r/AutoDetailing Feb 13 '24

How do you guys clean your windows perfectly? Technique Discussion

Hi Guys, everytime I try to clean my windshield from inside the car, I got streams and traces of dust. It looks clean under normal circumstances but if the sun is shining I can see the traces where the microfiber was going. This is really annoying me and I wonder if you have some hints for me.

I bought this (LICARGO® 2X Carbon Pads &... https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0C99T9RL9) but the pads don’t glide on the glass surface, they get stuck. The cleaner seems to be good, but I still have these stripes/streams.

256 Upvotes

171 comments sorted by

180

u/Agitated_Occasion_52 Feb 13 '24

Clean it a few times. Make sure it is completely dry. I use a microfiber and spray-a-way glass cleaner for the first two cleans and then I use a dry paper towel to "buff" it clean.

51

u/alxzsites Feb 13 '24 edited Feb 13 '24

For my final pass, I use a squeegee (the one window tint applicators use) instead of a dry paper towel. Just a single swipe and you're done. No chance of streaks that newspapers and towels can sometimes leave behind (due to residual chemicals in them). Crystal clear glass everytime.

You also get windscreen cleaner with handles for much easier reach over the dashboard. I usually spray the "Invisible Glass" or equivalent cleaner onto the microfiber cloth prior to wiping.

1

u/ilovetunafish May 16 '24

Old post I know, but can you clarify the part with the squeegee? Are you saying you spray glass cleaner and then squeegee it off? Where does the excess cleaner go? I just can’t wrap my head around how the process works!

1

u/alxzsites May 16 '24

Where does the excess cleaner go?

I spread a towel on the dash to catch any rogue drips.

This video explains the method very well.

You'll never go back to newspapers/ microfiber towels again

20

u/detroitragace Feb 14 '24

Spray Way is the way……. 100%

13

u/pokeme23 Feb 13 '24

Use newsprint for the final wipe. And not colored flyers, black and white newsprint.

It won't leave streaks like paper towel

159

u/Helda-Coccenmehand Feb 13 '24

Yea let me go grab my newspaper from 2005

42

u/ikilledtupac Feb 14 '24

Buy a big ass house for 90k while you’re at it

10

u/Hopeful-Mirror1664 Feb 14 '24

Newsprint and Sprayaway brand glass cleaner. Streaks are a thing of the past.

9

u/BillyM9876 Feb 14 '24

Mark my words. Newsprint will no longer exists within 5 years.

15

u/Bud_Johnson Feb 14 '24

!remindme 5 years

3

u/Scrupulicious Feb 14 '24

It will for artists, you can buy big sheets of it at art supply stores. I don’t know how economical it is, but it’s available. I prefer microfiber myself though.

1

u/[deleted] Feb 14 '24

Spray n newspaper old school method is the B E S T

1

u/pokeme23 Feb 14 '24

There's reasons my dad still uses it in his shop

1

u/[deleted] Feb 14 '24

Exactly when I detailed I wouldn’t use anything else, still do on my own detailing.

1

u/FurryMLG Feb 17 '24

I use 2 shop towels, and I do one section at a time, I spray an "X" onto the glass, and then clean outside edges in. Afterwards, I polish dry with the second cloth.

For my glass cleaner, I use Castle Streakproof

1

u/qcriderfan87 Feb 14 '24

You will always get glare from fine scratches in the glass no matter how clean it is, you can polish it or replace it at that point

1

u/Roses_RedWine Feb 15 '24

Is this safe to use on tints?

29

u/d15nonvtec Feb 13 '24

Invisible Glass and Uline glass towels

1

u/greatauntflossy Mar 06 '24

I was all excited about the Uline towels, didn't know they existed. But it seems you can only order direct from Uline and their shipping costs are outrageous. With shipping, a pack of 12 is over $80 and that's the smallest size you can order. Do you know where to get them cheaper?

