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Window-washing for dummies

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Pugsy, Sep 17, 2009.

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  1. Pugsy

    Pugsy New Member

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    That's right. I'm reading everyone discuss the benefits of this wax vs. that wax, and I can't even get the streaks off my windshield! I've tried Windex, a vinegar/water mixture and water alone. Paper towels, newsprint, cloths. Still got streaks. Any tips/products I should know about?

    Maybe once I master this I can graduate to cleaning the wheels. :p
     
    #1 Pugsy, Sep 17, 2009
  2. Bobsprius

    Bobsprius BobPrius

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    Pugsy,

    Your no Dummy for sure, your driving a PRIUS! :) But when it comes to glass I am as anal as a colon rectal surgeon! I use 2 different products with great results. I will say BOUNTY are my paper towels of choice.. Try 1) Invisible Glass and/or 2) Cinch.

    They both work wonders, and the trick is to keep rotating your paper towels until the window is dry. You will be well pleased I think!

    Good Luck!;)
     
    #2 Bobsprius, Sep 17, 2009
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  3. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    There has been discussion in other threads about what others prefer to clean their windows. Check these out, some great stuff in em':

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...67032-spotting-windshield-lawn-sprinkler.html

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...oting/67193-what-window-cleaner-wash-use.html

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...hooting/22243-cleaning-inside-windshield.html


    I use Griots Garage window cleaner and lint free towels and I also like their micro fiber window towels.

    http://www.griotsgarage.com/product...ord=window+cleaning&sortby=newArrivals&page=1

    http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/car+care/car+washing/car+cleaning+tools/micro+fiber+window+cloths%2C+set+of+four.do?search=basic&keyword=micro+fiber+window&sortby=newArrivals&page=1
     
    #3 Paradox, Sep 17, 2009
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  4. Pugsy

    Pugsy New Member

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    Thanks! Are either of those products available at chain stores, or would I need to order them?
     
    #4 Pugsy, Sep 17, 2009
  5. Bobsprius

    Bobsprius BobPrius

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    I can buy Invisible glass and Cinch at most supermarkets and if not I know Invisible glass can be had at Autozone, and most Auto parts retailers. I know Ralphs used to carry some in the years past when I lived in LA County, but not sure what they carry anymore. But you have tons of Auto Parts stores out there, to choose from as well.
     
    #5 Bobsprius, Sep 17, 2009
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  6. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

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    I recommend "invisible glass".

    I had a Scion tC that had a foggy quality on the hatch glass that nothing seemed to remove. Because of the extreme slope of the glass, the foggy quality obscured vision quite a bit. I saw an ad for Invisible glass in Car and Driver. I thought their claims were outrageous but gave it a try. The glass did become perfectly clear. I think that the foggy quality came from the new car fumes, but I'm not sure.

    It is available at most auto parts stores.
     
    #6 royrose, Sep 17, 2009
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  7. Bobsprius

    Bobsprius BobPrius

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    Thanks RoyRose,

    It is a great product and I love to clean the hatch now. I used to hate the Sedan rear window in my Civic Hybrid. I thought I could use an "adjustment" after conquering that task, now I sit in the deck, pull the hatch down and wash away! :)
     
    #7 Bobsprius, Sep 17, 2009
  8. Pugsy

    Pugsy New Member

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    Invisible Glass it is then.

    I admit, I'm new to all this despite driving cars for 20 years. I've always been a "drive it through the carwash and forget it" kind of woman, but with my new Prius I care a little more. Go figure.
     
    #8 Pugsy, Sep 17, 2009
  9. Bobsprius

    Bobsprius BobPrius

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    That's not a bad thing! Especially with such an advanced high tech efficient car! I sorta like it that you think this way..:)
    It's all good...
     
    #9 Bobsprius, Sep 17, 2009
  10. jay_man2

    jay_man2 jay_man_also

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    #10 jay_man2, Sep 17, 2009
  11. octavia

    octavia Active Member

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    OMG!
    I'm having the same problem!!! I just went out and bought the invisible glass cleaner and the tool. I am so tired of the streaks and foggy look. When the light hits it just right, I really can't see.

    I just tried the invisible glass with the tool and STILL HAVE STREAKS! I'm about to pull my hair out. I decided to stray from the directions and try some paper towels with it. Now there is "snow" on my streaks. In the second picture I know it looks like I "missed" that corner. I cleaned it FOUR times.

