Windscreen Cleaner ?

[Omega]

I was out in my car last night,,,,, & after such a fine day, the weather was now a bit drizzly. I used the screen washer, then set it to intermittent.
All was well, until a car came toward me, then I couldn't’t see a thing.
It was as a film of oil or cling-film was right across my windscreen.
Driving was hell then, as each set of lights would reduce me to a crawl.
I tried scrubbing it with dry kitchen towel, (along with the wiper blade) which did seem to make it a bit better,,,, for a while.

I still have the Windscreen wash in that was there when I bought it,,,, so really have no idea what it is.

What do you guys do to make damn sure your screens are squeaky clean ?
I suppose that I have to rely on MB Screen-wash in the actual system,,,, but what can I use to manually clean the screen ?

In older cars, I have used White Spirit before, which usually does the trick, but I guess that’s a bit harsh for my new baby.
A couple of ‘drivers’ at the supermarket that I was going to suggested raw potato or vinegar. Neither of which I would mind, as long as it doesn’t effect the bodywork or wiper blade etc,,,,, & smelling like chips !

thanks for reading,,,,,

 

[verytalldave]

I use ESSO red screenwash diluted by about 1 part screenwash - 3 parts water. Dont overdilute.
That WILL do the trick.

 

[tromppost]

Try Autoglym glass cleaner (the light blue one), this will clean any mess off the windscreen, then maybe change the wiper blades.

 

[Kaka]

Vinegar works well!

 

[whitenemesis]

Flush out the screen wash bottle (use a hose) and refill with MB screen wash, don't mix different makes of wash.
Clean the screen with Mer screen cleaner (it's a mild abrasive) and change the wipers. Wipers should be changed every 12months (IMHO)

 

[portzy]

Get yourself a bottle of Isopropyl alcohol. I think Boots sell it for cleaning injection sites or MB parts sell it in 1 litre bottes. If you have ever seen or used the pre packed and soaked swabs that hospitals use? its the same fluid except its neat. Works a treat on both the glass and the wiper blades

Portzy

 

[stevieb15]

Try Perma Clear Stay Clean, either screen wash or spray. As well as cleaning it also leaves a transparent patina which water runs off, they claim one application lasts for "up to six months" which is bound to be true.

 

[Omega]

PORTZY: I do happen to have a tin of Isopropyl, that I bought for cleaning inside my printers etc. Ideal for cleaning plastics as it dosn't shrivel or burn it, and electrical contacts, where they need to be 'super' clean.

I hadn't thought of using it on my windscreen though. I know it would clean off the crud,,,,,, but what about surrounding paint/rubber etc ?

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WN: I have MB Screenwash in there. I contacted the dealer where I bought the car, & the log shows that MB stuff was used. Having said that, I'm sure I topped up with clean water,,,, so might have over diluted.

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KAKA: I tried vinegar whilst I was out that night,,,,, but maybe it was too wet to work,,,, again, maybe too diluted. I have used it before, but am not yet convinced of the effects on paintwork/rubber etc. Even Mild Green washing up liquids (other brands are available ?!?!) will damage rubber etc.

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TP: I tried one of the AG products on my last car, but wasn't that impressed. I think AG have 3 types out, so may give another sort a try. I also used AG Air-Freshener thingy,,,, but was 100% disappointed in that. I couldn't smell it the day after. I contacted AG who sent me two bottles of other stuff to compensate,,,,, it seemed to me that they were expecting complaints !

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VTD: My dear old dad was Lorry Driver of the Year for ESSO on about 8 occasions. He was an Esso man through & through,,,, but he never mentioned that product. I'll certainly look into it.

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Anyone know - exactly - what are windscreen wipers made of ? Can't be basic rubber,,,, or basic anything I guess.​

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I'm not a big believer in Sales spiels,,,, cuz they all say that their product will do the job.
I'd rather hear from actual people who have no other connection to 'brands',,,, except in the line of there own experiences.

,,,, I'll probably try all these things in due course,,,, plus whatever else comes along on these pages,,,,
so, Keep it coming folks - and thanks.

 

[Omega]

SB: Thanks - Thats one I havn't heard of,,,,, but as above, i'm not really bothered what they "claim",,,, have you used it ?

Has anyone else on here used it ?

 

[stevieb15]

Yes, I use the spray all the time, believe it or not I originally bought it from the Kleeneze man for my conservatory windows, it was so good I tried it on the car and it works.

 

[portzy]

"PORTZY: I do happen to have a tin of Isopropyl, that I bought for cleaning inside my printers etc. Ideal for cleaning plastics as it dosn't shrivel or burn it, and electrical contacts, where they need to be 'super' clean."

I hadn't thought of using it on my windscreen though. I know it would clean off the crud,,,,,, but what about surrounding paint/rubber etc ?

The stuff I have, which is the MB 100% Isopropyl, does no harm to paintwork or rubber. In fact, it is sold and mainly used to clean paintwork of grease etc before bonding seals and for cleaning seals also, such as folding roof etc, before lubrication.

Portzy.

 

[AANDYY]

Isopropyl-alcohol

Just bought mine .

I've also tried the vinegar route as well, the smear always seams to return.


IPA ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL ISOPROPANOL- 1 LITRE min 99% pure on eBay (end time 14-Oct-09 08:43:16 BST)

 

[Dazzler]

A clean screen and new blades, you cant beat it

 

[azaman]

Suprised no one has mentioned Windowlean (I think that's how its spelt!).

I've used this household glass cleaner for years now and it leaves a crystal finish with no streaks. I also gives the wipers a clean and they wipe smoothly and cleanly. Give it a try, IMO its a better and cheaper alternative to some of the windscreen cleaners. It is definately better than the AG Glass Polish (light blue stuff) that I have tested it against.