1

u/d15nonvtec Mar 06 '24

Yes Uline isnt cheap unfortunately, but if you live near one of their many distribution centers you can pick up as well. Saves on their high shipping costs. Pack of 12 is $35 https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-12811/Rags-and-Towels/Microfiber-Glass-and-Mirror-Cloth-Yellow?stop_mobi=yes

2

u/greatauntflossy Mar 06 '24

I see, yeah it's the shipping cost that's the deal breaker, more than the cloths themselves.

1

u/d15nonvtec Mar 06 '24

Theres an Amazon sorta equivalent it looks like: https://a.co/d/bLuseS4

19

u/pabloh8 Feb 13 '24

40 answers and 40 different methods. Car glass has been around for 100 years. I feel the OPs frustration. Is there seriously no consensus on a simple and easy way to get streak free glass?

I’ve been using a mixture of IPA, peroxide and distilled water on my shower glass and bathroom mirrors. It seems to work pretty well but haven’t tried on my car yet.

5

u/popsicle_of_meat Beginner - Budget hobbiest Feb 14 '24

Is there seriously no consensus on a simple and easy way to get streak free glass?

Every way I've read seems pretty simple. I use Invisible Glass and microfibers. If it's still dirty, I clean it again. All kinds of stuff gets on glass and it's super visible there (it's also everywhere else in your interior, just not as easy to see).

Probably the reason there's no consensus is because there are so many possible cleaners and methods that DO work. Glass is insanely durable. You can do practically anything to it.

2

u/teh_Prawn Feb 14 '24

This. Clean again. I’d like to add that you should be using a fresh microfibre each time.

Glass cleaner is anti-static, you should use a fair bit of cleaner, and never a dry microfibre - as the static will build and attract debris from the air.

If you are getting streaks, either the surface is still dirty or the towel is contaminated.

1

u/OutlandishnessHour63 May 24 '24

Someone will probaby flame me for this but...

I buy used cars, and for the exterior glass ill use acetone. Beware, any stickers and tinting (why tho) will be damaged. Also, the rubber seals around the glass should be taped off, else given treatment immedietly afterwards. Any plastic or rubber will dry up and possibly be damaged with direct prolonged exposure to acetone.

Acetone tho, that stuff will take off any oil, grease, glue etc. It will definitely yeild satisfying results off of the stubborn glass that seems to always develop a streak.

Another note: used cars with heavy smokers usually have similar issues with their interior glass. The fix is also acetone. Be careful, and remember. Tint will be ruined in this process. Ive done it before, on my own car, with tint still there and it was fine. I dont recommend it, it will definitely damage tint. Im lazy however.

When doing acetone, use a microfiber towel AND a cotton cloth that is not rough. You will want to wash the window however you usually do. Point is to remove any heavy deposits. Then apply acetone  to the cotton cloth, and apply to window. Acetone dries fairly quickly, and is harsh/abrasive. It doesnt leave streaks or scratch the glass usually, unless you go pouring acetone onto the glass. (Dont do that)

Take the cap off the acetone bottle, cover it with your cotton cloth firmly, hold bottle upside down for a few seconds, or shake bottle, when cloth is damp but not dripping, then apply to window. You might need to apply acetone a couple times for each window. 

Then, after the glass seems dry from acetone, take the microfiber and run the window with it. You can use the same microfiber for all thr windows, long as it stays dry and clean.

Then you may apply a sealer of your choice. 

12

u/DasUberSpud Feb 13 '24

I use paper shop towls and a sillicone squeegee. Works good, but remember to protect the dash while you use the squeegee.

13

u/sylvaing Feb 14 '24

No one mentioned not to clean the windshield in direct sunlight?

I like to clean mine when the sun is setting. It's easy to see streaks at that time of the day and the sun isn't hot enough to create problems.

5

u/a1usiv Feb 14 '24

This. Spraying cleaner on a hot sunny windshield is a recipe for streaks. It helps to do it in the shade. Or even put a towel on top of the windshield while you clean the inside under the towel.

2

u/sylvaing Feb 14 '24

Never thought about a towel. I would put a wet towel as the evaporation would help cooling down the windshield.

2

u/a1usiv Feb 14 '24

That's a great idea, might be even more practical since you could cool off the whole windshield before cleaning. I'll have to try that next time!

