Windshield marks from wipers - how to remove

[Jared]

I just had my 2005 Prius washed in a car wash with the wax included. The windshield was clean at first, but when I put on the wipers, the right hand wiper left a very noticeable mark where it stops and reverses direction right in the driver's area of vision. There is now a white film there. Windex and paper towel did nothing to remove it. Some say Bon Ami is good. The wipers are new -just replaced and the fluid is rain-x. Any ideas of how to remove the marks?

[SparrowHawk60]

Try using some tooth paste to buff the marks out.

[Jared]

I want to avoid anything abrasive since that could ruin the windshield.

[richard schumacher]

In the hope that it's just really gooey wax, try some non-polar solvents: alcohol, Goo-Gone, paint thinner (keep that off everything except the glass!).

[seasalsa]

It's probably just road grime. I have used SOS pads (the kind with detergent in them) for cleaning my windshield. On the commute from Portland to Seattle I have had to use them as many as 3 times to remove the buildup. I carry a package in my Prius and they really work without any scratching problems. Aso all washer fluids are not equal. I tried RainX and went back to 20/10.

[Jared]

You must mean the plastic SOS pads (no rust). Steel ones would scratch glass horribly.

[jayman]

If there is any dirt buildup on the wiper blades, especially sand, that will easily scratch the glass

Drag your fingernail across the mark. If it feels like your finger is catching or dragging like in a groove, the windshield is badly scratched.

If it feels more like a residue, that can be removed with either a paint scraper or patient buffing. Experienced window techs can use polishing compounds to take those marks off glass, no need to replace a windshield

The worst windshield marking I have ever seen was from a friend who had his car repainted. They used sandblasting media to clean off the paint near the pillars, and the windshield cover had slipped. The edge of his windshield became opaque

He hunted down a good window shop and they were able to polish out most of the opacity. Of course, a slight haze was always there

I looked around and Eastwood Co has such a kit

Eastwood Co. - Glass Polishing Kit Pro

[Jared]

Thanks. It is not a scratch, it is a line of white haze just along where the right wiper stops. (Wax from the car wash?) I think I will try Bon Ami. Also, I think I will not get Rain x washer fluid again.

[ZC1]

I asked about water spots (somewhat related) and grime on windows to my friend a professional window washer. He said use white vinegar mixed with water, what ratios I do not know at this time.

ZC1

[Jared]

Success! Thanks for all the advice. I got a no-scratch sponge, Bon Ami and paper towels. After some fairly hard rubbing with the wet sponge and Bon Ami, the mark was gone. The paper towels were black even though the car was just washed. (But then I do drive 100 miles a day on 8 lane highways). Bon Ami is a good friend.