    I'm getting really frustrated with this. I clean windows and mirrors all the time at home and have only run across trouble like this when my kids went to town with "window safe" pens.
     

    Attached Files:

    #11 octavia, Sep 17, 2009
  12. Pugsy

    Pugsy New Member

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    I relate! I feel like a bad mama because my new car's windshield looks so filthy.
     
    #12 Pugsy, Sep 17, 2009
  13. jay_man2

    jay_man2 jay_man_also

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    Paper towels don't work very well. Try newspaper. I also didn't think too much of that Invisible Glass tool. I couldn't seem to get and keep the right pressure on it to get it to clean worth a hoot.

    I experienced all these same frustrations, leading me to order the Griot's Garage lint free towels, microfiber window towels and glass cleaner.
     
    #13 jay_man2, Sep 17, 2009
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  14. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    These type 'tools' have been spoken about before but maybe try something like this?

    Window Cleaner Set - Interior Detailing - Car Care - Griot's Garage

    People have seen them cheaper on Amazon etc, I just like Griot's 100% lifetime guarantee and I order a bunch of stuff at once from them to suit all my car needs as well as save on shipping. Only thing I dont use from them is exterior paint protection, for that I use Zaino...
     
    #14 Paradox, Sep 17, 2009
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  15. Mark57

    Mark57 2021 Tesla Model 3 LR AWD

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    I didn't notice anyone mentioning in this thread not to use ammonia based products on tinted glass. I just wanted to restate it to be safe.

    I've also had great results using wadded up newspaper on my windshield.
     
    #15 Mark57, Sep 17, 2009
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  16. octavia

    octavia Active Member

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    paradox, that looks exactly like the tool I bought from the invisible brand. Is it that much different in quality? The design is virtually identical.

    on a side note, I have an order into Griot's and Zaino, based largely on your recommendations. :)

    From Zaino I ordered the
    z-5
    z-AIO
    z-cs

    From Griot's I ordered the claybar and interior kit.

    I got the Zaino order today.... am waiting for the Griots order to do the big clean though because the claybar I ordered from them ( better value). I didn't order window cleaners from either because I didn't realize there was that much discrepancy in product quality for window cleaners.

    Le sigh.
     
    #16 octavia, Sep 17, 2009
  17. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Hmm, I know some of their products such as this (not their liquid products and their micro fiber towels which are actually a very good quality) are rebranded and this one does look quite similar to the one on Amazon. It's the bonnets I am not sure of... Like mentioned I know their micro fibers are really good but something wants to tell me that the microfibers included with this are not 'their own' either. I never returned something under the satisfaction guarantee, I only got replacement stuff, but maybe you can call and see if shipping is also refundable if not happy in something like 30 days.

    As for the Zaino, I think you'll be quite happy with it. Just follow the steps spoken about in the other threads or feel free to pm me with any questions you may have once it all arrives. The Z-AIO is great to use 2 maybe 3 times a year if you want, and heck the Z5 and Zcs you could almost use once a month if you want! :) Oh, and clay 2-3 times a year as well before using the Z-AIO...
     
    #17 Paradox, Sep 17, 2009
  18. Bobsprius

    Bobsprius BobPrius

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    Octavia,
    Guess I gonna have to come out and clean those windows for you...:) I find I can onlt use Bounty, it's the only towels I ever use, and they work pretty darn well....But try some other fiber lint free towels I guess. The only thing I notice on my car is since it's a V, I have the water repellant glass, which is really nice, (drivers and passenger front only) they like plain water!

    Anyway, I am sure you find the right mix and process...keep us posted.
     
    #18 Bobsprius, Sep 17, 2009
  19. Pugsy

    Pugsy New Member

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    I have the water repellant glass as well. Does that make a difference when cleaning?
     
    #19 Pugsy, Sep 17, 2009
  20. Airbalancer

    Airbalancer Active Member

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    Are you talking about a aftermarket tint?
    On factor tint I have no problem with using ammonia based cleaner

    To bad Toyota does not offer tinted rear windows, at about the same tint level as the sunroof
    I have factor tint on the rear windows of my pick up truck and it is great
     
    #20 Airbalancer, Sep 18, 2009
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