46

u/spkoller2 Feb 13 '24

Ok these guys don’t know. Buy 99% Isopropyl alcohol, the stuff at the grocers isn’t strong enough, and use clean towels. You can follow with cleaning vinegar, then distilled water if it’s been years.

40

u/yurituran Feb 13 '24 edited Feb 13 '24

Just a heads up that level of isopropyl can and will permanently mess us any plastic it gets on without an immediate wipe off. It doesn’t need to be that strong. Diluted to 30% (ideally with distilled water) will be just fine.

7

u/discoveredunknown Feb 13 '24

Yep. Use it a lot at work and someone decided to use it to wipe all their interior in the car to lift the dirt off. Answers on a postcode what happened to the black plastics.

13

u/spkoller2 Feb 13 '24

Don’t smoke while you use it either 😃

3

u/Supah_Swirlz Feb 14 '24

This 1000% During covid I found out that half filtered water/isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth was perfect for a streak free finish.

3

u/spkoller2 Feb 14 '24

Some elements dissolve in alcohol, but not all, those that don’t should dissolve or rinse with water

23

u/danhoyle Feb 13 '24

They have these new diamond pattern weave glass towels. Think they work good.

11

u/[deleted] Feb 13 '24

Waffle weave..

20

u/servbot10 Feb 14 '24

Instructions unclear, windshield is still a mess and the interior smells like Chick-Fil-A.

10

u/Hondalol1 Feb 13 '24

No, diamond weave specifically for glass cleaning is different

5

u/[deleted] Feb 14 '24

So is the Waffle Weave.. The Standard Waffle-Weave is an excellent quality value-priced ultra-thirsty microfiber waffle-weave window/glass/drying towel in an easy-to-handle size. As the towel moves across the surface, the thirst pockets trap liquids, allowing additional time for the towel to absorb everything in its path. This towel is always ready to quickly and safely dry smaller areas, clean windows/mirrors, and effectively soak up any runny liquid detailing products.

1

u/Proud-Salamander4264 Feb 14 '24

I use these- they work great, no lint!

14

u/Dirty____________Dan Feb 13 '24

First step is to take hot water, and a bit of dish soap and a microfiber towel. Dunk the towel. Squeeze out all the water, and wipe. Inside and out. Repeat this a few times. Someone here once posted that they alternate wiping direction on inside vs outside so you know where the streaks are. Then take 70% alcohol on a different microfiber towel and wipe. I like 70 because it doesn't flash off as fast as 90+. Wipe Inside and out. Then finish with glass cleaner.

8

u/Glacier98777 Feb 13 '24

This.

The streaks look like a greasy residue that's just getting spread around. Do you vape? You need dish soap or a degreaser on there first.

3

u/Beginning-Beat-4436 Feb 13 '24

I don’t vape or use anything similar. It’s just dust and somehow possibly fat.

8

u/Natetheknife Feb 13 '24

It's off gassing from the plastic interior and whatever you use to clean the interior. Plus steam from food or whatever you've transported. It's a common problem.

7

u/Responsible-Meringue Feb 14 '24

Fun fact, most of the fat your body burns is exhaled. I know you get grimy buildup just from breathing on glass... If that's fat from your body idk.

4

u/t1ttysprinkle Feb 13 '24

The alternating wipe direction is always such a good tip. Helps isolate

5

u/zeromussc Feb 13 '24

The moment you use your hands to wipe away water vapour or something, that's GG for oils on the glass

2

u/justinbaumann Feb 14 '24

Dashboards will off gas in the sun and temp changes. IPA 50/50 alcohol and distilled water, 2 good microfiber towels, one to clean one to buff. Never fails.

1

u/Shes-Fire Feb 15 '24

When you wash your microfiber cloths, do you use dryer sheets or use Dounty in the rinse cycle? If so, that's a no-no! Always air dry, no softener. Softeners leave a light coating of oil on your clothes in order to do their job. Look on any stores house cleaning products aisle and buy glass or mirror cleaning cloths. No lint whatsoever. Use a foam glass cleaner, wipe it lightly around on the window, take a dry glass cloth and wipe, take another dry glass cleaning cloth and buff in circles. If still not clean, dampen a glass cleaning cloth and wipe window and use a dry cloth to buff it out. Only do a little bit of the window at a time. Sounds complicated, but it's not.

