dirty windshield?

marcbla · Post by **marcbla** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 1:14 pm

try using a mild cleaner called Bar Keepers Friend, it will not scratch the glass, but use lots of water anyway.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 1:23 pm

Invisble Glass.Can't go wrong with that.I wouldn't use anything else.

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 2:21 pm

I like Invisible Glass as well. I use a regular window cleaner first, then use IG, but I am still getting a hazy film in the inside of my windshield and it makes it difficult to see out when I'm driving at night. I usually just wipe down the windshield with a dry lint free cloth and that solves the problem temporarily. Anything I can use that won't give me that hazy film... suggestions???

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 2:25 pm

I've seen "anti-fog" cloths in AutoZone and whatnot...perhaps that is what you need to try?But I agree, lately, I've had problems getting my windows to be "invisible glass." Of course, I've been uber lazy lately, so maybe I'm not doing as well as I used to with my windows.I do find, though, that my method works for cleaning them:*Use standard glass cleaner and paper towels inside and out.*Follow up with IG and "mysterious blue cloth that works great on glass"*Finish with a dry "mysterious blue cloth" to remove any residue that might remain.Seems to work relatively well.

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 2:38 pm

"mysterious blue cloth"? Tell me more.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 2:40 pm

LOL! I bought a 3-pack of IG from the company direct, and got some blue cleaning cloths with my order. They work FANTASTICALLY on glass. Lint-free, soft, and they get my glass squeaky clean!

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 2:46 pm

Any idea if I can get this "mysterious blue cloth" anywhere else, other than direct from the company? I got a can of IG from AutoZone and there was no blue cloth with mine. I have been using your method of cleaning my glass ever since I read your post about it way back when. Now I'm noticing that anywhere my windshield wipers touch the glass, there is a "sticky" film there that is almost impossible to wipe off and I can't figure out what it is. You can feel it if you run a wet papertowel across the front or back window. It's fine until you get where the wipers touch the glass, then it's a lot rougher surface. It's driving me crazy

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 2:54 pm

quote:Any idea if I can get this "mysterious blue cloth" anywhere else, other than direct from the company? I got a can of IG from AutoZone and there was no blue cloth with mine. I'll keep my eye out for ya.quote:I have been using your method of cleaning my glass ever since I read your post about it way back when. Now I'm noticing that anywhere my windshield wipers touch the glass, there is a "sticky" film there that is almost impossible to wipe off and I can't figure out what it is. You can feel it if you run a wet papertowel across the front or back window. It's fine until you get where the wipers touch the glass, then it's a lot rougher surface. It's driving me crazy I hear that. I think it's just the long term effects of the rubber blades wearing down the glass. Probably could be resolved by polishing the glass. But I don't have the time, knowledge, or tools to do that.I'll e-mail the IG people see if they have a suggestion...UPDATE: You can get the cleaning cloths by buying IG from Stoner (the manufacturer) directly. They have a special "web offer.""Order now and get 3 cans of Invisible Glass (plus 3 ultra low-lint, 100% cotton, "best you'll find", glass cleaning towels as a FREE bonus) for $19.95 + $4.50 S&H."The link to order is: https://www.stoneronline.com/process/ca ... ty=1That's what I got. These cloths are great!

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 3:03 pm

That info. is greatly appreciated! I may just have to order that... mainly so I can get those "mysterious blue cloths". I wonder if they have anything that will help with my haze problem?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 3:06 pm

Is it a haze, or is it fogging up?

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 3:09 pm

It's an actual haze. If it fogs up, I just turn on my defrost and that fixes the problem with the fog. It's a haze that can be wiped off and it gets worse the longer I go without wiping down the inside of the windshield.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 3:14 pm

Hmm...tough one...might be something to do with the heat and humidity building up in the car. if it's new, perhaps the mixture of adhesives, plastics, and whatnot kinda "dissolving" in the heat and humidity is leaving a haze?Try going over your windows with a dry lint-free cloth after IGing them...might help out...On a side note, you can buy a case of 12 cans of IG on stonersolutions.com and they ship it to you free, in addition to the volume discount - $32.83 for the case comes out to about $2.75 a can...not bad! I think they go for about $3.99 individually, don't they?

