Removing stubborn film on windshield from using a dirty cloth

[NormanBuntz]

I grabbed a newly laundered microfiber cloth I had previously used to wax a car with Mother's Synthetic Liquid Wax. I used that cloth and Windex to clean all exterior car windows and mirrors. Now there is a stubborn film left behind that is really noticeable, especially in glaring sun. I've tried a new cloth with both Windex Ammonia and Mr. Clean, and I can't break through the film. Unfortunately, I did this to two cars using the same used cloth. Can I blame my wife for not laundering it correctly? Just kidding.

Any good ideas, products or methods to try?

 

[ammolab]

They make “paint preperation” solutions just for the purpose of removing wax etc from surfaces. I might try lacquer thinner if you have some handy.

 

[dnewton3]

Take a fresh, clean MF towel and soak it fully with windshield washer fluid, then wring it out. That's my go-to for stubborn film. You may need more than one application/towel, but it works well.

 

[97prizm]

I grabbed a newly laundered microfiber cloth I had previously used to wax a car with Mother's Synthetic Liquid Wax. I used that cloth and Windex to clean all exterior car windows and mirrors. Now there is a stubborn film left behind that is really noticeable, especially in glaring sun. I've tried a new cloth with both Windex Ammonia and Mr. Clean, and I can't break through the film. Unfortunately, I did this to two cars using the same used cloth. Can I blame my wife for not laundering it correctly? Just kidding.

Any good ideas, products or methods to try?

Glass scrub. I've found Glass Science at O'Reilly's and another brand at Napa. Makes a huge difference.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

Alcohol. Mr. Clean Eraser. Dawn dishwashing was often used as a pre-wax prep on the detail forums as it would strip old wax. Clay mitt. 0000 Superfine steel wool.

 

[Rand]

Glass Stripper.

 

[ctechbob]

Alcohol. Mr. Clean Eraser. Dawn dishwashing was often used as a pre-wax prep on the detail forums as it would strip old wax. Clay mitt. 0000 Superfine steel wool.

This. The Mr. Clean eraser will usually do the trick for stubborn films.

 

[burbguy82]

The best thing for cleaning glass is white vinegar. It will remove all water spotting and may other things. Use sparingly, and rinse with water and Johnsons baby shampoo after. This is a trade secret of glazers.

 

[JHZR2]

Black newsprint with an alcohol based cleaner.

 

[Ethan2]

This. The Mr. Clean eraser will usually do the trick for stubborn films.

You really shouldn’t sand your windshield, but it’s a free country

 

[ctechbob]

You really shouldn’t sand your windshield, but it’s a free country

There's no abrasives in them. It is simply melamine foam. At best it is a micro abrasive. Either way, it is softer than glass.

 

[TomYoung]

There's no abrasives in them. It is simply melamine foam. At best it is a micro abrasive. Either way, it is softer than glass.

It’s straight sio2 and probably as hard as glass. It is a hell of an abrasive.

 

[ryanschillinger]

Yeah this is one of those times a magic eraser does well. Wet it with glass cleaner and start scrubbing. Wipe dry with clean MF towel to check progress.

 

[ctechbob]

It’s straight sio2 and probably as hard as glass. It is a hell of an abrasive.

No, no its not. There's no Si in it at all.

Again, it is quite hard, but it isn't harder than glass.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melamine

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melamine_resin

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melamine_foam

 

[TomYoung]

No, no its not. There's no Si in it at all.

Again, it is quite hard, but it isn't harder than glass.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melamine

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melamine_resin

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melamine_foam

You are correct. I am clueless

 

[ctechbob]

You are correct. I am clueless

Lol, it happens. Wait till you start getting older and you have thoughts every day to the tune of 'I know I used to know this, why the #$%% can't I remember it?'

 

[TomYoung]

Lol, it happens. Wait till you start getting older and you have thoughts every day to the tune of 'I know I used to know this, why the #$%% can't I remember it?'

Already there, sir!

 

[JohnnyG]