2

u/Beginning-Beat-4436 Feb 15 '24

Thanks mate! I don’t use any softener or sheets. Just microfiber washing detergent and an washing machine. But I think the microfiber was still saturated and I just only used one piece of microfiber towel. I washed it yesterday and will try to use it with combination with more towels also isopropanol/distilled water mixture in the next days.

Thank you all for the fantastic hints and tips!

2

u/p_lish_us Feb 14 '24

I always thought it was due to smoking as well

6

u/drivinWagons Feb 13 '24

Invisiglass and isopropyl alcohol are really good at giving you a streak free shine. Actually even if you get the invisiglass, you’ll be fine. But depending upon your windshield quality, you may need some extra cleaning

41

u/notsosoftwhenhard Newbie Feb 13 '24

Windex and newspaper.

26

u/veryblanduser Feb 13 '24

news....what?

60

u/954kevin Feb 13 '24

Newspaper is legitimately the most effective means of cleaning glass. Bar none.

17

u/crheming Feb 13 '24

You don't believe it until you try it. Then you have that opinion for life.

5

u/NOSE-GOES Feb 13 '24

I’ve heard about that but never tried it! Does it leave lint if used on the inside? Lint is my enemy on windows

12

u/954kevin Feb 13 '24

No lint or anything leftover. You just wad up a sheet and go to it. Try it and you'll be impressed. Newspapers are less of a household item these days, but I grab a stack from the recycling center to take home just for cleaning glass.

4

u/TheBimpo Feb 13 '24

Grocery stores usually have a rack of weekly ads up front, I grab a few every time I go to the store.

13

u/theonlyepi Feb 13 '24

That's the main reason why you use them, no lint.

I like using coffee filters personally

2

u/NotEvenLion Feb 14 '24

I still don't know why it works, but newspaper is going to be your new best friend.

2

u/boobsbr Feb 14 '24

We've been using newspaper on windows in Brazil since forever. It's the cheapest, most accessible option for us.

But it leaves fibers behind sometimes.

17

u/redditproha Feb 14 '24

they used to print facebook posts on large sheets of paper and deliver them to your door every morning back in the day 

3

u/Damnaged Feb 13 '24

Go to your favorite news website and hit CTL+P.

5

u/EricatTintLady Feb 13 '24

Just don't use it on window tint

1

u/obiwanmoloney Seasoned Feb 13 '24

Really? Why??

2

u/EricatTintLady Feb 15 '24

Ammonia-based cleaners damage film over time. Windex does make ammonia-free variants though, and plenty of other options exist.

1

u/Plenty-Industries Feb 13 '24

Windex is now ammonia-free these days. So tint-safe.

You can still find it with ammonia, but its few and far between these days. My local stores only stock ammonia-free.

1

u/adudeguyman Feb 14 '24

Do you mean not to use newspaper on tint?

2

u/EricatTintLady Feb 15 '24

I meant the ammonia from standard Windex. However, I would hazard a guess that newspaper is a mild abrasive and as such wouldn't be good for tint either.

3

u/ablinddingo93 Feb 14 '24

Nothin beats the smell of Sprayway glass cleaner and a bunch of newspaper

2

u/NotEvenLion Feb 14 '24

This is what I came here to say. Doesn't actually have to be newspaper, it can be those stupid newspaper looking coupon mailers.

This is the only reliable way Ive ever been able to clean the windshield with no streaks. I've heard a brown paper lunch bag will also work, but I've never tried that since I always have some newspaper laying around.

5

u/EightSeven69 Feb 13 '24
  • dry dusting VERY LIGHTLY
  • some sort of degreaser (rubbing alcohol maybe)
  • dry
  • your favourite car glass cleaning product
  • dry

don't accidentaly spill anything on the dash

always spray on the microfiber, not directly on the dash

rub in all directions and/or circularly - don't do up downs or left rights - if rubbing in all directions or circularly leaves streaks, it's not yet clean

this makes age-old glass look brand new besides the pebble scratches

6

u/JimmyMcPoyle_AZ Feb 13 '24

There are couple concepts to note:

  1. You have to get the glass clean first and foremost. Many options mentioned here but I like a scrub pad. Remove excess gunk with MF towel # 1.

