Window cleaner
- Thread starter Dene
- Start date
Mineral stains from various salts that have a limited ability to dissolve in water can pose real removal problems.
When Windex or full-strength vinegar won't dissolve them, the next step is to go to Barkeeper's Friend, which is a mild abrasive cleaner, somewhat between the super soft abrasive cleaner Bon-Ami (made of egg shells and soap) and the much stronger Comet Cleanser (which has such a hard abrasive it will scratch you glass windows!).
The BarKeeper's Friend has a middle of the road abrasive, soap, and a lot of oxyalic acid, which is a strong bleach and chemical solvent. Put it on the windows with a swet rag or sponge and rub gently. and let it set a while to dissolve the mineral salts that seem so persistent, then flush with lots of water to keep it off the hull and your wax job.
Then use the Rain-X (outside variety that helps water flow off by reducing the surface tension and simply lay flat and drain off the windshield.) NOTE: The interior form of Rain-X is quite different, and is designed to stop condensation from forming on the inside of the glass in the cabin.
Barkeeper's Friend can also be used to remove stains from and clean fiberglass, interior paint, and stainless steel, as well as other surfaces. Test for abrasion and scarring before you do too much area, and allow the oxyalic acid to do it's chemical bleaching and stain removing job. It's a great tool, just use reasonable caution when using it. Find it on the shelf in the supermarket next to the Comet and Bon-Ami.
Fiberglass a will require re-waxing after using it on the hull, etc. to restore the polished look and wax sealing protection.
Joe. :teeth :thup
When Windex or full-strength vinegar won't dissolve them, the next step is to go to Barkeeper's Friend, which is a mild abrasive cleaner, somewhat between the super soft abrasive cleaner Bon-Ami (made of egg shells and soap) and the much stronger Comet Cleanser (which has such a hard abrasive it will scratch you glass windows!).
The BarKeeper's Friend has a middle of the road abrasive, soap, and a lot of oxyalic acid, which is a strong bleach and chemical solvent. Put it on the windows with a swet rag or sponge and rub gently. and let it set a while to dissolve the mineral salts that seem so persistent, then flush with lots of water to keep it off the hull and your wax job.
Then use the Rain-X (outside variety that helps water flow off by reducing the surface tension and simply lay flat and drain off the windshield.) NOTE: The interior form of Rain-X is quite different, and is designed to stop condensation from forming on the inside of the glass in the cabin.
Barkeeper's Friend can also be used to remove stains from and clean fiberglass, interior paint, and stainless steel, as well as other surfaces. Test for abrasion and scarring before you do too much area, and allow the oxyalic acid to do it's chemical bleaching and stain removing job. It's a great tool, just use reasonable caution when using it. Find it on the shelf in the supermarket next to the Comet and Bon-Ami.
Fiberglass a will require re-waxing after using it on the hull, etc. to restore the polished look and wax sealing protection.
Joe. :teeth :thup
A handy way to prevent inside fogging or mirror fogging is simply to use one of those skin creme bath soaps - you know , any common bath soap. You just make a lather and slather the lather onto the glass, then wipe it off with a DRY towel or paper towel. You have to leave a tiny bit of streaks sometimes.
I use the Rain-x window cleaner combo( the yellow stuff in one bottle) on both sides some times, but mainly outside. Rain X can leave your windows looking splotchy after exposure to rain, sea, dust. It seems to hold some of the dirt on the glass. However, you rarely have to use the wipers when you have Rain X on and the side/rear views are good, even in rain with Rain X.
You don't want to use window cleaners on the Bowmar hatches, nor the canvas back window panels! And don't use paper products on them either - that would scratch the plastic. There is a special clear vinyl window cleaner, which I learned of here on the site, especially for maintaining the vinyl/plastic windows.
John
I use the Rain-x window cleaner combo( the yellow stuff in one bottle) on both sides some times, but mainly outside. Rain X can leave your windows looking splotchy after exposure to rain, sea, dust. It seems to hold some of the dirt on the glass. However, you rarely have to use the wipers when you have Rain X on and the side/rear views are good, even in rain with Rain X.
You don't want to use window cleaners on the Bowmar hatches, nor the canvas back window panels! And don't use paper products on them either - that would scratch the plastic. There is a special clear vinyl window cleaner, which I learned of here on the site, especially for maintaining the vinyl/plastic windows.
John
I think that windex is one of the worst window cleaner you can buy. I find the cleaners that are sold by auto parts stores are far better. Rain X makes a cleaner, Napa has a good one. A teaspoon a dishwashing detergent mixed in a quart of water, rubbed on the window and then squeegeed off works well. I also squeegee off the windows after a fresh water rinse to keep the mineral build up (spots) to a minimum.
I use a product like Rain-X, but a different brand. It works as well, but you don't get the film build up that Rain-X leaves. When I go down to the boat today, I will get the name of the cleaner and the rain-x look alike.
For the bomar hatch, I use Meguiar's # 17 plastic cleaner and then #10, plastic polish.
Robbi
I use a product like Rain-X, but a different brand. It works as well, but you don't get the film build up that Rain-X leaves. When I go down to the boat today, I will get the name of the cleaner and the rain-x look alike.
For the bomar hatch, I use Meguiar's # 17 plastic cleaner and then #10, plastic polish.
Robbi
My Dad was a BM2c/USN during WWII and they had literally barrels of Bon Ami on board for cleaning their ship (ANNE ARUNDEL). When I was a young(er) pup, my Dad explained to me how they used this stuff on-board - I was amazed. In a previous life I taught several college courses in Oceanology, Biology & Chemistry. We would titrate the feldspar from Bon Ami - great lab excercises demonstrating titration for students.
I don’t think the Diamond glass windows are anything special, just tempered safety class.
If you can find it, Vista Cleer is by far the best glass cleaner in the world, its expensive at about $25 for a 20 oz can.
I use Stoner Invisible Glass, does a far better job than Windex and you can find in pump or aerosol.
Go to Amazon or Google it..
Rain X inside and out.
My 2 cents
If you can find it, Vista Cleer is by far the best glass cleaner in the world, its expensive at about $25 for a 20 oz can.
I use Stoner Invisible Glass, does a far better job than Windex and you can find in pump or aerosol.
Go to Amazon or Google it..
Rain X inside and out.
My 2 cents
Just back from the boat. (fishing, really 
) I checked on my glass cleaner and it is made by Gunk, bought at an auto parts store. It's ok.
The Rain X look alike is No Touch Rain Shield. It goes on a wet window, just spray on and you are good to go. Also from an auto parts store.
Robbi
) I checked on my glass cleaner and it is made by Gunk, bought at an auto parts store. It's ok.The Rain X look alike is No Touch Rain Shield. It goes on a wet window, just spray on and you are good to go. Also from an auto parts store.
Robbi