Windex Misinformation
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2005
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Windex Misinformation
I'm not trying to push windex as a body cleaner, but have been trying to discern the truth regarding its useage and came up with the following "internet facts":
1. It must be bad, ammonia is no good for paint, keep it away
2. I used all the time to remove large gooey bugs, bird s**t, and those stickers that the kids keep putting on my brand new TL, never had any problems
3. I'm not sure, but my neighbor just coated his car with it and he's generally stupid, and was only following a dealer's advice, who must also be stupid, so this can't be good.
I even saw one company selling a clay bar that suggested using windex as the luricant.
So what is the truth? Has anyone actually used windex and actually had a problem? Any chemists out there?
1. It must be bad, ammonia is no good for paint, keep it away
2. I used all the time to remove large gooey bugs, bird s**t, and those stickers that the kids keep putting on my brand new TL, never had any problems
3. I'm not sure, but my neighbor just coated his car with it and he's generally stupid, and was only following a dealer's advice, who must also be stupid, so this can't be good.
I even saw one company selling a clay bar that suggested using windex as the luricant.
So what is the truth? Has anyone actually used windex and actually had a problem? Any chemists out there?
The Old Grey Whistle Test
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 18
From: Florida / England
I’m and Architectural Engineer not a chemist so take this for what it’s worth
1. It must be bad, ammonia is no good for paint, keep it away
A: Correct- Bleach and Ammonia have pH levels of 11.0-12.9 an Alkaline
2. I used all the time to remove large gooey bugs, bird s**t, and those stickers that the kids keep putting on my brand new TL, never had any problems
A: A not necessarily a bad thing as excrement is acidic and an alkaline will neutralize it, wash afterwards and apply a protective wax/sealant
3. I'm not sure, but my neighbor just coated his car with it and he's generally stupid, and was only following a dealer's advice, which must also be stupid, so this can't be good.
A: An alkaline if used often enough will ‘bleach’ lighten the paint (he never liked the colour of his paint anyway, right?)
4. I even saw one company selling a clay bar that suggested using Windex as the lubricant.
A: I would prefer something that contained a real lubricant (soap, QD) as opposed to a mineral spirit
JonM
1. It must be bad, ammonia is no good for paint, keep it away
A: Correct- Bleach and Ammonia have pH levels of 11.0-12.9 an Alkaline
2. I used all the time to remove large gooey bugs, bird s**t, and those stickers that the kids keep putting on my brand new TL, never had any problems
A: A not necessarily a bad thing as excrement is acidic and an alkaline will neutralize it, wash afterwards and apply a protective wax/sealant
3. I'm not sure, but my neighbor just coated his car with it and he's generally stupid, and was only following a dealer's advice, which must also be stupid, so this can't be good.
A: An alkaline if used often enough will ‘bleach’ lighten the paint (he never liked the colour of his paint anyway, right?)
4. I even saw one company selling a clay bar that suggested using Windex as the lubricant.
A: I would prefer something that contained a real lubricant (soap, QD) as opposed to a mineral spirit
JonM
Senior Moderator
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 5,461
Likes: 616
From: Long Island, NY
I dont need a chemistry degree to tell you windex isnt designed for automotive paint. Read the label, and check it yourself to see what its intended uses are. Personally, I dont use it outside of the house.
For washing your car, stick to wax safe Automotive car washes. Meguiars Nxt is one of my favs, and you can find it everywhere.
If you dont have tinted windows, you can use Windex on auto glass, but honestly most automotive glass cleaners due a much better job anyway. Even a water dampened microfiber does a nice job on its own.
For washing your car, stick to wax safe Automotive car washes. Meguiars Nxt is one of my favs, and you can find it everywhere.
If you dont have tinted windows, you can use Windex on auto glass, but honestly most automotive glass cleaners due a much better job anyway. Even a water dampened microfiber does a nice job on its own.
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