Truly streak-free window cleaner!

[ragingfish]

FINALLY! Thanks to mrsfixit.com, I have a truly streak-free solution to cleaning windows. The best part? It's cheap and home-made! The answer? Use common every day cola to wash off stubborn durt and grime. Then, follow up with a 50/50 solution of water and plain vinegar. Use that instead of windex, glass plus, etc. It smells a bit rank, but it clears up fast. And it REALLY works! I've been using it for quite a while now, to be SURE it worked, and it seems to have worked! Both inside and outside it works too. Everyone, give it a shot, let me know if you come across any problems!

[Big_Red]

Is it Pepsi, Cola, diet, Pepsi Twist, or the new Vanilla Coke?

[R2D2]

I wouldn't use something with a sugary/syrupy base to clean glass (or anything else). If I were you, I would try just cleaning with the 50/50 vinegar and water and see if THAT is the magic cleaning solution. I use variations of vinegar and water to clean just about everything. The best thing I have found for glass is actually club soda. Its streak-free, there's no fumes, and its cheap. Later,R2

[ragingfish]

Club-soda straight or with vinegar? I hadn't heard that one. Sounds promising!

[Flip-Side]

Ive heard about the cola before, but it works because it is slightly acidic and can harm the surface over time.Best stuff I've ever used is here. It's all you'll ever use again once you try it! www.invisibleglass.com/

[molaig]

I went to the site http://www.moreshine.comand was wondering if anyone has used the other stuff that is in the Kit they offer http://www.moreshine.com/M002kit.htm

[R2D2]

ragingfish,Yeah, club soda straight is the stuff for glass. As for the rest of the interior, I have a spray bottle with vinegar, distilled water, and some spearmint oil so its not so stinky. Spray it on, wipe with a micro-fiber cloth, and your done. I have found that this works particularly well with the matte dash finish.Later,R2

[ragingfish]

Got my "invisible glass" cleaner today....unfortunately, it's sleeting here, so i cleaned the windows, but i think the wet glass diluted the solution...but as far as i can tell, so far, this stuff is gold! i'll keep y'all posted as to official detemrination after i can see it in direct sun tomorrow!

[ragingfish]

This stuff is AMAZING! Use it everywhere: windows, mirrors, headlight lenses, taillamps, back-up warning indicators, dashboard "windows"... anyone who wants a easy TRULY streak-free window cleaner should get some! You can get it from stoner.com or I've seen it for sale at Pep Boys, AutoZone, and other auto stores. And no, I am not a compensated endorser.

[Stang2Vibe]

quote:Ive heard about the cola before, but it works because it is slightly acidic and can harm the surface over time.You've beat me to it, FlipSide. Colas contain a fair amount of carbonic acid. That is why soaking a rusty nail or bolt in some Coke will remove the rust over a few days. (Coke just happens to have the highest acid content from what I am told.) The acid is what is cleaning the windows, but will begin to do harm over time with repeated use. The same is true of the vinegar on automotive glass. Vinegar has a high content of acetic acid and will act similar to cola on car windows. I am told that the old vinegar trick can be bad for auto glass because the glass used on most cars has a light tint film applied to the inside surface or a very thin, invisible coating that protects the glass surface, or a UV coating that is supposed to help protect the car's interior from the sun. These products that are high in acid content will actually etch these coatings and irreversibly harm the glass' surface. Again, this is with repeated use. I'm not saying that your windows will be completely destroyed after the first time you use cola or vinegar. It's best to stick with products that are formulated for auto glass, and all of those are not equal. You will find which ones work best by trying them yourself or from others who have tried them on their cars.Besides, who would want their car to smell like putrid vinegar all the time? Yuck!

[Flip-Side]

quote:These products that are high in acid content will actually etch these coatings and irreversibly harm the glass' surface. Again, this is with repeated use. I'm not saying that your windows will be completely destroyed after the first time you use cola or vinegar. It's best to stick with products that are formulated for auto glass, and all of those are not equal. Good stuff to take note. This is why I switched to the "Invisible Glass" products. They may be more expensive, but they are the best I've used. Also, if you need a cleaner that is safe on clear plastics (goggles, paintball masks, or plexi-glass), try PLEXUS. It won't harm the plastic or make it blurry over time. I really love this stuff, and it works on glass as well. http://www.plexusplasticcleaner.com/about.html

[Stang2Vibe]

Thanks for the suggestions, Flip-Side. I hope people will realize the problem here and use a quality window cleaner that is safe for auto glass.

[ragingfish]

Thanks for the vinegar tip. I never put vinegar and acid together in my mind, and never thought about the long term ramifications of using it. Glad I discovered Invisible Glass before I used it more!

[Mr. Poopypants]

quote:Ive heard about the cola before, but it works because it is slightly acidic and can harm the surface over time.Best stuff I've ever used is here. It's all you'll ever use again once you try it! www.invisibleglass.com/ Invisible Glass is by far the best stuff I have ever used.

[Cubanpete]

The Best thing I use to clean exterior windows that will remove old soap residues, oil,salt grime and crap is a J-Cloth and Varsol(Paint Thinner) once I am done, I just spray it with Windex and its perfect, Looks Dealer new!!! This should be done once a year! Preferably in spring.Care should be used as not to leave the thinner fall on the Sealers or Wipers, as it is not Good for rubber and might Damage its properties

[ragingfish]

what's a j-cloth?

