Windshield film/grime issues

[scrappyslexus]

2015 lx570 with 16k on it. I bought it certified . Cannot get the film/ grime off the windshield. I am not sure if it is some detail product that is failing. I tried all over the counter window cleaners, new wiper blades, etc. Does anyone have a recommendation? I have not tried straight alcohol or vinegar.

 

[9780LC]

I'd try some baking soda and water.

 

[gaijin]

Bon Ami 1886 formula: Amazon.com: Bon Ami 04030 Bon Ami Cleaning Powder, 12-Ounce: Home & Kitchen

Works great!

HTH

 

[drmwvr]

Does a razor blade take off any of the grime?

 

[Markuson]

Do you mean outer windshield? Or inside of windshield?

If inside, could it be a tinting layer? Sometimes tinting sheets are tough to clean.

 

[John E Davies]

Use a straight razor blade for any lumpy bits, then a clay bar with a detailing spray. Clay bars work wonders!

There are glass polishes but they are 100% a last resort.

How-To Glass - Griot's Garage

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[nuclearn8]

so long as there is no aftermarket tinting done I've always clayed the glass on my vehicle and then applied 2 coats of Rejex

after that, nothing sticks for at least a year (inside or out) easy to clean with the wet paper towel or microfiber in the interim, do this once a year and glass stays crystal clear and rarely have to use wiper blades in the rain since the water rolls right off

 

[Hothonda]

Agree on the clay bar....works very good!

 

[scrappyslexus]

No luck with baking soda and water.

Has anyone ever used goo gone or alcohol?

 

[MScruiser]

For the outside, go with a razor, then clay bar.

For the inside, I use copious amounts of Windex, and use wadded up newspapers instead of paper towels, as they leave no residue. Apply; wipe off. Repeat until all residue is gone.

 

[drmwvr]

You can also try this product by Stoner. As mentioned before, use newspaper to wipe it off after you have applied.

 

[Swampmonger]

Do you have a DA buffer? You could try Klasse AIO. It is great on glass with a light cutting pad.

 

[KLF]

I have a similar problem. Mine are water spots that I have deduced to be due from someone washing it with hard water, lots of mineral deposits. It was like this when I bought the truck in May, I'm just now getting serious on fixing it.

All the glass is affected, except the front windshield. I've tried window cleaner, polishing with a DA buffer, claying, vinegar, and vinegar mixed with baking soda. No good, the spots are still there. Any ideas? I may have to take it to a detailing shop, see if they can fix it.

 

[TonyP]

I have a similar problem. Mine are water spots that I have deduced to be due from someone washing it with hard water, lots of mineral deposits. It was like this when I bought the truck in May, I'm just now getting serious on fixing it.

All the glass is affected, except the front windshield. I've tried window cleaner, polishing with a DA buffer, claying, vinegar, and vinegar mixed with baking soda. No good, the spots are still there. Any ideas? I may have to take it to a detailing shop, see if they can fix it.

What pad and what compound did you use on the DA?

 

[KLF]

I used a yellow "cutting" pad with Zaino "All-In-One", which is a great cleaner/polish. Not aggressive but I've had very good luck with it on other things. I'm afraid to get too aggressive, I don't want to cause swirls.

I also just tried P21S "Total Auto Wash" which is a citrus-based degreaser, it's what I use for cleaning engines. Did nothing.

I'm doing all my testing on one window (left rear quarter) so I can tell if there is any difference.

 

[KLF]

Hard to get a decent photo, best I could do:

 

[TonyP]

I've used this with a polishing pad (white). It usually does the job.

McKee's 37 High Performance Glass Restorer

Have you tried a #00000 scotch brite with clr?

If that doesn't work, your glass might be etched.

 

[gaijin]

I wasn't kidding when I posted this - works great on hard water spots. Just make sure you get the 1886 formula.

Bon Ami 1886 formula: Amazon.com: Bon Ami 04030 Bon Ami Cleaning Powder, 12-Ounce: Home & Kitchen

Works great!

HTH

 

[KLF]

I have some "Bar Keeper's Friend" here, I'll give that a try, hope it is similar to the Bon Ami. Also will try some ceramic cooktop polish. If that doesn't work, I'll probably order some of that Glass Restorer, what the heck. I have a 3" white pad in my collection.

Thanks, I'll report back.

 

[KLF]

Spent the morning working on this. This is a PITA!!

I had some Meguire's M105 "Ultra Cut Compound" in my kit so I gave that a try with a white 3" stiff foam pad on my Porter-Cable RO polisher. Did pretty much a whole lot of nothing.

Best solution I've found so far is a slurry I made with Bar Keepers Friend and a ceramic cooktop cleaner called Cerama-Bryte. Lots and lots of elbow grease is also consumed, running the RO. Got 3 windows done, they look pretty much new now. For some reason the front side windows are much harder, I spent about an hour on one window, I've hit my limit of patience. It's maybe 80% cleared of the spots. Not looking forward to doing the rear hatch window, I think it has the worst spots. It's weird that the paint is fine, no spots that I can see.

Oh, I also learned to NOT use a ScotchBrite kitchen sponge. Scratched the heck out one window, fortunately only about 6" square. Those aren't gonna buff out.

Will probably add the Bon Ami to my next Amazon order just to give it a try.

Reward for the day: