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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > cleaning the inside of the windshield



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      06-21-2006, 12:00 PM   #1
wvtlo
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cleaning the inside of the windshield

How does everyone clean the inside of their windshield?

May seem like a simple question, but, let me explain. I have had several new vehicles over the years and all of them have had some sort of "oily film" on the inside of the windshield. I think its from the interior heating up and burning the stuff off. I've tried alot of techniques, but have been unsuccessful in getting it squeaky clean. I think it's clean, then I see streak marks.

The sides never seem as bad as the windshield and the back window.

Anyone have any recommendations?
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      06-21-2006, 12:11 PM   #2
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I just use a plain dry cotton towel. Turn the cotton to a clean surface regularly as you wipe the glass. It seems to work for me. I know exactly what you are talking about with the oily film on the inside windshield. give it a try and put some elbow grease into your wiping motion and work it back and forth. Do it right once and you good to go for months.
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      06-21-2006, 12:18 PM   #3
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Use the same method as you would use for the outside, but then go over the inside with a damp microfiber towel. Nothing but bling!
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      06-21-2006, 08:34 PM   #4
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to clean windows, i spray a solution of 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water on a paper towel, wipe, and then rub dry with newspaper. it positively sparkles.
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      06-21-2006, 09:07 PM   #5
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Bed Bath and Beyond sells this microfiber cleaning pad on a handle made to clean windshields, it's triangular and works pretty well.
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      06-21-2006, 09:43 PM   #6
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i use a dark "worn in" terry cloth towel or a blue surgical towel with... 3M or castle foam glass cleaner.

when washing your car cleaning towels do NOT use a fabric softner...leaves film on the glass.

the key is the wiping method... spray the glass cleaner on the windshield. i wipe side to side... up and down... around the perimeter... then repeat. this process equals a spotless window.

fyi... windex is one of the worst glass cleaners imo.

and NEVER clean your windows in the direct sunlight... unless you light streaks.
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      06-21-2006, 11:44 PM   #7
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Stoner's Invisible Glass Cleaner. IMO, the best stuff out there for auto windows.
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      06-22-2006, 01:06 PM   #8
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If car is outside, throw a blanket over the windshield to cool it off and keep it cool.

I use windex and newspaper. Works like a charm and no lint.
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      06-22-2006, 01:57 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Socom
If car is outside, throw a blanket over the windshield to cool it off and keep it cool.

I use windex and newspaper. Works like a charm and no lint.
Good suggestion, if you can't wipe the windshield clean while the "solution" is still wet then you're not going to remove the oils and such. You'll just be pushing it around. What ever cleaner you use (windex, vinegar and water, etc.) try spraying it on one "rag" and following imediately behind with another dry one to wipe it off, instead of wiping the entire windshield before coming back to dry it. Should be much easier to get the film off that way.
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      06-22-2006, 06:27 PM   #10
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An old detailers trick is to clean the outside glass in one direction (say vertical) and clean the inside with perpendicular strokes (say horizontal). That way if you see streaks you know quickly which side of the glass they're on.
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      06-22-2006, 08:53 PM   #11
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Windex on front window, but special tint cleaner for the others...
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      06-23-2006, 11:49 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pander5
An old detailers trick is to clean the outside glass in one direction (say vertical) and clean the inside with perpendicular strokes (say horizontal). That way if you see streaks you know quickly which side of the glass they're on.
So very simple, yet such a very good idea.
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      06-29-2006, 12:47 AM   #13
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wouldn't the vinegar leave a nasty massengil-ish odor for days/weeks? Doesn't seem like something you'd want inside...
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      05-12-2008, 11:07 PM   #14
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Man I'm having trouble with this too...
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      05-13-2008, 08:40 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by armoredsaint View Post
Bed Bath and Beyond sells this microfiber cleaning pad on a handle made to clean windshields, it's triangular and works pretty well.

I bought this and it works great.
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      05-13-2008, 08:48 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghunger View Post
Good suggestion, if you can't wipe the windshield clean while the "solution" is still wet then you're not going to remove the oils and such. You'll just be pushing it around. What ever cleaner you use (windex, vinegar and water, etc.) try spraying it on one "rag" and following imediately behind with another dry one to wipe it off, instead of wiping the entire windshield before coming back to dry it. Should be much easier to get the film off that way.
I found this is one of the most important things. I always had trouble cleaning glass but after trying different products and techniques I found the following to work best for me:

A small waffle weave sprayed with stoner's invisible glass till it's damp.
Another waffle weave that you keep dry. Do small sections at a time making sure to keep it wet with the damp towel. As soon as you're done wiping with the damp towel buff to shine with the dry one. Also make sure windows are the last thing you do when washing your car to avoid and smudges or fingerprints, or other products ruining your perfect windows.
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      05-16-2008, 10:28 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aphall View Post
Stoner's Invisible Glass Cleaner. IMO, the best stuff out there for auto windows.
+100... and tint safe!
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      05-17-2008, 05:50 AM   #18
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I never had good luck with interior glass and MF- I have blue cotton "glass" towels (they are not terry cloth- more of like a smooth blue cotton) that I ordered from Stoner years ago (makers of invisible glass) and they work great with the invisible glass.
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