My windshield "grabs" when I try to clean it

bamorris2

New member
I don't know why, but whenever I try to clean my windshield, both inside and outside, it gets very "grabby" with the towel. To the point that I can't give it a nice final wipedown. It doesn't even help if I slightly mist the towel first; in order for it not to grab, I have to wet it sufficiently that it leave product behind on the swipe.



The windshield is only a few months old. I've used vinegar, clay, and DG glass polish (all on the outside only), but none of these products eliminates the grab. Plus, like I said, it happens on the inside of the windshield too.



As for cleaning products, I use IG or Meg's D-line glass cleaner, and MF's (either Mainstay WW's or their regular MF's).



Anyway, I'm looking for suggestions on what I can do to obtain a nice smooth finish on the inside and outside of my windshield. None of the other windows give me this problem, just the newer windshield.
 
qwertydude said:
it's because it 's really clean and the microfibers tend to grab like gecko feet. Try applying rain-x.



So is cotton terry perhaps a better towel for cleaning the windshield? Boy, I haven't used one of those for years!
 
Matt@Autogeek said:
I know what you mean. What you're experiencing is built up road grime. Use something like DP High Performance Glass Restorer and your windshield will turn out "as smooth as glass" ;)



DP High Performance Glass Restorer removes etched water spots from auto glass and restores perfect clarity. Apply with a polisher or applicator for



If you want it even smoother, you can also clay it. :)



But that's the thing; my windshield is VERY clean. First of all, it's only a few months old. Secondly, I've clayed it several times, as well as polished it. I clean it at least weekly, sometimes more. It's garaged at night, and kept in a parking structure during the day. My commute is only about 20 minutes. So I'm confident that it isn't road grime that's causing the grabby-ness of it.
 
I have the same problem. I just finished the car using a Flex and the Matt recommended Wolfgang TSR kit, which btw is great for a novice. So on to the windows. I used the DP Glass Restorer from the 'Geek and for the first time I was a bit disappointed. Followed the directions using damp MF towel, bad idea. Switched to a 4" orange pad and got decent results but as you state, the glass is still grabby. What is recommended for a sealer?
 
I recommend using cotton towels to clean glass. They are certainly less "grabby." I like the cotton "bar towels" that they sell at Sam's Club in big packs. Wash them with no fabric softeners and they work great for glass.
 
I always use KAIO on all my glass. I polish it with my FLEX and it always come out nice and smooth!! I always top it with either AW or OS, but it never grabs like you are describing. Good luck!!
 
strzelczykj said:
What is recommended for a sealer?





I too would like to know. I have previously used my DG Aquawax on the outside of the windshield. However, I also had other issues with the windshield (see THIS THREAD), and I thought that the AW was maybe the culprit. But maybe it wasn't..??..



Does anyone use AW on the inside of the glass???
 
I've been using ONR to clean glass and it has done GREAT. I am still trying it for different cleaning but I found that on glass that none of the 6 glass cleaners I have are as easy to use or leave the glass as clear as ONR does.
 
I know the feeling, glass is more "grabby" than clean pant. I use small ww mf from packshack or a Meguiars glass towel and the seem to grab less than regular MF and don't leave streaks either. I wet them pretty well with Megs Glass cleaner and just wipe.
 
Ive also experienced this and Ive found its just the type of towels that I was using. I now use Meguiars terry towels and they work out awesome.



I also tried out the glass towels that ADS carries. They work out OK but its not worth having a dedicated glass towel when the cotton towels work just as good.



Glass cleaner of choice is of course megs D-line cleaner.
 
mose said:
I always use KAIO on all my glass. I polish it with my FLEX and it always come out nice and smooth!! I always top it with either AW or OS, but it never grabs like you are describing. Good luck!!



AW or a QD (FK 425, DG 921 etc) work great to give a slick glass surface. Make sure to wipe a second time with a dry towel. Leaves a very nice finish.
 
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