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 3:21 pm

Yep, I think each can is $3.99... I tried wiping down the windows with a lint-free cloth after I IG them. It looks good, but then after time a haze builds up on the inside. I had the same problem with the windshield of my S-10. Oh well, looks like I'm kinda stuck with the problem for now. Thanx for the help and all the great information.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 3:31 pm

That's interesting, I can't explain it. I still like my theory about the heat buildup in the car doing something with the adhesives and chemicals and whatnot...I did have that problem for a while too...but it seems to have disappeared.Try those anti-fog cloths. I know it isn't a fogging problem, but they might still help.

retiredfields · Post by **retiredfields** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 9:09 pm

The HAZE is from the plastic dashboard giving off fumes in the heat, which rise and cover the windshield. Thats one of the reasons I put a dash cover on mine. It doesn't stop, but reduces the hazing significantly.The best cleaning cloths I have found are the microfiber type. Wal-Mart has them in the auto section, three for around $4.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 11:17 pm

[QUOTEI have been using your method of cleaning my glass ever since I read your post about it way back when. Now I'm noticing that anywhere my windshield wipers touch the glass, there is a "sticky" film there that is almost impossible to wipe off and I can't figure out what it is. You can feel it if you run a wet papertowel across the front or back window. It's fine until you get where the wipers touch the glass, then it's a lot rougher surface. It's driving me crazy [/QUOTE]Ok, heard back from Stoner. WOW what a response time! Here is what the guy said:quote:Thanks for the inquiry! This etching you are seeing is, unfortunately,superficial damage to the glass surface. I myself have used car polish thatcontains a clear coat safe rubbing compound & did see some beneficialresults. Another suggestion would be to take it to a windshield repairplace & they may be able to buff it out. There used to be a product on themarket called Glass Polish, but I have not seen it lately. I have heard ofsome pro detailers using Bon Ami cleanser to remove marks from glass, but Ihave not tried that. This etching is usually a result of rain water. You can also see the sameresults on the car's paint finish, but a good wax job helps reduce thatdamage. Hope this helps!Steve WalkerStoner Inc

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 2:32 am

That was very fast response time. So I've had my Vibe 7 months and now he is saying that rain is causing this? The "etching" is not a big problem, but I have never had this problem on any of my other cars. Now I'm worried about my paint finish as well... lucky I wax the heck out of it when I wash it. Anyone else having this etching or haze issue with their Vibe?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 7:32 am

I've had this "etching" problem on every car I ever owned.Rain is more acidic in modern day than it was 10 years ago...but I'm not too worried about my paint...

Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 11:13 am

quote:I like Invisible Glass as well. I use a regular window cleaner first, then use IG, but I am still getting a hazy film in the inside of my windshield and it makes it difficult to see out when I'm driving at night. I usually just wipe down the windshield with a dry lint free cloth and that solves the problem temporarily. Anything I can use that won't give me that hazy film... suggestions???Do you smoke?

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 12:58 pm

Nope... I don't smoke. I was driving home from work tonight and noticed that the haze got worse cause I had my windows down. Maybe it has something to do with the humidity in the air? I rolled up my windows and turned on my defrost and it got better, but that damn haze/film is still there. Ran my finger over the glass and can easily see right through the haze where I wiped my finger, so this stuff does wipe off. I wish I knew a way to get rid of it!

geezer · Post by **geezer** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 8:20 pm

I've never used Invisible Glass. I do use Stoner's More Shine, Less Time tire treatment so I do know how good there products can be. I'll pick up some IG next trip I make to an auto parts store. I've been using Eagle One's 20/20 glass cleaner for the last couple of years and think it's the best glass cleaner I've ever used.

dmitri · Post by **dmitri** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 11:34 am

!!!!!!!!!! I have this hazy sh*t on the inside too!!! (removed) it doesnt come off, its like grease, and when i clean it, it like spreads around and you really have to press hard to get off, sometimes i just give up because it really doesnt want to come off. I smoke sometimes im my car, but it wouldnt cause this, and i dont smoke often enough for that to happen.

scherry2 · Post by **scherry2** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 12:02 pm

quote:!!!!!!!!!! I have this hazy sh*t on the inside too!!! I smoke sometimes in my car, but it wouldnt cause this, and i dont smoke often enough for that to happen.want to bet...

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 12:58 pm

Finally, someone else feels my pain... and it sucks! That hazy crap is driving me insane! Heck, I don't even smoke, but let me know if you figure out how to get rid of it.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 1:01 pm

i'm tellin ya...i know it isn't fog, but try the anti-fog sprays or wipes. The stuff in them that keeps fog from forming may inhibit the development of that haze too...

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 1:06 pm

I guess I'll pick up some of those next time I get by AutoZone or PepBoys. When I do, I'll let you know how they work and if it gets rid of this cursed haze!!!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 1:11 pm

Definitely. Can't hurt to try it!

SCTM · Post by **SCTM** » Sat Aug 09, 2003 12:44 am

Trying AQUAPEL is adopting...It stayed on all last winter and very helpful, big difference compared with other rain repellants tried before. http://www.ppg.com/gls_aquapel/main.htm(made in Pittsburg PA) approx $20-25cdnHighly recommended.

