Windscreen Cleaning

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Hopkins
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Windscreen Cleaning

Post by Hopkins »

Over time, windscreens seem to collect a layer of transparent grease or grime which only reveals itself when it rains and then, after the wiper blade passes over, it appears for a short time as a fine layer of water appears to adhere and then evaporate over the next couple of seconds. No amount of sponge and detergent seems to shift this layer. I am thinking about trying a couple of solvents - isopropyl alcohol and acetone - before installing a new set of wiper blades to see if cures the problem.

My question: is there any reason why using either of these solvents may be a bad idea? As far as I know, there is no coating on the windscreen; it's just glass. Is this correct?
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by Phil Bate »

Isopropyl is the one - safe with the paint, plastic and seals and is the usual active ingredient found in glass cleaners. You can get a 99.9% pure 1L spray bottle for about £7 delivered


Don't spray it on the rear lamps though
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by Nerdstrike »

Windscreens are typically a glass/polymer laminate, which is why they don't shatter when damaged. I believe the external surface is glass however, so it should resist solvent application. Keep it off the rubber though. It is a dirty world, so you're probably not going to have more than a fleeting effect. More likely your wiper blades are losing their plasticity. If they're more than 2 years old and underperforming, it could be time to replace them.
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by Hopkins »

Thanks, all. Yes, new wiper blades will be installed alongside!
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by 13Black »

Controversial info:

Without reading the whole post and doing your own research and being careful, any damage you cause is your own fault (it still is even if you read everything because they are your hands and I'm just some idiot on the internet who could be typing from a mental institution).

But the finest of the finest 0000 grade steel wool lightly used to buff the windscreen can take off fairly stubborn stuff that sponges don't that could be holding onto some of that contamination. I've done it a few times to a few cars and the results have been good, as far as I can tell.
Might be worth a go if anyone thinks they need it.

Also, IPA in a squirty bottle (I buy a 5L tub and transfer to a B&Q £1 !L spray bottle) sometimes diluted slightly is what I use in the winter as a de-icer.
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by bigpete8 »

13Black wrote:
Tue Nov 19, 2019 12:56 pm
Also, IPA in a squirty bottle (I buy a 5L tub and transfer to a B&Q £1 !L spray bottle) sometimes diluted slightly is what I use in the winter as a de-icer.
Id rather drink the IPA :)
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by Ollie »

I actually claybar my windscreen. Been considering getting a safety razor blade for really tough things at some point.
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by 350matt »

Is it possible to polish the glass to remove scratches? I'd imagine wet and dry paper and T-cut isn't going to do it?

just wondering if there's a way to to get that 'new windscreen' feel without fitting a new windscreen
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by Ollie »

I mean, its glass so you can polish it... But the chances of any finish beyond the original one lasting long is probably not going to happen. My dad once took some minor scratches out of my previous focus' windscreen using t cut. But obviously thats quite a small area.
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by 350matt »

I'm considering this kit
https://www.amazon.co.uk/GLASS-POLISH-s ... th=1&psc=1

any thoughts
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by PeteH »

I'm interested to know if this is a goer as well. My concern would be that, if you manage to take enough glass away to remove a scratch, will you change the optics of the glass? I'd rather look through a scratch than a distorted view.
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Windscreen Cleaning

Post by GreySilver Beast »

Surely it would be far quicker to replace your Windscreen under your Car Insurance, if it is beyond a point of no return :!:
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by 350matt »

PeteH wrote:
Tue Nov 19, 2019 6:28 pm
I'm interested to know if this is a goer as well. My concern would be that, if you manage to take enough glass away to remove a scratch, will you change the optics of the glass? I'd rather look through a scratch than a distorted view.

reading up on it you have to be quite careful to not concentrate in one area otherwise you'll change the 'lens' of the screen so you have go over the whole screen evenly to get a good result
it sounds like a lot of work to be honest most accurate account I've read so far was it took 7 to 8 hours with plenty of masking beforehand as it makes a lot of dust

it would be easier of course to have a chunk of sparkplug make its way at the screen at speed and then give the insurance firm a call....
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by Ollie »

350matt wrote:
Tue Nov 19, 2019 7:37 pm
it would be easier of course to have a chunk of sparkplug make its way at the screen at speed and then give the insurance firm a call....
"Hello, yes rodney has left my block and hit my windscreen! I'll require a new one immediately please....." Insurance CS: "Oka.... WAIT A MINUTE ITS A ROTARY!"
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by warpc0il »

