Cleaning windscreen

Alanstrainor

How's it goin people,
My windscreen has built up an annoying residue of dirt over the years and its driving me nuts at the minute. Are there any products you recommend to clear it? Normal car washing does nothing, and i'm always wary of putting stuff on my windscreen as i'm afraid i'll make it worse!

Neilw

Autoglym glass polish is good, one of the few autoglym products that I found any good. You could also use a piece of claybar to clean it up.

johnos1984

Put mouth wash into the window washer resevoir and flush it through.

Next up get a can of Coca-Cola and wash the windscreen with it. Don't forget to clean the blades too.

Next up hose it all down properly to remove all the coke............seriously it works well

Where To

Have you got windscreen cover on your insurance?

Alanstrainor

johnos1984 wrote: »

Put mouth wash into the window washer resevoir and flush it through.

Next up get a can of Coca-Cola and wash the windscreen with it. Don't forget to clean the blades too.

Next up hose it all down properly to remove all the coke............seriously it works well

Serious!?:eek:

where do i go from here wrote: »

Have you got windscreen cover on your insurance?

I do! Rather not go down that route!

cormie

Have a similar issue, but with the interior of the glass, it's been that way since I bought the car and I haven't done anything about it yet Condensation seems to build up really easily in the car, I don't know why but the windscreen is really difficult to clear even with the heat on it takes it's time and easily gets clogged up again, even when you wipe it, it doesn't really help and there appears to be grime on it.

I heard apple slices and vinegar can help too

johnos1984

Very serious.

For less than €5 it's worth a try. A bit of elbow grease will help. It was the only thing which worked on mine and I'd tried a few products. I ended up changing the wipers too as they were old

Tell you what, try it and report back. People never believe this works but it does

ongarite

cormie wrote: »

Have a similar issue, but with the interior of the glass, it's been that way since I bought the car and I haven't done anything about it yet Condensation seems to build up really easily in the car, I don't know why but the windscreen is really difficult to clear even with the heat on it takes it's time and easily gets clogged up again, even when you wipe it, it doesn't really help and there appears to be grime on it.

Cleancar are selling a great anti-fog product for your windscreen.

http://www.cleancar.ie/car-pro-fog-fight.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lOX6XP0JDk

cormie

Thanks for that, looks impressive by the video anyway, will give a good cleaning first to see if that helps at all. Just weird that condensation builds up so easily, even when there's nobody in the car, thought it might be damp so I have a dehumidifier pack in the car at the moment and it has collected a bit of water but I think there's still some damp left.

ongarite

cormie wrote: »

Thanks for that, looks impressive by the video anyway, will give a good cleaning first to see if that helps at all. Just weird that condensation builds up so easily, even when there's nobody in the car, thought it might be damp so I have a dehumidifier pack in the car at the moment and it has collected a bit of water but I think there's still some damp left.

Could be blocked up pollen filter, heater is on re-circulate rather than external or there is a leaking seal letting water into the car.

Alanstrainor

Alanstrainor wrote: »

How's it goin people,
My windscreen has built up an annoying residue of dirt over the years and its driving me nuts at the minute. Are there any products you recommend to clear it? Normal car washing does nothing, and i'm always wary of putting stuff on my windscreen as i'm afraid i'll make it worse!

Buy a can of glass cleaner from a glazers, only a fiver and will clean the glass like new.

cormie

could be the pollen filter, is that something to do with the heater?

bennyx_o

Barkeepers friend is supposed to be very good for getting all the grease & grime off the windscreen

vectra

If it is on the outside you simply cannot beat a bottle of Coke.. Honestly..

Do it now while it is drizzling rain.

Fogfight is only for the interior.

coylemj

cormie wrote: »

Just weird that condensation builds up so easily, even when there's nobody in the car

There is an invisible layer of grease on the windscreen, you need to thoroughly clean it with something like AutoGlym. Windscreens fog up when droplets of water vapour stick to dirt and grease particles on the windscreen, if it's kept squeaky clean there will be far less condensation.

Try not to use anything but a large clean paper tissue next time the windscreen fogs up if your demist program doesn't clean it fast enough. Do not use the same rag from the door pocket again and again and expecially never rub your hand or fingers against the inside of the windscreen to clear the fog, all you're doing is spreading the sh1te around and it will fog up again in no time.

An Ri rua

We got some direct mail through the door before Christmas. I can't recall the website, been searching for it. Had car stuff, christmas lights, all sorts of slightly leftfield gadgets and products.

One of which was an anti-condensation cushion. Like this one http://www.tempsl.co.uk/uk/automobile-garden/automobile/anti-fog-cushion/3351111.html

I meant to get one. still will. As my aircon is going 12 years old now. It needs some TLC also.

slimjimmc

One of those green scouring pad and bowl of warm water with a drop (not a squirt) of washing up liquid for a steak free finish!
The green pad is gentle and safe on glass and trim.

