. [/URL]
Click to expand...



I hope it's not the same is microfibertech.com glass MF towel even through your websites look identical and from SD, CA, because it leaves plenty of lint that reflects off from the sun and it's annoying as hell. It has no real nap/pile either and it's been washed three times too. I actually find that a regular MF with Stoners IG is awesome.
 
I did a proper clean on GF's car this weekend although cut short when it snowed but glass was covered in a film of road grime and god knows what else.



I washed entire car with dish washing liquid, then clayed including glass using Megs GC shampoo as lube. I didn't have time to use any polish or clean the glass inside due to snow but all the grime outside has gone.



I'd always recommend clay for glass as it really does make a big difference. The best polish I've found is AG glass polish as it leaves a super slick surface.
 
Thanks for all your replys, I think I will hunt for some Clay and give that a try.

AndyC can you get AG glass polish at your local Halfords or do you have to send for it ?
 
Spook - I'm really sorry - welcome to Autopia! (forgot that from first post)



OK, AG glass polish will be at your local Halfords - it's the pale blue label bottle. I'd also suggest that you get some clay from Alex at serious performance - it's about £25 for the kit including Quick Shine lube and you can use it on your paint & glass to give a smoooooth finish.



And no, I'm not on commission - Alex is simply a top bloke who can get you pretty much everything you'll need and will read about here!



Guess you'll be leaving the car cleaning til the snow melts though?
 
Thanks AndyC , we havn't had any snow yet , living next to the coast we don't see much snow just good old corroding salt air!
 
Welcome to Autopia.



How long did you leave the vinegar on for, as it does need a while to work properly. I would be tempted to try some lighter fluid, but take the usual precautions. Leave it on for about 15 mins and then flush with water.



Clay is great stuff but I am not convinced by paying extra for the lubricant when soapy water is just as good (IMO). You can buy/order 3M clay from almost every motor factor in the UK for around 18 Pounds.



Autoglym glass polish with some good MF towels makes the world of difference.
 
Lowejackson

I didn't actually leave the vinegar on the windscreen ,I poured it onto a cloth and rubbed the window with it.

I have done it a couple of times I also bought some autoglym glass polish and used that .

I have been out in my car tonight when it was damp and used my wipers and thankfully the smearing has gone.

Thanks to everyone for their help.
 
It is also worth wiping the blades with Autonomy glass polish and then wipe with another clean towel. Often clean glass seems to be in a bad way due to the build up of gunk on the blades.
 
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