Cleaning Glass

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Also just to add...

If you have some type of window treatment or perhaps wax from a carwash, it could interefere with cleaning the glass. As Gb pointed out, make sure to read the Glass Cleaning thread and then use the NXT Glass Cleaner as described by RamAirV1.

Tim

[Jbirk]

I clean first with Invisible Glass and Paper Towels.

I know the results are well a little above average. My goal is to remove all dirt and bugs, and remove any other products on the window.

Next, I use a Microfiber and the Nxt Glass cleaner. I spread it around and get it as clean as possible.

Then I flip it over and use the dry side until I have perfect windows. Good news is the microfiber doesn't get very dirty using this method because the paper toweles have most of the contaminates, yet the MF removes any flakey paper from the towels.

Finally, I apply my protectant which is Rain-X Origional in the Swipe and Wipe.

I let it completely haze then I buff Rain-X off with the included Microfiber that isn't too great. I give it about another minute and buff again with the same MF.

Finally, I wait about 2 more minutes and then go over it with a really good/clean microfiber ensureing I missed nothing and do not have a greasy film on my windows!!!

Results: Supurb

[theamcguy]

The key to realy great looking glass is to get rid of the streaks. I have not found a product yet that does not smear, although I have not tried the new NXT Glass Cleaner. The key to really clean streak free glass is treat the glass like paint. In that I mean you must use the available light to spot the streaks. At high noon all glass looks good no matter how streaked it is. It is only by using low angle light and then looking for the reflection in the glass like you do in checking for swirls in paint, that the streaks show up. I like the afternoon sun and sometimes will move the car around a few times to get that low angle on the glass I am trying to get smear free. Using glass cleaner a lint free rag usually gets the job done. I use one rag for cleaning then a separate dry rag for the final polish. The key is to not expect the glass cleaner to get rid of the streaks like you would not expect a polish to get rid rid of all the swirls without checking in the light. I know of no glass cleaner that is goof proof just spray, wipe, and enjoy streak free glass like I know of no polish that allows to put it on and buff it off and it leaves a swirl free shine. Both require the operator to check the results and the high angle light is never good for that.

[Jbirk]

I don't have an issue.

The trick is to do the final wipe with a Micro Fiber. It is just so easy.

When done you wipe with a completely dry Micro Fiber and there is nothing left... done.

[Hook]

Originally posted by theamcguy
The key to realy great looking glass is to get rid of the streaks. I have not found a product yet that does not smear, although I have not tried the new NXT Glass Cleaner. The key to really clean streak free glass is treat the glass like paint. In that I mean you must use the available light to spot the streaks. At high noon all glass looks good no matter how streaked it is. It is only by using low angle light and then looking for the reflection in the glass like you do in checking for swirls in paint, that the streaks show up. I like the afternoon sun and sometimes will move the car around a few times to get that low angle on the glass I am trying to get smear free. Using glass cleaner a lint free rag usually gets the job done. I use one rag for cleaning then a separate dry rag for the final polish. The key is to not expect the glass cleaner to get rid of the streaks like you would not expect a polish to get rid rid of all the swirls without checking in the light. I know of no glass cleaner that is goof proof just spray, wipe, and enjoy streak free glass like I know of no polishthat allows to put it on and buff it off and it leaves a swirl free shine. Both require the operator to check the results and the high angle light is never good for that.

I know a number of people have said they have no problem at all getting their windows streak-free with minimum effort.
But, the post above matches my experience so far (though I am pretty new to serious detailing).

So far I have tried two kinds of window cleaner (one being NXT). I have tried many different cleaning wipes (Meguiars Duo-Fiber for Windows, special disposable wipes from Griot's, paper towels, regular mf towels, terry cloth, ...). Despite all of this, I still find my windows streaked when viewed under the "right" light.

It makes me feel better to see I'm not the only one who has trouble

So, I'm thinking of several alternate approaches:
1) Remove the windshield & rear window & drive with the other windows down. While this is not optimum for safety & comfort, it will ensure crystal-clear "windows".
2) Only drive at night, when the sun is directly overhead or when I can drive away from the direction of the sun's rays.

Comments?

[Tim Lingor]

Hey Hook,

It sure sounds like there is something on your glass (Ie. a window treatment or a wax perhaps). I would follow the link for deep cleaning the glass that was already provided. That way you are starting with a clean windshield which should eliminate any streaking issues when cleaning the glass.

Glass Polishing...Deep Cleaning

Also make sure the inside of the windshield is clean from any residue created from the out-gassing of the vinyl.

Wipe the outside of the windshiled with only vertical movements and the inside with horizontal. That way, if you see vertical smears, you know the issue is with the outside; like wise for the inside.

Use two glass ONLY MF towels. Towels that have been used for wax removal may still have wax residue in them, even after a deep washing/cleaning. This wax may prevent the absorbing of glass cleaner, thereby causing streaks! Start with two brand new, fresh MF towels. One for applying the NXT Glass Cleaner and the other for the final drying. When they are dirty, wash them on their and not with other MF towels that again may have other products on them.

Give that a try!

Tim

[Hook]

Originally posted by 2hotford
Hey Hook,

It sure sounds like there is something on your glass (Ie. a window treatment or a wax perhaps). I would follow the link for deep cleaning the glass that was already provided. That way you are starting with a clean windshield which should eliminate any streaking issues when cleaning the glass.

Glass Polishing...Deep Cleaning

Tim

This morning I happened to catch the sun just right so I could get a good look at the "problems" with my rear window. I tried cleaning it thoroughly using NXT & the duo-fiber towels for about 5 minutes in one small area. Looked like **** when I was done.

So I looked more carefully & I believe there is "something" on my windshield & rear windows. I used a terry towel the other day to try to clean them & it appears as if small pieces of the fibers stuck onto something sticky. I don't know what it is, but it's not on the side windows or on the paint.

Here's a question: this is a new car, just one month old. Could there have been something applied to the windows during shipment (on sea or on land)?

In any case, I'm going to try the method in the article you referenced when I get a chance.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey Hook,

It is very possible something was placed on your windshield. I hate to say it, but many dealerships will simply run your car through a carwash and have the carwash hit the spray wax button before delievery. That wax on a windshield can be a real pain!!! It will make it smeary in the rain when using the wipers etc....

Like I said, I would encourage you to follow the glass cleaning thread so that you can start with a clean windshield.

Tim

[roushstage2]

You could clay the windows to remove anything that is on them and then try cleaning them. If that still doesn't help, stop by a local detailer and ask em what they think it is.