WTF is on my windshield?

[shawn]

The inside of my windshield has acquired a sort of oily haze. It's almost invisible most of the time, but oncoming headlights or low sun bring it out.

I cleaned it several times with Windex, tried a terrycloth towel, etc... but it just smears it around.

I dunno what it is. It could be salt spray, could be exhaust residue. I just want it gone.

Any cleaning suggestions?

 

[TheGriz]

I've heard that some interior plastics will "bloom" and produce that film inside the window. My wife's Mini Cooper did that, and I had to clean it with rubbing alcohol. Then I cleaned it with windex.

 

[Mike J]

If that doesn't work try some Coke then use Windex.

 

[rockcity]

acetone cleans anyting

 

[kcarroll]

heater core leaking and getting antifreeze residue on the glass?

 

[JRB]

If that doesn't work try some Coke then use Windex.

You'd definitely work a hell of a lot faster.

 

[blazeproc]

brake clean....should do the trick. Its a solvent and will not leave a residue

 

[Rich]

heater core leaking and getting antifreeze residue on the glass?

Helps to know the age of the vehicle... but this is my first thought too...

 

[BigClay]

Try wiping with newspaper, usually does the trick.

 

[Reid]

stank breath. roll the windows down when you drive.


Like the other guys said, my first thought was heater core.

also, check the other windows in the car. If it is "plastic bloom" as mentioned above then it should be on other windows.

when you wipe a paper towel accross the window what color is the gunk on the towel?

 

[DanStew]

Do you smoke? Could be nicotine. I know my moms windshield was disgusting from how much she smoked in her car.

 

[RatLabGuy]

brake clean....should do the trick. Its a solvent and will not leave a residue

Ditto!

Just don't let it drip on the dash, lol

 

[charliechuck]

acetone cleans anyting

X2 thats what i would try!!!

 

[shawn]

Nah, no cigarettes or heater core worries. The same thing is inside the wife's car, so... something environmental, maybe plastic bloom.

So... huff acetone and clean it with coke? Or do the coke and clean it with acetone?

 

[Caver Dave]

*IF* you've previously used products *like* Windex, they contain additives that will leave a "protective" layer on the glass and over time that *will* discolor & blur as dirt accumulates on the surface... this layer is why they advise NOT to use it on the outside of windshield glass.


If you can stand the fumes, straight BoPeep ammonia will cut it ALL (protective layer, dirt, smokers grunge) off. DO NOT USE AMMONIA ON FILM TINTED WINDOWS! IT WILL MAKE THE FILM COME OFF!

 

[wrangler00]

use a small brillo pad the blue ones with the soap already in it i heard they work

 

[Reid]

you better test a brillow pad in a small area not directly in your field of vision.


that turned out not to be such a good idea for me one time.

 

[cgm147]

get some glass cleaner called invisible glass its the shit any parts store has it