Can someone explain to me what's wrong with Windex and why I need a special glass cleaner for my MINI?

 

Nothing so long as it has no ammonia, although it does smudge more than other applications. What you use to wipe it with probably is more important (don't use paper towel). I prefer Stoner's Invisible Glass since it leaves the windows streak free without any residue, provided I wipe with a terry or microfiber cloth.

 

You don't *need* anything. Simply depends on your requirement for perfection

 

My favorite is Spray Way Glass cleaner.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/i...ductId=1421377

I live near the ocean so there is always salt residue on the windows. This cleaner takes it off instead of smearing it like Windex and others I've tried. Griots Garage glass cleaner works well too.

 

Hot sun can be a problem. . .

I also really like Stoner's Invisible Glass!

 

any of these "polish" or do anything for sandblasting...

I know a new window will soon be on the list... but is there a secret fix ?

 

Clay it to get you by til you get a new one. Mine is so sandblasted, and I clay it once in awhile, followed by a coat of Aquapel. The clay helps big-time.

 

I use Gel Gloss No Streak in hot sun. Works very well.

 

i used rainx

 

Griots glass cleaner

 

1/4 cup of vinegar and 3/4 cup of water....no streaks and glass sparkles

 

Mel your almost right, but what everyone does need is one of these. When you use this micro fiber cloth, it does not really matter what cleaner you use with it, plain old tap water works.



This amazing microfiber cloth is so effective at cleaning glass that often a glass cleaner chemical isn't even necessary. It features a very low-pile cut in a zigzag pattern which literally attracts and removes off-gassing, residue, smudges and oily finger prints. Its efficient cleaning action is truly a time saver. After sampling dozens of similar glass cleaning cloths, we quickly awarded 1st place to this amazing cloth. It undoubtedly stands out from the rest.

Get them here.

Mark

 

...I was really just being a brat

 

ditto

 

clay ... ok ...I'll try that .

Thanks

 

Need a little advice. I use Stoners and DP Clarity and they both work great and super clear. But, when it rains the windshield looks terrible and hard to see through. It is hard to describe but I guess I would say it looks spotty. Any advice to help this problem? Of course when the rain stops and the sun comes back out you wouldn't even know there was a visibility problem.
Thanks.

 

Double ditto!

 

OK, forgive my ignorance: why no ammonia?

Do like the vinegar & water - cheap, easy...

 

usually no ammonia cause most people have tint on their windows. and ammonia is a no no for tinted windows. but im sure there are other reasons but having no ammonia is just safer overall. and friendlier for the environment?

but +1 for me on the invisible glass..i got everyone else around me to use it.

 

Clay the windshield then apply RainX

 

My hubby did that a few years ago on our old cars. . . WOW! It really is remarkable. Sadly, he wouldn't do the shower doors for me. . .

Since the garage princess doesn't like to play in the rain, I haven't seen the issue of rain with Invisible Glass.

 

In addition to being a no-no on tinted windows, ammonia fumes are not good to inhale (may or may not be an issue depending on where you clean and whether you are doing the interior glass surfaces). Also, overspray likely is not an issue, but ammonia tends to dry out what it lands on, e.g. rubber strips, etc.

Just like your paint, your glass can get a buildup of a variety of materials (bug guts, minerals and contaminants in rainwater that dries on, etc.). Not sure how well Windex works on some of the subtler contaminants compared to some of the products designed specifically for auto glass.

As others have mentioned, a good microfiber cloth is a must have to really make them shine (imo). They also work to combat very fine contaminants. Claying the windshield and applying some wax help to get the windshield in better shape and, again imo, make it a little easier to get it really clean during routine cleaning.

Finally, count me in with the Stoner's Invisible Glass camp.

 

Griot's Garage fine glass polish. Gets rid of those annoying hard water spots!

 

make sure you charge your battery every 10 days if it's not driven.
battery drains very fast.

 

...I'm headed down the path to perdition...

Not only do I have a can of Stoner's Invisible Glass in the car, it's in the rear cup holder, with a cloth in the rear passenger seat pocket!