Help removing residue off window...

[ScreamingTaco]

Up until recently the only window product I've used is Stoner's Invisible Glass. I don't think it's the source of my problem since I've never had a problem with it in the past. I bought a new can of the spray after to keep in the new truck, so I have no idea if the Stoner's product has changed or if it's just a coincidence.

I've posted some pictures below. These windows are on a new Tacoma with less than 1500 miles on it.


I tried switching to Windex Auto to see if it would cut whatever it is that's on them and it made no difference.


It was recommended that I try using vinegar and it also made no difference.


I've included some photos. The residue you see is on the outside of the window. These windows are freshly cleaned. They feel gritty to the touch.








This last photo is after I wiped down the inside of the windows. There's an oily film on the inside that streaks horribly and makes it near impossible to see if the windows fog. The streaks you see are in a different pattern from how I wiped the window. I haven't been able to remove this film. I'm not sure if it's related to the problems on the outside of the window.

[Murr1525]

I would use clay and UC, since you have them now.

Is it only on the outside?

[ScreamingTaco]

The small stuff in the first two pictures is on the outside. The oily residue in the third picture is on the inside.

Someone on another forum suggested the outside is acid rain and the inside might be wax. In hindsight the farmers have been doing a lot of spraying this year and I've had a few crop dusters flying over/around my truck when driving into town. If the inside is wax I'm going to guess it was a dealership guy as I use clean micro-fibre cloths when switching products. I'm thinking that if the dealership guy also waxed the outside it might be holding onto the contamination, which may be why regular glass cleaners aren't penetrating it.

Can I use a DA on the windshield or should I do it by hand?

[Murr1525]

Hand is probably easiest to try first.

[BillE]

Due to the fact these are the side windows, I'm thinking there is something on the 'wipes' in the door. Maybe still wet after washing, something left over from manufacturing and shipping?

Bill

[D307P]

I use Stoner's also and it always works great. My wife just picked up her new 2012 Dodge Durango a week ago and the drivers window had the same smear on the inside. I had to clean it more then once to get it off and used Stoner's in the can.

Most dealerships I have purchased cars from have "detailers" who are not as fussy as we are with our cars. They are probably just using the wet towel they dried the car with to wipe the windows clean.

[goldenlight]

Ultimate Compound or Duragloss 755 Nu-Glass will remove these stains. I only used a DA to remove them don't know how good it is by hand.

I believe you can pick up Duragloss 755 Nu-glass at Napa AutoParts. Otherwise you can get it from Amazon

[Dire_Wolf]

You may try Goo Be Gone, that stuff is amazing, not sure if it is safe for tinted windows...just my two cents

[ScreamingTaco]

Clay bar'd the windows and didn't notice any change. In fairness the stuff is on their pretty hard.

Followed the clay bar with two rounds of UC. The stuff worked good and two hand applications (foam applicator) removed about 90% of whatever was on there. It's reached the point where it was hard to see in the bright mid-day light so I'll give a final application this evening (probably with a DA).

Also did gave the inside of the windshield a single application. The UC cut whatever the waxy/oily film was and left the window squeaky clean. There's a few small patches of the film left that I must've missed so I'll give the inside another round after I complete the outside this evening.

Overall I'm pretty happy. I've probably washed these windows 30 times now with regular window products and another 40 with the car's windshield washer/wipers. I tried rubbing alcohol last night after reading it on the forum and it also did nothing. UC was the first product that actually did anything.

[Murr1525]

You may try terry cloth as well, if you find the DA a hassle at all.

You might want a glass cleaner after the UC, hard to say how much residue may be left.