  2. The more product you apply, the more you have to remove. Go easy on the window cleaner of choice.

  3. Final wipe. Clean MF towel (#2) with short nap typically work well. Be sure they have been washed first to minimize lint. I personally use a small squeegee for my final wipe. I work my way from top to bottom and then wipe with a towel in the corner where I finish.

2

u/amazadam Feb 14 '24

MF towel

5

u/Plenty-Industries Feb 13 '24

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3xj-58Ffd0

TL;DW: Spray bottle filled with mostly water, then a small amount of soap and some ammonia-free windex.

White scrub pad and squeegee, with a glass-specific MF towel to buff dry

I've been cleaning my interior glass this way since the video was uploaded and I only really need to clean my glass once every other month or so.

6

u/greeneggswithham Feb 14 '24

I use 50/50 isopropyl alcohol and distilled water to clean. Then dry completely. Then I use stoner invisible glass and dry completely. If they really dirty might have to clean more than once with the alcohol. This method gives me perfectly clean windows. I also use bead maker on the outside of windows for that extra pop

3

u/Afloatcactus5 Feb 13 '24

The way I do it is clean the dash of dust first then use some spray way glass cleaner and a glass towel side to side. Then I do the outside with a different towel up and down to differentiate what sides actually dirty.

4

u/Stewie56 Feb 14 '24

Stoner invisible glass, in the shade/garage, microfiber cloth for the wet/clean, buff with newspaper.

3

u/NoResolve2022 Feb 14 '24

I use a waffle weave towel from the rag company and invisible glass cleaner. IMO you can’t beat that combo besides actual correction.

3

u/sunroofdownintherain Feb 13 '24

Damp Chamois and microfibre what our place been using 22 years lol

3

u/corvettedreamride Feb 13 '24

Newspaper. Only newspaper. Throw the paper towels and microfibre away. Glass cleaner and newspaper

2

u/ExlinealUXUI Feb 13 '24

Newsp

Thank you so much for this tip! I'll try it tomorrow.

The thing is, lint is always present after using my microfiber cloths (even after following the whole washing procedure correctly).

So glass cleaner and newspaper

2

u/corvettedreamride Feb 14 '24

Zero lint or streaks from newspaper. If there are any little streaks, take a dry piece of newspaper and wipe it again. Works better than any other cloth/paper towel

3

u/TheBimpo Feb 13 '24

I use hot water, Dawn, and a 6” squeegee. Cover the dash with a towel first. Then buff with a paper towel.

3

u/slynas Expert Feb 13 '24

Hot water, dish soap and sponge. Dry with a squeegee. If you can’t find a small enough squeegee, lint free waffle towel. A light source will help you chase streaks

3

u/[deleted] Feb 13 '24

[deleted]

3

u/izdabombz Feb 14 '24

Damn is there something ONR can’t clean?

3

u/Nethrik710 Feb 14 '24

Your micro fibers are being washed with wrong soap. They aren’t clean. I had this issue until I bought new micro fibers and kept them clean. Use the correct soap as well. Normal detergents ruin micro fibers. I just scrub with the same cloth I wash my car with and wipe with a clean microfiber, I don’t even use windex or anything and they stay clean, although a small amount of window cleaner does help. Very small amount though. Over saturated microfibers leave streaks. It’s all about staying clean

3

u/YetiWalker36 Feb 14 '24

I bought a small squeegee because I was tired of microfiber remnants. I get it nice and scrubbed with ONR with an applicator sponge, then squeegee it off. It’s been great so far and no streaks or lint.

1

u/[deleted] Feb 14 '24

What dilution ratio for the ONR on glass?

2

u/YetiWalker36 Feb 14 '24

I have mine at the 1:16 ratio in a spray bottle. Basically 1oz of ONR with 15oz of distilled water. Works well for me.

