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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > How to get streak free windows?



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      08-01-2013, 09:51 PM   #1
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How to get streak free windows?

Anyone know the secret on how to get your windows streak free?
I know all those cleaners claim "streak free" but am i doing something wrong? because when the glare hits the window i can see all the streaks....
Any tips? Maybe diff rags? or certain cleaners? would like to hear your experiences.
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      08-01-2013, 10:18 PM   #2
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There is no true streak free glass cleaner. I use Stoners glass cleaner and you can pretty much get it anywhere. You are going to need at least 2 microfiber towels. 1 to spray the cleaner on and wipe the window, and 1 to go back and wipe the streaks off. Only use 1 spray on the towel per window and don't forget to change the side of the towel that you are using to wipe the streaks away on every window. It definitely takes practice and time. Make sure these towels you are using for the glass are never used for anything else. If they got used to wipe wax residue off, even after a wash there could be wax residue left on the towel and leave a film on the windows.
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      08-01-2013, 10:25 PM   #3
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Spray your quality glass cleaner on heavy. Let it stand for at least 30 seconds to break down the crap, then wipe and follow with second towel as noted above.

For towels I use waffle weave MF drying towels.

Meguiars D120 glass cleaner concentrate is about $20/gallon. It will make 11 gallons. Add in the cost of 10 gallons of distilled water which is under a $1/each.

Your cost is $3/gallon for a quality glass cleaner.
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      08-01-2013, 10:33 PM   #4
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Windex and news paper. Done!
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      08-01-2013, 10:54 PM   #5
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All I can say is vigilance. Elbow grease until you're satisfied that they're all gone. There's really no other way.
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      08-01-2013, 11:02 PM   #6
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I use Stoners too, spray on a good layer and clean with MF or newspaper. Do it again with another "coat" and same process. Windows will be streak free this time around.
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      08-02-2013, 05:31 AM   #7
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Microfibre Cloths are the way forwards here, one dry and one damp. sorted!
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      08-02-2013, 07:34 AM   #8
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No matter what products you use, the key is a second wipe with a dry cloth before the cleaner dries. I'm partial to Zep glass cleaner and Costco paper towels. I have zero streaks.
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      08-02-2013, 08:12 AM   #9
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I never understood why my window got racing stripes if I roll it down when it's wet..
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      08-02-2013, 09:30 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by miringrains View Post
I never understood why my window got racing stripes if I roll it down when it's wet..
Because the window felts are wet...
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      08-02-2013, 09:32 AM   #11
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      08-02-2013, 01:06 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DeMerrisK View Post
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      08-02-2013, 01:59 PM   #13
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I use this and i like the results
http://www.carpro-us.com/eraser-inte...aint-cleaners/
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      08-02-2013, 03:47 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SHEEDI View Post
You definitely don't want to use Eraser on tinted windows. That has bad idea written all over it. Be safe out there.
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      08-02-2013, 03:53 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DeMerrisK View Post
Windex and news paper. Done!
Works like a charm!
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      08-02-2013, 04:24 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PR3CI5N View Post
Works like a charm!
Agreed, newspaper works pretty damn good!
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      08-02-2013, 04:31 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by miringrains View Post
I never understood why my window got racing stripes if I roll it down when it's wet..
Really??????
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      08-02-2013, 06:41 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Otruba_843 View Post
You definitely don't want to use Eraser on tinted windows. That has bad idea written all over it. Be safe out there.
I don't wipe tinted side with eraser, its common sense
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      08-02-2013, 06:45 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr. G View Post
Agreed, newspaper works pretty damn good!
Some newspapers will cause glasses and mirrors to smear. There are several factors that play a role:

1. Newspaper (in the trade referred to as "newsprint") contains no solid components like calcium carbonate or silica, like higher quality paper. These minerals can scratch the glass, which can be confused with smearing.

2. Older newspapers were printed (and many still are) with oil based inks -- basically a cheap mineral oil. These too will smear or stain a window or mirror if a solvent or detergent is used to "clean" the surface.

3. Now the trend in printing inks for newspapers is to use water based inks. This allows newer and different types of pigments to be used too. These papers don't contain the oil of the older conventional inks and consequently are less likely to stain or smear a mirror or window.

There are two tests to tell which type of paper/ink combination is being used:

1. Hold the newspaper (or magazine for that matter) between your thumb and index finger for a minute or so. If your thumb/finger stains, you are using the old type of ink. The newer water based inks do not transfer on to your finger.

2. A related test is to gently rub the newspaper with a piece of typing paper. The friction will cause the older paper/ink combination to stain the typing paper. The newer water based systems are much more resistant to this type of test.


It does work, but it's not usually the best option, and there may be some serious drawbacks. Many people swear by this method, but honestly, I've never been a huge fan. It works in a pinch, but I much prefer other methods of cleaning glass and mirrors.

The truth is, that the newsprint can smear on the glass, and more especially on the frame of mirrors and windows. Newspaper doesn't hold together very well, when wet. And given the opportunities to recycle newspaper that we have, it seems to make more sense to repurpose the paper instead of tossing it into the trash after wiping down a mirror.

Bottom Line:If you love using old newspaper to clean your glass and mirrors, then have at it...but there's probably an easier way.
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      08-02-2013, 06:53 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by miringrains View Post
I never understood why my window got racing stripes if I roll it down when it's wet..
its a hint from your car that she wants you to race
are you driving it toooo sloooooooowwwwww
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      08-02-2013, 10:36 PM   #21
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Haven't used window cleaner in 25+ years of cleaning cars-including a job detailing them for two years at a dealer.
One damp towel, one dry towel, lots of rubbing. Make sure the towels are both very clean, washed without fabric softener, and rinsed well. If the dry towels get too wet, get a dry one. If the wet towel gets dirty, get a clean one.
I think glass cleaner is a waste of money. People are always amazed how clean my glass is.
Hope this helps.
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      08-03-2013, 05:15 AM   #22
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Glass Drying Towels

Towels used for cleaning glass should always be washed separately to ensure there is no cross contamination of oils, waxes and etc as this is the one of the causes of glass streaking

Washing – use these towels exclusively for glass and wash them with hot water (no detergents) and one cup vinegar (Heinz® All Natural Cleaning Vinegar) the vinegar doesn't coat the fibres but instead works to eliminate detergent residue and the acid counteracts any alkaline minerals in the water supply. Vinegar (Acetic acid, pH 2) works well in the rinse cycle to make your towels softer. Any kind of laundry soap will leave residue that remains in the micro-fibre, which will then leave streaks, smears or haze.

Rinsing – after washing them in vinegar, re-wash with just clean water ... just to be 100% sure there's no soap residue in the micro-fibres use baking soda (Church and Dwight Arm & Hammer™) add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle to freshen towels

Drying

Air dry or use low heat machine dry

Refresh Towels

Over time, towels build up detergent residue, leaving them unable to absorb as much water. Refresh them by washing them once with hot water and one cup vinegar, then a second time with hot water and half cup sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or baking soda (Church and Dwight - Arm & Hammer™). This strips the residue and leaves them fresh and restores their absorbency.



TOGWT® Autopia Detailing Wiki Article - “Glass Cleaning Process” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...g-process.html

Last edited by TOGWT; 08-03-2013 at 06:17 AM..
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