I use the white melamine sponges to get the diesel and salt film off my windscreens.
They contain an abrasive that won't damage the glass but you do need to rinse away the residue after
Available in pound shops etc or ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sponge-Erase ... 4086746043
Cheaper versions are also sold but I find they just dissolve before they've done the job.
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by MARKTHOMASBRAND »

Image


& some new wiper blades :thumleft:
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by Dr. FrankenRex »

On the off chance you do arse it up, windscreen cover includes accidental damage. Now how you argue that one away I'm not entirely sure, but still...

I broke a windscreen by trying to remove the rear view mirror without the proper tools (we learn from our mistakes, right? Lost a chunk of my thumb too!) and the insurance came out and replaced the screen under my glass excess no problem :)
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by bigpete8 »

Yup did exactly the same in a Scirocco I used to own... 🙄
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by warpc0il »

When I wanted a heated screen fitted, the old glass got broken taking it out, so the insurance paid for the new glass, including fitting, less the excess.

I just had to pay for the wiring.

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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by zippyonline »

My experience thus far on this subject:

A properly clean windscreen makes the biggest difference. IPA if heavy filth, and/or decent glass cleaner (automotive ones - my favourite two are megs class cleaner and Gtechniq glass cleaner, my friendly indie glass fitter uses totrosyl stuff) to finish. A proper glass microfibre cloth is the trick to leaving the glass smear free when cleaning.

If it's worse than that, then a scraper blade is the way forward - like shaving your face, but shaving off the crap. The mohrs hardness of the glass is quite high, so you shouldn't scratch it unless you're unlucky or careless. I think Ammo NYC has a vid about this on youtubes.

I'd leave scratches and micro stonechips alone if you can - but obviously get the big chips filled so you don't have freeze/thaw.

If you're a nerd, I like to use a hydrophobic sealant/coating on my screen, my choice is gtechniq G1, above 50mph I don't tend to have to use my windscreen wipers with this, and the water doesn't really get into the "pores" of the glass surface, so I often don't have to defrost my screen in a morning when everyone else is.

And don't forget to check your wiper blades.
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Windscreen Cleaning

Post by GreySilver Beast »

warpc0il wrote:
Wed Nov 20, 2019 10:58 am
When I wanted a heated screen fitted, the old glass got broken taking it out, so the insurance paid for the new glass, including fitting, less the excess.

I just had to pay for the wiring.

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Atomic Rex did the same with my car :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by PaulAV »

A couple of things I have found to be effective for cleaning windows, firstly a mix of washing up liquid and vinegar in with water, the mixture of detergent and vinegar cut through a lot of oil and grease and the ofter method is methylated spirit on a cloth, would similar to isopropyl alcohol
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by zippyonline »

PaulAV wrote:
Thu Nov 21, 2019 8:35 pm
firstly a mix of washing up liquid and vinegar in with water,
That's fine for the glass - and probs quite effective, just be careful where that goes and make sure you clean it off. If the mix runs down all the scuttles and down the side of side windows, or even on bodywork, it'll clean off any protective wax on your paintwork and could get into window mechanisms etc. etc. With great cleaning power comes great responsibility to other parts of your car :lol:
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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by warpc0il »

That's a good prompt for me to remind 231 owners to be very careful what they put in their windscreen washer tank, especially in winter.

Many screen washes are very aggressive and this is great for keeping the glass clear and helping it not freeze.

Some are so aggressive that the run-off can also damage the paintwork, especially at high concentrations.

Most are not certified for use on plastic and will damage the headlight lenses - remember that the headlight washers use the same tank.

Always check the label before use.

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Re: Windscreen Cleaning

Post by zippyonline »

warpc0il wrote:
Fri Nov 22, 2019 11:35 am
That's a good prompt for me to remind 231 owners to be very careful what they put in their windscreen washer tank,
And try to stick with one type of screenwash, mixing and matching types can cause a reaction between the two which will form a gel – which in turn can’t go through the pump and stops the screenwash, washing. This is a common one for BMW owners as the BMW OE screenwash is alcohol based and most off the shelf ones aren’t, so they congeal when mixed.
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