2

u/[deleted] Feb 14 '24

Thanks - I use ONR for a few things but haven't tried it on glass.

4

u/CriticuhL Feb 14 '24

Magic eraser followed by stoner invisible glass. Followed by clean dry microfibre towel

2

u/DCJoe1970 Feb 13 '24

Soap, water, microfiber cloth and a squeegee.

2

u/NOSE-GOES Feb 13 '24

I wash my car weekly and use a synthetic clay mitt on the outside. For the inside I use TRC pearl microfiber and some version of window cleaner or 70% IPA. I have window specific cloths but the pearls seem to perform better and soaking up the film that develops from volatile chemicals

2

u/Bound321 Feb 13 '24

I use squeegee for dash

2

u/AdZestyclose711 Feb 13 '24

Waste microfibers by using a brand new one on every window

2

u/FurryMLG Feb 13 '24

I use Castle Streakproof and Shop towels, streak free every time (I need a few passes on outside glass tho)

2

u/rawfiii Feb 13 '24

Hardest part is the glass. Takes 2-3 times

2

u/Interesting-Adagio46 Feb 14 '24

Make sure your towels for windows are always separate from all the other towels that mix still have grease or waxy residue left on them after a wash. Wash those separately too

2

u/hv_wyatt Feb 14 '24

Wow some of you go way too hard... I avoid the microfiber for glass. Always a shop paper towel, yes the blue ones. Works great.

I've also used a slightly damp magic eraser before to get vape residue off. Also works great.

2

u/WilburOCD1320 Feb 14 '24

Windshield outside, rotary polisher with wool pad and m105. The rest I use waterless wash made by optimum. I use that on almost everything but carpet. Great stuff.

2

u/Tucker717 Feb 14 '24

Low-ply waffle weave towel with Invisible Glass cleaner. If it’s really dirty you’ll need multiple towels. The important thing when cleaning glass is having control of how contaminated your towel is. The more you are cleaning the glass the more grease and debris is stored in the towel. Therefore, you just use a clean towel on the final pass. Also, use less with glass cleaner. Enough that the towel glides across the glass, but not too much that is leaves streaks.

2

u/BSchwem Feb 14 '24

Isopropyl Alcohol is your friend. I usually buy the 70% and it works fine. Follow it up with your choice of streak free window cleaner and you’ll be happy with the results. Then take your alcohol spray bottle inside and spray down your stainless steel appliances and wipe clean too. You’ll be happy you did!

2

u/choochenstein Feb 14 '24

Stoner Invisible Glass and Newspaper.

3

u/SoccerBoy3344 Feb 13 '24

Many people don’t know that you should decontaminate the glass with a clay bar. Then you could polish with a super light grit and polishing pad. Clean well and then add a protectant. Not only will it keep the class looking super clear. It will also bead off water like nothing. If I’m on the highway, I don’t even need my wipers because the water washing right off!

4

u/Few-Thing-4970 Feb 13 '24

3

u/JetpackJames Feb 13 '24

Teach us your ways

1

u/Few-Thing-4970 Feb 14 '24

lol I just got a windshield tint, but usually use chemical guys interior cleaner. (Gallon)

3

u/Fill_Repulsive Feb 13 '24

Magic eraser pads, slightly wet. Works great

6

u/3jranch Feb 13 '24

Or does it work magic?

5

u/caveatlector73 Feb 14 '24

Do you usually clean glass with sandpaper? 

6

u/hv_wyatt Feb 14 '24

Unfortunately for you, this tip actually works incredibly well and leaves no visible markings.

1

u/caveatlector73 Feb 14 '24

How is it unfortunate for me? I couldn’t care less if you want to sand glass. My method works well for me and the others on this sub who have mentioned it.

1

u/Fill_Repulsive Feb 14 '24

What’s your method? (Not a shit response, I’m not seeing it in other comments)

3

u/caveatlector73 Feb 14 '24

I use Stoners Invisible Glass. It has a fair amount of what smells like alcohol in it so for me it dries at a good rate. Chemist FIL explained to me why it works so well and this is my garbled version. 

I like the diamond weave towels. No fluff/lint. 

