Windshield Cleaning (Long Post)

[bobbob]

Behind a truck and some sort of noxious stuff got on
the Windshield. Went to a glass replacement shop, was told
to use alcohol. Nothing! He then recommends Turtle Wax
Fine polishing compound. Slightly better. Invisible Glass.
No real difference. I was going to try a single edge razor
blade next. Please, please help! P.S It is a new car

 

[mechtech2]

Alcohol is not a solvent for lots of stuff.

With care, try acetone [nail polish remover] or Naptha [lighter fluid].

follow with your normal window cleaning.

 

[Milkman]

Try some very fine steel wool (000) or (0000) and Windex.

 

[Hermann]

Try a Mr Clean magic eraser.

 

[Silk]

Use a brick and make a windscreen claim.

 

[Trav]

Bon Ami works great on windshields.

 

[Eddie]

Mix 1/3 Sudsy Ammonia + 1/3 Vinegar + 1/3 water. Soak on with a clean rag and let sit for a minute or so. Wipe off with clean absorbent towels or squeegee off.

 

[hate2work]

Originally Posted By: Silk
Use a brick and make a windscreen claim.


This guy's thinking with his dipstick I like it

 

[SZR48207]

Odorless mineral spirits on a rag removes most gluey or waxy substances fairly quickly. It did wonders on the old tint adhesive on my windows.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: hate2work
Originally Posted By: Silk
Use a brick and make a windscreen claim.


This guy's thinking with his dipstick I like it

I can see it now... Next thread started is;

Why are my Auto insurance rates so high?

 

[5sfe91]

Use a clay bar and soapy water or windex

 

[Kaboomba]

bobbob:

If I were you I would try to identify what the stuff is before trying to select a cleaner. Any ideas as to what it is?

 

[kballowe]

WD-40 or mineral spirits will normally remove just about anything. Dawn dishwashing liquid will remove the WD-40 or mineral spirits.

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: Kaboomba
bobbob:

If I were you I would try to identify what the stuff is before trying to select a cleaner. Any ideas as to what it is?


Are you actually saying that people should have some clue what the problem is before they offer solutions?

 

[sunfire]

Continue with the compound or polish to remove the stain. Paint compounds shouldn't be strong enough to scratch glass.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Originally Posted By: kballowe
WD-40 or mineral spirits will normally remove just about anything. Dawn dishwashing liquid will remove the WD-40 or mineral spirits.

Silicone on glass? It etches glass!

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
Mix 1/3 Sudsy Ammonia + 1/3 Vinegar + 1/3 water. Soak on with a clean rag and let sit for a minute or so. Wipe off with clean absorbent towels or squeegee off.
I think you want to use EITHER vinegar ammonia, never mixed. Note that white vinegar is simply mild to moderate ACID and will etch down glass and porcelin glaze a bit faster than you migh think!
Ammonia in water is good for moderate oil and grease, IPA drygas ( sans water) is good for bug goo and Fur and Pine sap. I would agree with mechtech2, that a mineral distillate (MEK, Acetone, Toluene,) would be good for stubborn oil and grease and tar cleanup. Years ago, I was in charge of Freon TF elimination for (classified) manufacturing cleaning process. We ended up using Hot 30-40% Hydrogen Peroxide in (one stage of) a wet bench, and Heated 2-Propanol (IPA) in a cleanline with mega fire supression. The H202 was great at chewing up most any organic on a metallised alumina surface.

 

[RustyH]

I use Bar Keeper's Friend (I think this is very similiar to Bon Ami) a few times a year on a 10yr Volvo and BMW. I put about a tablespoon in a wet washcloth and gentle rub in circles for a few minutes on one-half the windshield, then repeat the same on the other side, then rinse with a clean washcloth and then dry with a towel. It does not scratch the glass and will take care of water spots. The visual clarity is amazing after that.

 

[kballowe]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Originally Posted By: kballowe
WD-40 or mineral spirits will normally remove just about anything. Dawn dishwashing liquid will remove the WD-40 or mineral spirits.

Silicone on glass? It etches glass!


Show me where mineral spirits or wd-40 etches glass in this application.

Thanks

Kevin

 

[ARCOgraphite]

I just did. Silicone etching glass is common knowledge.