Not even close, imo....but it is available at local stores and good enough. 1Z is more easy to find on-line now so I probably need to order some more one of these days.

 

I feel like the odd one here. I mix my own window cleaner using a 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol (99%) and distilled water. I use paper towels (ducking).

The IPA/water mix seems to cut any film that builds up on the inside if the windows and dries streak free (at least for me). I wipe until most of the solution is removed. Any small residuals seem to evaporate without leaving any streaks.

I have not tried some of the cleaners mentioned. I had tried various household glass cleaners through the years (Windex of various formulas, Glass Plus, etc.) and none worked well enough for me. I heard of using IPA and tried it and was very satisfied.

 

Of course, I'm partial to Prima Clarity and the DP glass cloth, but I suppose that goes without saying! I honestly think that our specific glass cloth makes a huge difference, even by itself or with any glass cleaner. Clarity makes a difference too, but if I had to choose just one of them, it would be the cloth! There are many similar ones out there but I've tested them all (or at least most of them!) and I really think it could help you out with your streaking problem.

I agree! Claying your windows may do the trick if the cause of the streaking is contaminant buildup. You may have something on there that no cleaner can remove... clay is definitely worth a try if that's the case!

Actually, although cleaners can off-gas as well, most off-gassing on the inside of windshields comes from the vinyl dash itself. Off-gassing is the evaporation of a chemical group called "plasticizers," which are essential in the makeup of the vinyl in your dash. Without plasticizers, vinyl would be as hard and inflexible as standard PVC. When the UV rays of the sun hit the vinyl, the vinyl releases some of its plasticizers. The plasticizers evaporate straight up into the air... until they hit the inside of your windshield and collect there.

This is what causes much, and possiblly all, of that nasty film that collects on the inside of your windshield. (trico is right... some cleaners and some bad dressings will also off-gass and add to this problem) The key to solving this is prevention. Regular use of a UV-protectant will prevent much of this off-gassing from occuring in the first place. UV-protectants are similar to sunscreen for us... they block the UV rays from damaging your vinyl dash and thus preventing the off-gassing. Examples of UV-protectants are 303 Aerospace Protectant, which is one of the strongest protectants on the market, and Prima Nero. There are others out there too.

So, if your streaking is on the inside of your windshield, then you may need to start using a UV-protectant.

-Heather

 

I think saying that 303 Aerospace is one of the strongest protectants is a little overstating it, but it does have one of the highest UV ratings. (I think that's what was meant) It's water based so the off-gassing is less than many protectants. Good stuff, I like it for the interiors for the satin (not-too-shiny) finish.

I agree that the towel makes the biggest difference. Quality MF glass towels are different than those used for the paint. They have shorter fiber loops and generally a heavier polymide % to polyester. They do not leave as much MF lint particles. Not all are created equal...some on the market are downright awful!

Please, Please do not use a newspaper or any paper product on tinted windows. They will scratch bigtime!

One trick to finding and eliminating elusive streaks is to wipe the inside one way (up and down) and wipe the outside the opposite direction. The direction of the streak will tell you where it is exactly.

Always spray the towel (not the glass) and apply. This keeps overspray off of surrounding dash and/or paint and makes for a more even application. Use a towel folded in fourths and keep it flat.

Do not use cleaners with ammonia as the residue is bad for the vinyl/plastic in the dash and seals.

I probably have 12-15 different brand cleaners and a handful of household chemical concoctions I am looking at on my shelf right now and there are no really huge standouts. Many can do a decent job when the proper technique and towel are employed. Those I tend to grab first, 1Z, Eagle One 20/20, Mothers, NXT all do a good job. The sprays are better, in general, than the aerosols.

What we all need is a window coating that will repel dirt and dust of the REAR window on the MINI! Now that I would buy!

 

One trick to finding and eliminating elusive streaks is to wipe the inside one way (up and down) and wipe the outside the opposite direction. The direction of the streak will tell you where it is exactly.
>>

very nice idea BradB! so we wipe up and down on the
outside and down and up on the inside. jk jk

 

I prefer counter-clockwise circles on the inside and clockwise circles on the outside.

All joking aside, that's a great idea!

 

Yes, thanks for the clarification! That is what I meant... 303 Aerospace Protectant has one of the highest UV ratings. When I said it is one of the stongest protectants, I was saying that it is one of the strongest UV protectants. I guess I thought the UV part was implied. I shouldn't assume though! That could lead to confusion.

Thanks BradB! (good tips too!)

-Heather

 

I use the aerosol "Invisible Glass" as well, and really like it. I especialy like how it almost leaves a "Rain-X"-type coating behind. The water beads and rolls away, but unlike Rain-X, there's no coating or haze to buff off after applying it.

When I ordered the Invisible Glass online from the manufacturer (I didn't know it was available down the street at Pep Boys), they sent along some window-cleaning towels with my order. They're cloth, rather than microfiber, and don't really have a "nap" or "pile" like a microfiber or terrycloth towel. They have just the right amount of roughness to pick up the dirt and grime, and just enough absorbency to dry off the windows quickly.

The microfiber cloths I've tried seem too soft and fluffy to really power off the crud, and the Griot's window-cleaning towels I tried didn't absorb well enough to eliminate streaks.

 

^^ try the Griots MF towels for glass and also DP's window MF's. they
feel pretty similar, short hair and works great.

actually the Griots after washing turned slightly hard whereas
the DP one remaind soft... hummmm....

 

Try the vinegar thing, that will keep'em moist...

 

Ditto, MLWagner. Prima Clarity and DP's glass cloth does an amazing job. Try it, you'll love it. I wouldn't use Windex on tinted windows.