What does everyone recommend for cleaning the glass on the car? Windex just doesnt cut it. I get too many streaks.

 

I use Einszett Scheibenklar - works like a charm. Also, BradB mentioned a few days ago that if you want the windows smoother and for water to bead and roll off more nicely, you can use some Einszett Glas Polish which is cheap and sounds great.

-mike

 

Ditto on the 1Z Glass Cleaner. It's my favorite. I have 6-7 different brands- Stoners Invisible Glass, Sprayway, Porsche-brand, Meguiars wipes, EagleOne, etc. 1Z is the best.

Be sure to use a good lint free glass cloth as well.

And the Glas Polish is a great value and a super easy way to remove water spots, etc.

Another cheap product that really works, while we are on the subject of windshields, is the wiper treatment by 303. This can help streaking wipers.

 

Don't forget the importance of a good microfiber cloth. I picked up a few that were 'designed for use on glass' and they do wonders. I often use them without cleaner to quickly remove the new car plastic haze that accumulates on the inside of the windshield.

 

Do you know if any of these products work on windows that are tinted?
Being in the Sun Belt all my windows except the windshield are tinted and I do not want to damage the film.

 

Stoners Invisible Glass is good with crumpled up newspaper. (Even says so on the can.)

But don't try it on tinted windows - it MAY scratch the film.

 

I recomend Sprayway glass cleaner and a good microfiber towel....this stuff is the best on earth....foams for dripless cleaning and take dirt off of even "clean" windows.

 

Most of the products listed above, except Windex, are safe for tinted glass. Do not use products with ammonia in them. This damages the tint. It is also damaging to your vinyl and leather.

Also, do not use paper products on your tint. They will scratch. Remember, all microfibers are not created equal. Plush microfibers and cheap microfibers lint like crazy and leave micro-shedding residue on the glass.

Lastly, never spray/squirt products on the glass directly. Even if thay are advertised as dripless. That's not the point. You get much better control, and no overspray, when spraying on the towel first, and then applying to the glass. :smile:

 

I used to use Maguiar's wipes all the time. Recently, I've been using Stoners. I like the Stoners much better.


Use a good microfiber and ROTATE IT FREQUENTLY for best results. Be careful on the inside, most people let their cloth drag against the dash/panels, that picks-up interior dressing, and then they rotate their towel and smear it all over their windows. And Brad's right (surprise), don't spray directly on the glass. (That goes for all spray products you wish to apply too -- not just glass cleaner.)


A little product goes a long way too!

 

I love Z1!!! Smells like panther **** but who cares...it does a fantastic job!! Takes a lot of the work out of cleaning glass because the product itself works so well. You must try it at least.

 

BradB ,
do you cut your 1Z Glass Cleaner 1/1 or use it straight?

 

I use it straight! Don't cut it.

 

Wow – thanx for the information on tinted glass.
For that matter all the information on cleaning glass. Times have changed! In the olden days we just cleaned it, and thought we were smart when we used news paper to dry. Now there are special products for everything.
Still, cleaning glass should be left to someone else but I gotta do it.
My MCS is only about 4 months old and the accumulations of films are getting thick I’m going to clean it this weekend.

 

I have tried most window cleaners mentioned,but not all. I am currently using Sprayway,which is my favorite. This spring at the Dragon the Atlanta MINIs gave away a can of Sprayway and a good quality microfiber towel. I have been hooked ever since. The shop I got my windows tinted at also recommended Spraway.

I have since ordered a case of Sprayway online and bought 2 dozen microfiber towels from Costco. One more plus the stuff smells great.

Thanks again Atlanta MINIs.

 

Aren't clubs great??? By far the best way so see, experience, try out, and network on all things MINI. Dealers have got part of the puzzle, web sites another, mags another.....but local clubs are a huge asset in their own right.

I think it'd be cool to, at one of our local club events, to bring along our fav detailing supplies and try 'em out....assuming we have some to spare. It'd sure expand our knowledge base of what's out there. That...and/or tag our cars....shine by Zaino, shine by Klasse...trim by Stoners, trim by Z1.

I think I'll run this up the 'ol flagpole.

 

jds

I agree getting together with fellow MINI owners and club members is where I have been learning the most about detailing my MINI.

Our club is getting ready to have our 3rd Zaino Detailing Clinic in Charlotte, NC and I always pick up something new.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=32362

George

 

TIP: Be careful with the Costco microfibers. On a scale of 1-10 they rate about a 4.5. I strongly suggest you wash them a few times before use and each time add a cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle. This will soften the towel and make sure all detergent has been removed and additives from the manufacturer have been diluted. Do this on a regular basis and the towels will keep getting a bit better. This will also reduce the micro lint they leave when cleaning glass.

 

The problem with using newspaper to clean windows,besides scratching is the ink used on alot of newsprint becomes"live" when wet and can come off on your glass and hands.

 

BRADB: you stated that the ammonia in Windex can damage the tint...I assume you mean the tinted windshield....if the windshield is all glass that is tinted, then how could the ammonia hurt the glass? Is the windshield lined with polycarbonate that is tinted...I know that ammonia is not recommended for polycarb

 

Add me to the list...I used the Einszett Scheibenklar 1Z glass cleaner for the first time yesterday, and wasn't really expecting to seem much of a difference but was SHOCKED to see how crystal clear my rear window is now, both night and day!

 

Damaging the tint refers to tints applied to the windows,(films, aftermarket), not the tints manufactured in the windows.