Can then finish off with glass polish if you wish, but not necessary.

ronanphilip

windolene and old news paper does a great job, with a small bit of elbow grease

Alanstrainor

Well lads, walked outside with a bottle of coke, thinking to myself that I must look like a complete and utter eejit, and started pouring it on the windscreen. Covered it, turned on the wipers for a couple of passes and repeated until I was out of coke. Rinsed clean and sat in the car. Turned on the wipers and it was 100% crystal clear!!!!!!! It's never been that clear ever! Couldn't believe it!

johnos1984

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Well lads, walked outside with a bottle of coke, thinking to myself that I must look like a complete and utter eejit, and started pouring it on the windscreen. Covered it, turned on the wipers for a couple of passes and repeated until I was out of coke. Rinsed clean and sat in the car. Turned on the wipers and it was 100% crystal clear!!!!!!! It's never been the clear ever! Couldn't believe it!

Run some mouthwash through the water resevoir to kill any bugs in there and to clean it all out

Carne

Is there anything you can get to clean the dirt and mould off a car seat?

-Corkie-

johnos1984 wrote: »

Run some mouthwash through the water resevoir to kill any bugs in there and to clean it all out

I LMAO when you done this after you put most of it in the car and put the rest in your mouth with people looking at you....:D:D

Mint Sauce

johnos1984 wrote: »

Run some mouthwash through the water resevoir to kill any bugs in there and to clean it all out

Would this be through an empty resevoir, or dilute?

MugMugs

Like jebus christus Alan !

Did you not use search on your own forum ??



http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=73686256

MugMugs

irish-stew wrote: »

Would this be through an empty resevoir, or dilute?

Mainly mouthwash with a hint of water.

Not a massive deal and you get a lovely minty clean smell too :P

JJJJNR

I bought some nanotech windscreen products of adverts and they are really good, you clean the glass as usual then put on some nanomilk, wipe off and apply the second product nano wiper. The glass is spotless and i really like the beading effect when driving.
:cool:

Alanstrainor

MugMugs wrote: »

Like jebus christus Alan !

Did you not use search on your own forum ??



http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=73686256

It's alright, im above the law:D

johnos1984

-Corkie- wrote: »

I LMAO when you done this after you put most of it in the car and put the rest in your mouth with people looking at you....:D:D

That was funny Last August in the car park in Tesco Wicklow :D:D

BTW Alanstrainor make sure you was away any remaining coke as it's highly corrosive if left on exposed wires etc

Alanstrainor

johnos1984 wrote: »

That was funny Last August in the car park in Tesco Wicklow :D:D

BTW Alanstrainor make sure you was away any remaining coke as it's highly corrosive if left on exposed wires etc

Yup yup, gave it a decent clean after I put it on. Will be giving the car a proper wash tomorrow morning too! Cheers man!

bladespin

Give vinegar a try.

GhostInTheRuins

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Well lads, walked outside with a bottle of coke, thinking to myself that I must look like a complete and utter eejit, and started pouring it on the windscreen. Covered it, turned on the wipers for a couple of passes and repeated until I was out of coke. Rinsed clean and sat in the car. Turned on the wipers and it was 100% crystal clear!!!!!!! It's never been that clear ever! Couldn't believe it!

As soon as I read this I grabbed a can of coke and a sponge and scrubbed the window clean with it. Ever since I got my car I've had some strange residue on it that I've never been able to get rid off. It looks like it's grand and clear now, but it's dark outside so I can't really tell. I'll find out tomorrow! Thanks for the tip johnos!

johnos1984

irish-stew wrote: »

Would this be through an empty resevoir, or dilute?

Dilute and running the washers until it's empty. then flush with some water to remove any residue left. The fill back up with good screen wash

Alanstrainor

bladespin wrote: »

Give vinegar a try.

I had tried this in the past and it didn't help at all...and the car smelt like a chippy for a week! No matter how much I cleaned it, the smell wouldn't go away!

biko

I'm a vinegar fan too but will give Coke a chance next time.

jack of all

I clean the inside of my car windscreen with some methylated spirit on a microfibre cloth- good for removing grime and grease film. I also like to add a capful or two to the washer bottle.

Cantona's Collars

I use hand cleaner,the stuff the builders use.It's amazing at clearing road grease and oil off windscreens.Rub it on with a cloth or newspaper and let the wipers and some water do the rest.

bladespin

Is it the inside or outside that the problem is?

I used Isopro alcohol to clean glass at work, surgical standard so should shift even the worst, won't leave a smell either.

An Ri rua

johnos1984 wrote: »

Run some mouthwash through the water resevoir to kill any bugs in there and to clean it all out

Actually folks, this is a KEY issue. I was reading lately that they have identified a significantly higher risk of Legionnaire's disease for lorry drivers and for professional drivers in general. Reason? washing the windscreen and letting ANY of that foul water come in the driver window via droplets. Its happened to all of us at some stage, where you've nearly drowned yourself. But worse, just like sick car syndrome from aircon, your vents can also bring the pneumonia bacteria straight into the car from the windscreen via the vents. Yikes.

