Interior Glass Detailing Question . . . - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Rcl4668 · 10th July 2003, 16:47

Just did a complete detail of the car, including all interior glass. In most driving conditions the glass appears streak and lint free but in some light (early morning/late evening w/ sunlight directly on windshield) I can see some streaking/smudging.

I am a stickler about having 100% clear windows. My procedure is to spray Porsche Glass Cleaner on the glass and let sit for 1-3 minutes. Then I take some Scott disposable shop towels (lint free) and wipe down the glass, folding the towel over frequently. I then take another towel and wipe the surface dry. I then take a 3M microfiber detailing towel and do a final wipe down.

Any constructive criticism of this technique or pointers for getting the glass streak-free? Also, I tried getting on the autopia-carport web detailing forum but it looks like someone lese owns that website now. Does anyone have autopia's new website or a similar website?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

/Rich

Fast6 · 10th July 2003, 17:10

Well, I might get lambasted for this one...
The best method I've ever found to clean glass is a 100% chemical free method, and it's pretty darn simple - 1 sheet of damp newspaper and 1 sheet of dry newspaper. Wipe the window down with the wet, and then use the dry one to, well, dry it.
The newspaper is fibrous enough to get everything off the window, but it's not abrasive, and it doesn't leave any lint.
Of course, I recommend that you try this on a window in your house and see that it's to your satisfaction before you try it on the Beast.

Chirag · 10th July 2003, 17:21

Rich, I'm also pretty picky about cleaning the windows in my car. Recently, one of my best friends gave me a great idea for cleaning the windows AND it really works! The way I clean my car's windows is by using Windex or any other commercial window cleaner. Spray the window THOROUGHLY, I mean soak the hell out of it. Then, take a few paper towels and clean the glass. Thats it. It REALLY works! I mean you'll go through a lot of paper towels but its worth it. The glass is spotless and streak free.

MMMGOOD · 10th July 2003, 17:26

I follow you on the procedure up to the microfibre for the initial cleaning. First all microfibre is not created equal. I found some at the LA car show from STARFIBER (they have a web site) That work perfectly! I use the next to finest nap they offer. I use a little Distilled water to help with the removal of window cleaner residue then follow with either the dry side of the microfibre or a fresh dry one. Carefull not to use any other kind of water or too much as the whole theory of the process is to remove "everything" from the glass. It takes a little work the first time due to the surface contaminants but then will be pretty easy. After getting them clean the first time I only use window cleaner if there is a major crud problem. It takes a good grip to hold on to the rag and can be a pain in the *** sometimes. However the reward is worth it. Only wash the rags in detergent with no additives, (fabric softeners, whiteners,etc.) My $.02

DiscoFish · 10th July 2003, 18:18

In another thread, someone suggested using newspaper. I tried it, and it works AWESOME! Why not give that a try? The only time I see streaks is when the windows fog up at night, due to humidity outside and the a/c being on inside the car.

Fast6 · 10th July 2003, 19:16

Quote:

Originally posted by DiscoFish
In another thread, someone suggested using newspaper. I tried it, and it works AWESOME! Why not give that a try? The only time I see streaks is when the windows fog up at night, due to humidity outside and the a/c being on inside the car.

see above

I'm glad I have someone backing me up on this one!

bluemax · 10th July 2003, 20:59

i use a product called invisible glass with a mf, it's perfection.
it's made by a company called "stoner" you can get it from
www.properautocare.com and they carry all kind of great products for car detailing.

robert

ELEVENS · 18th August 2003, 05:59

Quote:

Originally posted by bluemax
i use a product called invisible glass with a mf, it's perfection.
it's made by a company called "stoner"...

Bought a couple cans of "Invisible Glass" at Pep Boys. You are correct, it's excellent. First product I've found that works well as a "bug solvent", cutting right through any debris that collects on the windshield. It's also the first window cleaner that smells a little like an automotive paint shop - so maybe it has some ketones and/or alcohols. If so, that would help explain why it works so well. i use it with a micro fiber cloth.

My wife saw the results, and took custody of a can for doing house windows!

-Bill