MadBill · Post by **MadBill** » Sat Aug 09, 2003 1:17 am

There are "plasticizers" and other stuff in the trim parts, which tend to out-gas early in the life a of a vehicle and coat the glass, especially in hot weather. Also, GM recommends Bon Ami for removing external film from glass, and even sells it under a GM # (good thing too, as I don't think it's sold at retailers in Canada.)

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Sat Aug 09, 2003 1:42 am

quote:There are "plasticizers" and other stuff in the trim parts, which tend to out-gas early in the life a of a vehicle and coat the glass, especially in hot weather. Also, GM recommends Bon Ami for removing external film from glass, and even sells it under a GM # (good thing too, as I don't think it's sold at retailers in Canada.)So, that film that's so hard to get off the inside of my windshield is really condensed "new car smell"?and I recommend never Rain-X'ing your rear window. It makes the mist bead up and really obscure visibility. I'd rather have something that prevents water beading there

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Aug 09, 2003 5:55 am

quote:Trying AQUAPEL is adopting...It stayed on all last winter and very helpful, big difference compared with other rain repellants tried before. http://www.ppg.com/gls_aquapel/main.htm(made in Pittsburg PA) approx $20-25cdnHighly recommended. Thanks for the tip, but we're actually discussing problems on the interior of the windshield!

MadBill · Post by **MadBill** » Sat Aug 09, 2003 6:14 am

quote:...So, that film that's so hard to get off the inside of my windshield is really condensed "new car smell"?...Yup!

dmitri · Post by **dmitri** » Sun Aug 10, 2003 1:37 am

now that my malibu is gone, i been parking my car in the garage and noticed that less of the haze is building up. Does the dealer sell that Bon Ami cleaner??

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Aug 10, 2003 2:12 am

You can get it at most hardware stores.

MadBill · Post by **MadBill** » Sun Aug 10, 2003 2:16 am

The reduced buid up is likely due to less sun load leaving the dash, etc. cooler.Yes, I've seen the Bon Ami product in the GM catalog with their part number on the container. (But I believe in the US it's also still sold in grocery stores, etc.)

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Aug 10, 2003 2:25 am

Be careful. There is Bon Ami Cleaning Powder, and Bon Ami CLEANSER. The one recommended by GM, the cleaning powder, is sold in hardware stores. The CLEANSER, a much more abrasive version, is sold in grocery stores.Be sure you get the right one!I believe the Cleaning Powder is sold in True Value and ACE Hardware stores. I don't know if the larger stores, Lowe's and Home Depot, carry it.

Bowlsie · Post by **Bowlsie** » Sun Aug 10, 2003 11:53 am

Here is a quick trick of the trade. Clean your windows like you normally would. After you are finished take some old newspaper (sheet) and start at the top of the window with it and work your way down. Do this 2-3 times in each area. Do not over rub but use just enough force to where you can actually feel it rubbing. If you do this correctly I guarantee that the smudges will be no more. May sound stupid but just try it.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Aug 10, 2003 11:56 am

I've heard the pros use that. I'll have to try it...I'd think the ink would smear off though?

Bowlsie · Post by **Bowlsie** » Sun Aug 10, 2003 12:02 pm

I always thought that to but for some reason it doesn't. I make sure the window is nice and dry before I start though. So that probably helps.

jlynam · Post by **jlynam** » Sun Aug 10, 2003 8:09 pm

Not sure what the "Mysterious Blue Cloth" is but I SWEAR by microfiber cloths for most of my car cleaning. I have a blue one, just for glass, only using water to clean. A big yellow one for drying off after the car wash and a smaller yellow one for daily dusting. Lint free, non abrasive and very effective.

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Sun Aug 24, 2003 3:15 pm

I tried that "anti-fog" spray/wipes that you said to try and it was a disaster (I forgot to tell you that at the OH Meet)! The interior of the windshield and the back window were covered in smudges and looked horrible. I cleaned it all off as well as I could. I guess I will just stick to cleaning it more often and put up with the haze. Oh well... was worth a shot. I'm going to try that newspaper thing though, maybe that will help.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Aug 24, 2003 11:01 pm

quote:I tried that "anti-fog" spray/wipes that you said to try and it was a disaster (I forgot to tell you that at the OH Meet)! The interior of the windshield and the back window were covered in smudges and looked horrible. I cleaned it all off as well as I could. I guess I will just stick to cleaning it more often and put up with the haze. Oh well... was worth a shot. I'm going to try that newspaper thing though, maybe that will help.Sorry to hear that. At least we know now what else doesn't work.I tried the newspaper trick myself the night before I left...it actually worked quite well! Also, because my windows were open much of the trip, the heat never built up inside that much, so the haze never recondensed...though I sense it may after today or tomorrow...

dmitri · Post by **dmitri** » Mon Aug 25, 2003 9:02 am

i have that since i play hockey. Its expensive and comes in a really small bottle.