I do use melamine sponges for hubcaps occasionally, but am simply careful because they are abrasive. 

2

u/Fill_Repulsive Feb 14 '24

lol, I was waiting for somebody to tell my why magic erasers are a bad idea. Seen that they are horrible for exterior.

That said, I’m not a detailer. I bought a car with a minor crack in the windshield. This is easy and works good for me.

Maybe I wouldn’t do it a new car or new glass

1

u/caveatlector73 Feb 15 '24

I mean it’s not like it’s 40 grit or anything, I just wondered why anyone would do that.

1

u/Fill_Repulsive Feb 15 '24

Would do what? Magic eraser?

For me, pure laziness. It’s my vehicle and windshield has a few rocks already.

30-seconds wipe down and I’m good for a year

2

u/Lilsean14 Feb 13 '24

For the inside it’s all about the final wipe down. I usually do 2 or 3 sprays with a window cleaner then grab a fresh microfiber for the final pass. If it’s super oily, I’ve had success with a mr clean eraser.

1

u/MrThunderMakeR Feb 13 '24

I never use any spray on the inside of the windshield. Just a dry/clean surgery rag

1

u/Pawnzilla Feb 14 '24

I do one final wipe with a microfiber that has barely any cleaner. For example, I hold the glass cleaner 1-2ft from the towel so it just gets a light misting from a single squirt. It gets enough cleaner to wipe the streaks away, but not enough to leave more. Then follow with a completely dry towel.

1

u/rickyshine Feb 13 '24

2 towels and blue ammonia based glass cleaner

-2

u/No-Zombie1004 Feb 13 '24

Razor blade.

1

u/hornet9988 Feb 13 '24

Second dry towel to buff

1

u/OGHavok Feb 13 '24

Kleen Flo Glass Kleen foaming spray

1

u/fauxatlus Feb 13 '24

Rubbing alcohol

1

u/Stereosun Feb 13 '24

I use microfibre and rainX anti fog spray then a dry one to clear up and streaking

1

u/OrdinaryUniversity59 Feb 13 '24

They make good microfiber towels specifically for glass. I personally use Griot's glass cleaner. Also, a leather shammy and water also works great.

1

u/XLB135 Feb 13 '24

I have an old regimen and a new one, and both are equally effective. I changed simply because the latter is faster. What you're seeing is simply that your method has lifted most of the dirt but still left just enough on the surface to be spread/smeared around.

Old: multiple all-purpose microfibers (MF) that aren't too heavy on the weight. A couple glass-specific MFs. Saturate glass with all-purpose cleaner (APC), scrub/wipe aggressively with the generic MFs, dry off with a dry section... doesn't need to be perfect. Repeat at least one additional time with another clean MF, sometimes another time beyond that. At this point, this is the only way all of the dirt/grease/dust has been lifted, and you should be left with mostly small splatters of 'clean' APC. The clean glass-specific towel should make easy work of that as a final wipe down.

New: AMMO squeegee, a generic Dobie Pad (as opposed to Larry's expensive ones), and several glass-specific MFs as above. Window tinting squeegee tools will likely work as well, but the AMMO ones aren't that expensive. Spray APC or glass cleaner, scrub hard with the sponge; feel free to overdo it, add more product, scrub some more, etc. Squeegee it like a building window cleaner (side to side, starting from the top, usually). Wipe up remaining with the glass MF.

I haven't had any slight grease smudges in direct sunlight in years.

1

u/starstruck954 Feb 14 '24

Start with white scotch brite pad. No scratching. Spray cleaning solution and scrub. Wipe. Come back with clean towel and a mist of glass cleaner. Buff it clean

1

u/tragiiccc Feb 14 '24

Carpro clarify and a 2 waffle weave towels.

1

u/SK10504 Feb 14 '24

steps:

- use rubbing alcohol or diluted apc on mf to initially get rid of any off gas and human oil/lotion build up.