[SCTM]

quote:what's a j-cloth?Reusable towel...http://www.jcloth.comDid someone tried AQUAPEL treatment yet. Just great for windshield.http://www.ppg.com/gls_aquapel/main.htm

[Stang2Vibe]

Be careful what you say there, you never know.Might end up with something that goes like this:"I used highly concentrated hydrocloric acid on my car's windows. Boy, are they ever clean and clear. I have no fingers left now, but my windows are the cleanest they have ever been!"LOL! Just for the record--I was being sarcastic here. For your own safety and for the love of God, DO NOT USE ANY FORM OF ACID TO CLEAN YOUR CAR WINDOWS!!!!! There, now I should be able to avoid any possible law suits arising out of stupidity.This also brings up another good point. I have been told by several good sources that an annual treatment of all window and door seals and gaskets with silicone will keep them soft and pliable as well as prevent wear. Ever had an older car whose windows squealed as you rolled them down? Once per year treatment with silicone would probably have prevented that.

[ragingfish]

I just discovered the best add-on for an already kickass window cleaner! I got it at pep boys today, it was only $2.50. It's called the "Can-Gun." It snaps on the top of any aerosol can, and has a trigger built in, that lets you use it like a spray bottle. Check it out: It just snaps on and snaps off, but holds really secure. It's the BEST thing I ever bought! I highly recommend it!!! And nope, I am not a compensated endorser. Just a savvy shopper.

[ragingfish]

You got it homey. Best part is, especially this ime of year, I always had trouble cleaning my windows because the can is so cold...now, I never have to touch the can!

[ragingfish]

agreed

[GT_03]

The best window cleaner i have ever used is Eagle One 20/20 Vision; it is only about $4.00 and can be found at most part stores.

[ragingfish]

Personally, I'm very satisfied with my Invisible Glass...but does anyone know how to remove the "line" that forms where the wiper blade ends...in other words, the arcs that occur at the top and bottom of the window at the blade edges. It seems they're kind of "etched" into the glass, no matter how hard I try I can't get rid of them...

[Stang2Vibe]

I know exactly what you mean. I've had them with every car I've ever owned. I wish I had an answer for this one, as I have yet to find anything that works. I'm thinking that some kind of glass polish would have to be used as this line is caused by the wipers abrading the surface of the glass with dirt, etc. over time. You would have to polish the whole window to make it all equally smooth again somehow.

[mikey44]

Some good info at http://www.properautocare.com. And their 305 Protectant is great stuff for rubber seals/hoses. Use it on my 'Vette exclusively.

[ragingfish]

You're right, there's some great info there. It tells you how to polish the windshield, but it involves buying an electric polisher, and I can't justify that kind of cost for something I can only realistically do a couple of times a year...if not less...Now if I could find a place that would rent me one for $5 a day or so...

[Stang2Vibe]

If you lived closer, I'd let you use mine! Thanks for the link, mikey. Good find!

[ragingfish]

quote:If you lived closer, I'd let you use mine! What part of PA you in? LOL! Thanks for thinking of me though...

[joatmon]

I made the mistake of Rain-X'ing my rear window. Now all the mist and spray that gets caught in the turbulence behind the Vibe just beads up and I have to run the rear wiper all the time. Been a very wet spring here. I'd rather have the water on the rear window sheet instead of bead, because the wiper only covers the center part. For me it would be better to have it a little blurry uniformly instead of a clear center and obscured sides. The air flow (or lack of it) on the back window makes the water just hang there, instead of sliding off like it does on the other windows.Is there anything I can use to anti-RainX a window?

[ragingfish]

quote:Is there anything I can use to anti-RainX a window? Here's your answer from the Rain-X FAQ site:FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1). How do you remove Rain-X® Glass Treatment from exterior glass?Rain-X® Glass Treatment can be removed from exterior glass by using either Rain-X® Glass Polish or Bon-Ami Cleaning Powder or Soft Scrub cleaner. (Bon-Ami Cleaning Powder is sold at True Value Hardware Stores and Ace Hardware Stores. It can be obtained by calling Agelong Catalog at 1-800-892-8022. If you cannot find this product, Bon-Ami Cleanser - a different product - can be used, only if you add enough water to make it a "soapy" solution). If you require further assistance or have any additional questions, please call 1-800-416-1600. [2). Can I Use Rain-X® Glass Treatment and/or Rain-X® Anti-Fog® on plastics?Consult the manufacturer of the plastic prior to use.3). How do you remove Rain-X® Anti-Fog® Glass Treatment?Rain-X® Anti-Fog® Glass Treatment is water-soluble. Remove it with water and a clean, 100% cotton cloth.4). How do you remove Rain-X® Glass Treatment from wiper blades?Saturate windshield washer fluid onto a clean, cotton cloth and wipe the blade. Hope that helps. BTW - I think that Bon Ami stuff can be bought at any food store. But I won't swear to it. Personally, though, I recommend Soft Scrub, because you're less likely to damage the window if you use that as opposed to a powder like Bon Ami. Mix it wrong, it could be too abrasive and scratch up the glass.