Water spot remover...what actually works?
- Thread starter gregk24
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Safe products to use that I am aware of and not in any particular order nor one over the other. Also may be used in conjunction with one another.
*Baking Soda
*Razor Blade
*0000 Steel Wool
*Clay Bar
*Rain-X
*Baking Soda
*Razor Blade
*0000 Steel Wool
*Clay Bar
*Rain-X
https://www.duragloss.com/product/8-oz-duragloss-ng-glass-water-spot-remover/
https://www.invisibleglass.com/products/product/95310CSTON01/invisible-glass
I've personally used both of those. They both work, with the duragloss being slightly more aggressive.
I've heard of other methods, but none I've personally used. If the spots are bad enough you might want to use a buffer or something similar to apply and remove. It does take a fair bit of elbow grease if the spots are bad.
After cleaning, coat with your favorite product, be that rainx, wax, etc etc
https://www.invisibleglass.com/products/product/95310CSTON01/invisible-glass
I've personally used both of those. They both work, with the duragloss being slightly more aggressive.
I've heard of other methods, but none I've personally used. If the spots are bad enough you might want to use a buffer or something similar to apply and remove. It does take a fair bit of elbow grease if the spots are bad.
After cleaning, coat with your favorite product, be that rainx, wax, etc etc
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
I watched a guy put long scratches in his car glass using a razor blade, must have had a burr or nick on it. Made me sick. Beware.
I would never.
It's good to keep in mind that some water spots are etchings and not just deposits. Rust remover and products like CLR will not remove etched spots.
I’d try some RainX Xtreme Clean on it first. Five dollars at WM or Amazon. Report back if you try it please.
plastic razor blades work pretty well for this sort of thing without harming the surface...
White vinegar.
My current favorite is Griot's Garage Glass Polish. I've applied it by hand and with a random orbital polisher, and have been very pleased with the results. I do not like hydrophobic coatings on front windshield glass, but I have followed the Glass Polish with Griot's Glass Sealant on the side and back windows and it is really good stuff as well. Water just runs right off the sealed glass.
I have previously tried Meguiars Water Spot Remover and Mother's Water Spot Remover. Both were OK, but not as good as Griot's Glass Polish.
000 (Triple Zero) steel wool takes it off great, and does not scratch glass. Just keep it away from paint and rubber trim.
This has worked great for me:
https://www.amazon.com/3D-Auto-Deta...t=&hvlocphy=9031883&hvtargid=pla-569152803556
MF towel, copious amounts and 2 applications. Always neutralize with water after 60 seconds and do not work in the sun (or under warm conditions).
https://www.amazon.com/3D-Auto-Deta...t=&hvlocphy=9031883&hvtargid=pla-569152803556
MF towel, copious amounts and 2 applications. Always neutralize with water after 60 seconds and do not work in the sun (or under warm conditions).
I was always told never use 000 steel wool on glass. Only 0000 steel wool should be used on glass.
One has to remember, there are two different kinds of spotting that you can find on glass. One is hard deposits from water, the other is actually etching into the glass. The water deposits can generally be removed chemically with vinegar or one of the other specialty liquid products. The spots that are caused by physical etching of the glass can only be removed physically. No amount of liquid chemical is going to take them out. They will require an abrasive.
My advice has generally always been, start with the weaker (liquid) solutions first. If that doesn't work, move on to the abrasive removers, which is what the Duragloss, and Invisible Glass (And many others) are.
My advice has generally always been, start with the weaker (liquid) solutions first. If that doesn't work, move on to the abrasive removers, which is what the Duragloss, and Invisible Glass (And many others) are.
I have battled water spots on virtually every vehicle I’ve owned over the past several decades. I HATE THEM!! And I’ve tried probably 75% of the suggestions in this thread. Some don’t work at all, some work to various degrees. Then a few months back I splurged on some expensive 3M glass compound. It’s a game changer for me. It works so much better and easier than anything else I’ve tried.
3M Glass Polishing Compound, 60150 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007460F7Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_xcOKQCJrmw735
3M Glass Polishing Compound, 60150 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007460F7Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_xcOKQCJrmw735
ZEP Foaming Glass Cleaner takes off water spots caused by hard water. It is an inexpensive product used by cleaning industry pros, not a marked up product intended for car buffs. It’s half the price of Sprayway which is another very good class cleaner in an aerosol can.
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