I notice a waxy film on the insides of my windows every time I wash my car. I don't know if it is from the washing the car(no water is apparent on the inside of the car). But as I spray on the window cleaner it beads to show streaks of a waxy film. I did a search to see if this is common with no results. Anyone else have this. After a second pass with a cloth it disappears but I was wondering if anyone had a permanent solution?

 

i have this too on my 02 cooper. just in the front 8 inches of the driver side window.

 

Not sure if my film is like your film - but since I have had my Cabrio I have just gotten used to the fact that all interior glass surfaces are going to get about 80% as dirty as the exterior ones in the same amount of time. Every washing I have to remove a strong film from the inside of the windscreen and the rear view mirror or else the glass still looks dirty.

I tend to use the Zaino glass cleaning product for a thorough cleaning - but may slow down to occasional use since I am not sure how abrasive it is (sure does a good job but I don't want to wear a hole in the glass...)

Bill

 

It is not exterior dirt. It is a waxy film. Like STLMINI on the front eight inches or so and then another area towards the rear. I may try Zaino. Zaino is good stuff. I would just like to remove it once and for all.

 

I have a similar issue with my 05 MCC. After washing my car, if I put the windows down, I have light colored streaks on the front 3-4 inches of the window(inside). I can't see anything that could be causing this. Is this the same thing you are having?

 

If it is the inside of the car it may be due to off-gassing of the plastic interior parts.

 

Hey, I have that same issue with my windows. Happened again today in fact. Are your windows tinted? I wonder if that makes a difference? Any suggestions for tinted windows? Thanks much!

 

My '03 has it too. Use to have tinted windows until Ohio's finest decided I wasn't a Hoosier anymore ("I've been meaning to get around and light you up..." Gee thanks officer). But still have the film without tint. Wayland, of Way Motorworks mentioned something about a seal being faulty and maybe the '06 design fixed it...? I don't know much more than that and I haven't got around to pursuing a fix.

(Edit) I noticed this is in the Cabby section, but I don't think its Cabby specific.

 

Was told (as another poster said) it was from gases released from the plastics and materials from the dassh etc)

In the Audi, it was oily film and obstructed vision....I finally had to complain to the NTSB....Audi replaced the windshield but it never stopped. I sold the car eventually as it was almost undrivable in the heat of summer through the glare of the desert sun...BTW: Audi even tried flushing the air cond system in the hopes it was something there...also changed out the heater core ...THAT WAS AFTER THE NTSB BECAME INVOLVED! Nope...it still came back. Seems to Vary within cars...some are just unlucky! My

 

Was told (as another poster said) it was from gases released from the plastics and materials from the dash etc)

In the Audi, it was oily film and obstructed vision....I finally had to complain to the NTSB....Audi replaced the windshield but it never stopped. I sold the car eventually as it was almost undrivable in the heat of summer through the glare of the desert sun...BTW: Audi even tried flushing the air cond system in the hopes it was something there...also changed out the heater core ...THAT WAS AFTER THE NTSB BECAME INVOLVED! Nope...it still came back. Seems to Vary within cars...some are just unlucky! My 04 Mini has just a hint...quite livable and gets me to clean inside the windows weekly...My 05 Honda Element (the Uglymobile) never had anything! Wierd

 

No need to panic, folks. It is indeed a film that comes from the seats, carpet, dash and everything else inside the car. Gets worse when it gets hotter outside.

To clean the inside of your windows:
1. Use Stoner "Invisible Glass" spray. You can get it at most any auto supply store.
2. Use a wadded up sheet of newspaper after you spray the glass down with the "Invisible Glass". Use some elbow grease.
3. Finish up with another wadded sheet of newspaper to polish the glass.
4. Go in the house and wash your hands. You WILL get a black crud on your hands from the newspaper, but it will wash off with soap.
5. Go outside and admire your work.

See? No problem... This is an old trick I have used for YEARS, and gets the glass squeeky clean.

 

The film that I get is not all over the windows. They are streaks. A waxy build up in streaks running down the windows. I don't believe it is from the plastics inside as I rarely have the top up. It is a garage baby and only comes out when nice. Parked with the top in the appropiate position (down) 90% of the time..

 

This is the best stuff invented since sliced bread! I have 3 cans. One in the garage for the cars and 2 in the house for everything else mirrors, glass table tops and glass cabinets. Found out about it from a fellow lighthouse collector who uses it on his display cases. I buy it at Walmart. Oop's! I am talking about the Invisible Glass Spray.

 

I've had NO LUCK with Invisible Glass personally... It actually left MORE film on my windows than plan old Windex, I think... At least on a Cabrio it was really, really bad. Keep in mind, though that you can't use Windex or any traditional glass cleaner with amonia on tinted windows on the inside (where the tint is applied), as the chemical will dissolve the tint glue and lead to horrible bubbling.

Keep in mind as well that old, used up or dropped clay bar (which cannot be used on paint any longr) is GREAT for removing stuff from windows. If you clay bar, store your used-up or dropped clay in a baggie marked "Windows/Rims" - it gets almost everything off the glass and leaves it so clean that water actually beads up on it for a while! The stuff that will scratch clear coat won't hurt powder-coated rims or glass.... Just an FYI.

 

So sorry about that. So far on my Cabrio it has worked fine. I don't have tinited windows. I had that problem alot with my last car, an Invisible Glass
worked wonders. Just have to keep trying different products I guess. That
film is a pain thats for sure. I would be interest if anyone has a better solution too.

 

I've used Sprayway brand glass cleaner on my tinted windows works pretty good. No ammonia in it. Works great on mirrors too. Just an fyi.