how do i get rid of water spots?
04-29-2004, 10:51 PM
#41
Senior Moderator
Oh, oh!
Originally Posted by w1n78
ok here's what i did and it worked. get a slightly used steel wool, you know the ones you use to clean dishes and stuff. make sure it's slightly used so it's a little softer. then i used the armor all glass cleaner. heard there was alcohol in the ingredients so it's a little stronger. make sure you don't get it on the paint.
spray the cleaner in a small area and use the steel wool. apply pressure as needed. do not heavily scrub the area. it shouldn't scratch the window, but then again be careful. have some micro fiber towels handy to wipe off the excess window cleaner.
so far i've done small areas this morning coz i was running late for work but i'll be doing the rest tomorrow morning or the weekend.
DO NOT use steel wool on the back window coz the defrost line thingys are there (dunno what they're called
) i've only tried this in the front windshield outside.
spray the cleaner in a small area and use the steel wool. apply pressure as needed. do not heavily scrub the area. it shouldn't scratch the window, but then again be careful. have some micro fiber towels handy to wipe off the excess window cleaner.
so far i've done small areas this morning coz i was running late for work but i'll be doing the rest tomorrow morning or the weekend.
DO NOT use steel wool on the back window coz the defrost line thingys are there (dunno what they're called
) i've only tried this in the front windshield outside.
Don't do it any more. You may not see the fine scratches right away but, in the sun, you will. Some brave hearts may try this with a 0000 Xtra Fine steel wool but I still wouldn't trust it. If you go the abrasive route, I would consider some jewelers rouge.But, I don't think this is all needed. Have you tried the clay bar. I just saw a Mother's Clay Bar kit in Discount/Advanced Auto Parts for a reasonable price. That's very safe. It couldn't hurt to try. There's also CLR or the other strong chemicals that get hardwater/rust stains off BUT USE extreme caution and don't get it on your paint. Have a water house handy to flush it off immediately if you spill some. With all these EXTREME measures, I would try a small spot in the corner first.
Have you looked on www.autopia.org yet and researched this question? They are a wealth of information and seem to have an answer for everything.
BTW, the "defrosty things" are on the inside of the rear window.
And, if you follow the steel wool with the micro-fiber towel, chances are you are going to pick up some steel slivers :chainsaw: in the MF. You might as well deep six the MF towel as it is ruined for use on paint. You are just asking for trouble if you do.
XP
04-30-2004, 01:51 AM
#42
Senior Moderator
If all else fails, check this out.
http://www.kilianhardware.com/amaz16oz.html
A-Maz
Water Stain Remover. It works!
Removes spots, film, and crust.
For shower doors, house windows, windshields, chrome, tile, porcelain, fiberglass, and metals. Takes out etched in water spots and mineral deposits like lime scale, calcium, oxidation, iron, alkali, mildew, mold, soap scum, paint, and salt spray.
Apply with a damp cloth or non-abrasive nylon pad to clean glass, safety glass, or delicate surfaces. Use with a scouring pad for tile or porcelain.
Rub out... Wipe off!!! No filmy residue... No rinsing required...
NO MASK - NO GLOVES - NO HARSH CHEMICALS
Do not use on highly polished or laquered surfaces.
A-MAZ 14 oz.$6.99
A-Maz
Water Stain Remover. It works!
Removes spots, film, and crust.
For shower doors, house windows, windshields, chrome, tile, porcelain, fiberglass, and metals. Takes out etched in water spots and mineral deposits like lime scale, calcium, oxidation, iron, alkali, mildew, mold, soap scum, paint, and salt spray.
Apply with a damp cloth or non-abrasive nylon pad to clean glass, safety glass, or delicate surfaces. Use with a scouring pad for tile or porcelain.
Rub out... Wipe off!!! No filmy residue... No rinsing required...
NO MASK - NO GLOVES - NO HARSH CHEMICALS
Do not use on highly polished or laquered surfaces.
A-MAZ 14 oz.$6.99
04-30-2004, 10:38 AM
#43
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hey xp, ya i guess i got a lil irritated and went to a last resort coz damn i hate seeing those damn spots. the whole car is clean but when the sun is in front of me those things are all over my wind shield. i just can't wait to order those things online. i'll keep looking for that claybar. will it specificaly say for windows? also i heard simple green may work. any ideas on that? ahhh i'm just so pissed i can't find a safe alternative. thx for your feedback
04-30-2004, 08:56 PM
#44
Senior Moderator
Be patient, Grasshopper! All things come to he who waits.