Turns out that that lukewarm windscreen reservoir is the PERFECT incubator for some killer bacteria. Which makes sense. Just took quantitative research to extrapolate it.

http://www.isisinsurance.co.uk/2010/06/30/truck-insurance-clients-in-possible-legionnaire’s-disease-link/

http://www.publichealthjrnl.com/article/S0033-3506(06)00075-8/abstract

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10306411

MetzgerMeister

Regarding the coke idea, I've never tried it but does it not make the whole windscreen area sticky as fook?

I've had a good few customer cars with manky windscreens inside and out. Here's what I do:

1. Wash the windscreen using a basin of warm water and was-up liquid and a sponge.

2. Use a microfibre cloth to dry it up

3. Use something like Turtle Wax Clear Vue glass cleaner. Spray it onto an applicator pad that you would normally use for wax.

4. Dry it off BEFORE IT DRIES

5. Use AutoGlym glass polish. I use a Meguiar's even coat applicator pad for this. Let it dry to a haze then buff it off with a microfibre cloth. Turn to a clean side and give the window a final wipe just to be sure that you have it all off.

The best thing about the AG polish is that it will not leave any streaks whatsoever. Often times people just stop after the TW glass cleaner thinking it's ok. When the sun shines through the windscreen all the streaks are in full view.

Also, using the glass polish on the exterior makes it act as a water repellent.

E39MSport

FFS lads.

Cutting agent and elbow grease then water repellant.

I'm applying g-techniq stuff tomorrow.

MetzgerMeister

E39MSport wrote: »

FFS lads.

Cutting agent and elbow grease then water repellant.

I'm applying g-techniq stuff tomorrow.

Is that the stuff that brings up black trim?

E39MSport

They have a few applications incl an excellent trim restorer.

I have the crystal lacquer stuff for paintwork (yet to be applied) and also the glass polishing and sealant.

Mate used the latter on his motor recently, says it has excellent beading in the rain - wipers almost not necessary.

Love that myself. Watching the water fly off the windscreen without wiping is great

MadsL

I used to use RainX on my Smart...drove from Galway to Dublin once in the rain without wipers. Great stuff...

sgt.bilko

I've a hell of a streak on my i30 which I was putting down to faulty wiper blades.

The reason for this is the streak only appears when the wipers are on and it only lasts a few seconds. Am I correct?

I'll try the coke test and see how it goes. Failing that , does anyone know where I can get replacement blades today? I'm in north Kildare and halfords are sold out apparently.

vectra

sgt.bilko wrote: »

I've a hell of a streak on my i30 which I was putting down to faulty wiper blades.

The reason for this is the streak only appears when the wipers are on and it only lasts a few seconds. Am I correct?

I'll try the coke test and see how it goes. Failing that , does anyone know where I can get replacement blades today? I'm in north Kildare and halfords are sold out apparently.

Give your blades a good clean as well and also check them for damage

TestTransmission

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

I've had a good few customer cars with manky windscreens inside and out.

What is it you do out of interest?

vinegar and elbow grease with newspaper will give it a fine shine
nobody ever believes me though

the inside of my windscreen is awful though, i stupidly pawed at it with an old cloth before when the condensation wouldn't clear and now it's streaky as hell
i guess i better go at it...

GhostInTheRuins

GhostInTheRuins wrote: »

As soon as I read this I grabbed a can of coke and a sponge and scrubbed the window clean with it. Ever since I got my car I've had some strange residue on it that I've never been able to get rid off. It looks like it's grand and clear now, but it's dark outside so I can't really tell. I'll find out tomorrow! Thanks for the tip johnos!

Just back from a trip in the rain. The coke worked brilliantly, best the window's ever looked.

MetzgerMeister

TestTransmission wrote: »

What is it you do out of interest?

My main job is as an accounts/office manager but I do car valeting on the side.

MugMugs

GhostInTheRuins wrote: »

GhostInTheRuins wrote: »

As soon as I read this I grabbed a can of coke and a sponge and scrubbed the window clean with it. Ever since I got my car I've had some strange residue on it that I've never been able to get rid off. It looks like it's grand and clear now, but it's dark outside so I can't really tell. I'll find out tomorrow! Thanks for the tip johnos!

Just back from a trip in the rain. The coke worked brilliantly, best the window's ever looked.

As said above, hose the car. It's corrosive and somewhat tasty stuff.

johnos1984

MugMugs wrote: »

GhostInTheRuins wrote: »

GhostInTheRuins wrote: »

As soon as I read this I grabbed a can of coke and a sponge and scrubbed the window clean with it. Ever since I got my car I've had some strange residue on it that I've never been able to get rid off. It looks like it's grand and clear now, but it's dark outside so I can't really tell. I'll find out tomorrow! Thanks for the tip johnos!

Just back from a trip in the rain. The coke worked brilliantly, best the window's ever looked.

As said above, hose the car. It's corrosive and somewhat tasty stuff.

Tasty?

Is there a danger of window kickers attacking the car?