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Overview:
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Car window cleaning basics [*]
Automotive Glass Cleaners [*]
Microfiber Towels [*]
Plastic Polishes & Cleaners
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Have you ever noticed how much better your car looks when the windows are perfectly clean? Yet many of us ignore the windows when we wash, because it adds a few precious minutes. Forget the time involved in keeping your glass clean for a moment; have you ever thought about how hazy, dirty windows can be a safety hazard? Driving your car with dirty, hazy windows on a rainy night or in heavy traffic, straining to see, is a driving impairment. You should consider this a true danger.

Cleaning your windows is one of the most tedious tasks you will face, but it is definitely worth doing. In addition to being a hazard, the effect of dirty glass can quickly ruin the appearance of your perfectly polished and waxed automobile. After you have completed all other detailing tasks, put the perfect touch on your car by detailing your car's glass.






The impact of this freshly polished and waxed paint would be ruined by dirty windows. After waxing, I use a slightly damp microfiber detailing towel to buff the glass. If I run into stubborn spots or a heavy film, I spray a few shots of automotive glass cleaner.

Automotive Glass CleanersJust as in the selection of car shampoo and car wax, no two car enthusiasts can agree on the ultimate glass cleaner for their car. Some people like ammonia cleaners, while the purists will use nothing but clear water. Whatever you use, the principles are the same: clean, dry and polish.
I highly discourage the use of ammonia-based glass cleaners on your car. While ammonia is a great glass cleaner for the home, ammonia is harmful to many car surfaces, including vinyl, rubber and leather. More importantly, the use of ammonia inside your car is harmful to your health. Use an automotive glass cleaner that specifically states it's safe to use on window-tint film. A glass cleaner that's safe for window-tint film will not harm the plastic and vinyl surfaces on your car.
Glass cleaners in a spray bottle work fine. The only problem is overspray on the dash and upholstery, as it's difficult to direct the spray of glass cleaners. You will have the best luck spraying one side of a clean towel, wiping the glass, and then drying with the other side of the towel.

Many professional car detailers use plain water for wiping and cleaning the windows, and dry the glass with newspaper. Unlike paper towels and most cotton towels, newspaper does not leave behind lint, and the ink acts as a glass polish. The only drawback to this method is the newsprint ink on your hands when you’re done. Be sure to wash your hands before touching your upholstery.







The grime on this Honda S2000's glass was so bad the wipers and washers would not cut through it. This is a dangerous situation for the driver. I added a 303 Instant Windshield Washer Tablet to the owner's wash reservoir as a booster. A proper cleaning solution in your windshield washer is necessary for safe driving.

Cleaning Car WindowsStart your window cleaning with the driver's door and front passenger's door. If your door has a window frame, lower the window approximately 1 inch to allow access to the top part of the glass. This part should be cleaned and dried first. Spray with glass cleaner and buff dry. Now roll the window back up, and clean the remainder of the window. Pay attention to the corners of the windows, as this is where you will get most smears and streaks. Don't forget your driver's side and passenger's side mirrors.

While you're sitting down in the passenger's seat, clean the inside of the windshield. It is easier to clean from the passenger's side, as your access is not obstructed by the steering wheel. Take your time around the rearview mirror, as it is only glued to your windshield. If you bump into the rearview mirror hard enough or at the right angle, you can break it loose from the glass.

The inside of the rear window is the most difficult to reach and should be done last. The best technique for cleaning your rear window is to use the back side of your hand to guide your towel down into the corners. Trying to use the palm of your hand will force you to be a contortionist and you will draw strange looks from your neighbors.


Microfiber Detailing TowelsNot long ago I recommended a specific glass-detailing towel. While the microfiber glass towels worked great, I was going crazy trying to keep the different towels and their purposes straight. I had dark blue, light blue, green, orange and pink towels. It was nuts! I finally came to the conclusion that the waffle weave detailing towels are the best general-purpose towels, and they work great on glass and clear plastic.






The Sonus Ultimate Detailing Towel is a general purpose detailing towel that does a fantastic job on glass and clear plastic. Lacey is using the towels to clean the glass and mirrors on her truck.
If you're looking for a specific microfiber towel for glass, my experience is that the towels with a deep, plush nap do not work well on glass. The best microfiber towels for glass have a low pile and a tight weave, like a polishing towel.The tight weave gives them a little more scrubbing power.
Be cautious of inexpensive microfiber towels. There's a good chance that any microfiber towel you purchase in bulk through a retail chain will leave lint on your glass. Fiber shedding is a significant problem with bulk towels, because most of these products are created for janitorial services.
When using microfiber on glass, it's best to use two towels. One should be damp with water or your favorite glass cleaner. The second towel should be dry for buffing.

Cleaning Water Spotted Car GlassI suspect that the windshield is the most overlooked surface on most cars. At best, you wash it when you wash the car and spray it with a few shots of glass cleaner when you can no longer see through the haze. Did you ever think of polishing your glass?

Normal driving will coat your windshield with a variety of contaminants that normal glass cleaners cannot remove. Plus, your windshield has the greatest vertical forward exposure, which means it gets pelted with road stones and other debris. It's a wonder that windshields hold up as well as they do.
Automotive glass polishes that remove minor wa

 

Generally most of people don't take care of their windows of the car but i like to wash it time to time. I use simple window cleaner to wash the glass of car window. I want know that which specific product do you use for cleaning windows.

 

IMHO The best cleaning process for the exterior glass is automotive clay. The windshield would shed water without the wipers being on. All the road solvents and muck get removed and it takes only a few minutes. I really like seeing out of a clean windshield and constantly tell my wife and daughter to use the windshield washer on a regular basis---not just when you can't see through the windshield or windscreen.

 

Interesting. I hate for the washer to be used because it sprays cleaner solvent all over the paintwork. However windshield washers (and headlight washers) have to be used occasionally or they will gum up!

Great OP Jim!