Originally Posted by w1n78
hey xp, ya i guess i got a lil irritated and went to a last resort coz damn i hate seeing those damn spots. the whole car is clean but when the sun is in front of me those things are all over my wind shield. i just can't wait to order those things online. i'll keep looking for that claybar. will it specificaly say for windows? also i heard simple green may work. any ideas on that? ahhh i'm just so pissed i can't find a safe alternative. thx for your feedback
Most places that sell on line get the stuff out to you the same day. You usually get it in 4-5 days total. Or, for extra money, they will overnight it to you. It would still be cheaper than a new windshield.
XP
11-20-2008, 11:29 AM
#46
Instructor
What about combining some of the suggestions?
Spray some vinegar on the water spots and clay bar over them. It worked for my most stubborn water spots in the desert. Our Vegas water has to be some of the hardest water in the US. Calcium Carbonate yuk!
Whatever you do, do NOT use the steel wool suggestion. Metal will scratch glass. I think they taught us that in 5th grade right?
Spray some vinegar on the water spots and clay bar over them. It worked for my most stubborn water spots in the desert. Our Vegas water has to be some of the hardest water in the US. Calcium Carbonate yuk!
Whatever you do, do NOT use the steel wool suggestion. Metal will scratch glass. I think they taught us that in 5th grade right?
Last edited by aquariussuperman; 11-20-2008 at 11:31 AM.
11-20-2008, 01:30 PM
#47
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Absolute best stuff ever for your windows...Exterior obviously
I use it religiously every time the car gets washed...wet the window...wet a sponge...sprinkle it on the sponge tell it's like a paste...and a bit of elbow grease...pow...perfect windows everytime....
-Jason
I use it religiously every time the car gets washed...wet the window...wet a sponge...sprinkle it on the sponge tell it's like a paste...and a bit of elbow grease...pow...perfect windows everytime....
-Jason
11-20-2008, 06:32 PM
#49
Instructor
That BKF works great for polishing up the exhaust tips. Never seen something work so well. I never thought of using the stuff for windows since it seems quite abrasive. I mean, it can eat throw years of exhaust soot on your tailpipes!
11-20-2008, 06:38 PM
#50
Suzuka Master
I have used #0000 steel wool and Vinegar on lots od windows for water spots .. won't scratch the glass unless used dry and even then its doubtful.
09-13-2010, 05:15 PM
#52
The Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) worked very well on my TL's glass. After 3 years of regular washing, I noticed that my side rear view mirrors aren't as clear as they used to be. I used BKF this morning, after reading this post, with excellent results. The glass and mirrors are now looking like new.
Follow direction on the can. Elbow grease. Apply as many times as it takes to clean the water spots. It look me two times in certain areas.
Follow direction on the can. Elbow grease. Apply as many times as it takes to clean the water spots. It look me two times in certain areas.
09-13-2010, 10:46 PM
#55
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I recently started using a product called OPTIMUN... awesome stuff..i bought over amazon.. but just google it... the stuff is amazing.. highly recommended.. good luck..
09-14-2010, 08:28 AM
#57
Suzuka Master
09-14-2010, 11:35 PM
#59
Suzuka Master
^^^^^
Ah ok .. that won't get rid of the water spots .. Its a wash method ... I have had it for 3 years now. Will help prevent them not remove them.
Was misspelled earlier .. Optimum No Rinse...
Ah ok .. that won't get rid of the water spots .. Its a wash method ... I have had it for 3 years now. Will help prevent them not remove them.
Was misspelled earlier .. Optimum No Rinse...
09-15-2010, 07:07 AM
#60
Racer
I have hard water at my house and get water spots like crazy. The best thing to do really is preventative.
Get an Absorber, it's like a sponge cloth that you can get from Pepboys/Walmart kinda places. Wipe the car down as soon as you're done washing. Make sure to wring it out well b/c it picks up water like crazy. I usually wipe the windows down first and then the paint if I have to. Never get any water spots anymore.
Get an Absorber, it's like a sponge cloth that you can get from Pepboys/Walmart kinda places. Wipe the car down as soon as you're done washing. Make sure to wring it out well b/c it picks up water like crazy. I usually wipe the windows down first and then the paint if I have to. Never get any water spots anymore.
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