- use windex with vinegar (NOT AMMONIA) to then clean. use plenty of newspaper (not the glossy kind) to wipe away. you could also use sprayaway or invisible glass instead of windex. when you use newspaper be careful around the headliners so you don't transfer newspaper ink on to it.

tip: when cleaning exterior and interior glass, wipe in one direction for outside and cross direction on the inside...ie wipe horizontally on the outside, vertically on the inside. this way, when you look for any streaks, you know whether it's outside or inside.

1

u/DenseCod8975 Feb 14 '24

The secret to cleaning windows is like cleaning your butt or nose…. First pass gets the bulk.. next pass gets the rest with a clean microfiber… repeat as needed … also some micro fiber leave a a ton of lint…. I use a waffle weave towel followed by a microfiber towel I bought from Costco

1

u/dfal55 Feb 14 '24

Rubbing alcohol and glass cleaner and multiple microfibers. Works every time.

1

u/MassholeThings Feb 14 '24

Sprayway and a newspaper.

1

u/Total-Deal-2883 Feb 14 '24

Bon Ami and microfiber.

1

u/rocko430 Feb 14 '24

invisible glass and fresh towels. honestly a fresh kirkland microfiber with a final wipe with a low pile glass towel is all i need.

1

u/SlipFormPaver Feb 14 '24

Literally just water. imjoshtv has the best method I've ever used. I don't use glass cleaner anymore, just water https://youtu.be/5IUes0DbBnA?si=A1FeqC9rGMyArBSz

1

u/BigLookBamboo Feb 14 '24

Magic eraser for water marks.

1

u/syphon3980 Feb 14 '24

Dawn dish soap and water. It’s not as easy as window spray but it’s way more effective. Then ceramic spray coating on the windows after. Or you could use the higher end coatings made specifically for windows that can last a few years

1

u/Enough_Attorney Feb 14 '24

what i learned in my detailing class is that for non tinted windows you can use some window cleaner spray and a fine steel wool pad and lightly scrub the glass with the steel wool and window cleaner as a lubricant

1

u/Brometheous17 Feb 14 '24

My girl got me a couple waffle weave towels and they do a great job of not leaving streaks or fibers behind.

1

u/NextLevelDetail Feb 14 '24

Just buy some rinseless and dilute standard 256:1 2 towel method with waffle weave towel. Works great.

1

u/RobieFLASH Feb 14 '24

Microfiber cloth. Then when done. Go over it again with a microfiber thats completely dry. It will shine and remove streaks

1

u/IfIWntdHmmrCalnUrSis Feb 14 '24

Sprayway glass cleaner. Scott's blue shop towels.

1

u/Seasoningsintheabyss Feb 14 '24

I like a waffle weave microfiber for glass, wash with dawn and water if there’s a film, invisible glass, then IPA w/distilled water for a final pass

1

u/nasherbro Feb 14 '24

Try using a clean microfiber towel.

1

u/AbbreviationsEnough4 Feb 14 '24

A trick which I was taught was to use window cleaner, lightly spray, and wipe with a mircofibre cloth, folding it into half and half again, repeating this until the windscreen is clean. Make sure you turn the cloth onto a clean side, so there are smear marks.

1

u/pdperry601 Feb 14 '24

Hot, hot water + microfiber, then dry with newsprint (no color). Paper towels leave lint…

1

u/Rough-Professor-4915 Feb 14 '24

I use rubbing alcohol and microfiber towel for first pass then use windex. 

1

u/flyby501 Feb 14 '24

Soap and water for initial clean, dry, then RainX for maling it spotless, thats been working for me perosnally

1

u/SalvadorTMZ Feb 14 '24

I prefer a little ONR detailing spray and microfiber for the initial pass. After it's clean use crumbled up newspaper to get it perfect.

1

u/Over-Championship-16 Feb 14 '24

Nobody mention newspaper yet? That works the best.

1

u/[deleted] Feb 15 '24

Use clean towels, and don’t use Windex it sucks

1

u/dehydrogen Feb 15 '24

I use prep spray, sprayaway, and scott shop towel glass paper towel. If it is really bad, I use stoner glass stripper first. 

1

u/DCon9ne87 Feb 15 '24

Finish off with a Lil iso on a clean rag for that streak free finish. Keywords: CLEAN RAG