Need some help getting some residue off my windows

T

Topshelf

Member
Hey guys, new member here. Picked up an '06 Z4 Coupe 3.0si a few weeks ago! Been reading though the forums trying to absorb as much info as possible. There is one thing I can't figure out though that I was hoping someone had an answer to. I have some type of odd streaks on all of my windows. Didn't notice it until I got it home. Almost looks like a spray wax or something that got left in the sun while it was drying. I tried cleaning it with glass cleaners, but it didn't make any difference. Then I tried some soft scrub and a scouring pad because I remember having to use that one time after some Rain-X was applied in the direct sun and caused some problems, but that didn't make a difference either. Then I tried scraping with a razor blade...no luck. Anyone have any ideas here? It's not noticeable while driving, just in certain light. I'll see if I can get it to show up in a pic tonight. But I'd LOVE to get these marks off of the glass if possible.

Thanks! :D
 
Try using a clay bar on it, just like you would the bodywork. Got any pics? Maybe it's a leftover from the robots that installed the glass, seen that before?
 
I'm currently tidying up a Ka I purchased for my daughter and it had rust streaks from corroded window catches. RainX glass cleaner shifted that in no time, while normal domesticv tyupe glass cleaner would not touch it.

So failing that type of cleaner then given glass is pretty resiliant stuff (except inside coatings). I'd be tempted to spot test cleaning with a few different chemicals petrol, meths, even cellulose thinners. Of course take enormous care that it's spot tested and nowhere near paintwork or rubber and it will be fine.

I'd keep well away from abrasive substances scouring pads, wool, etc. other than as Mike says the gentlest application with clay as it's easy to scratch glass
 
Thanks guys, I'll pick up some Rain-X glass cleaner this weekend. If that doesn't do it, I'll try out a clay bar. If that still doesn't do it, I'll be back to find out what chemicals I should start checking out. Scouring pad was probably not the correct term for what I used, but I didn't know what the heck it's called. It's a kitchen sponge with a rougher side. It's safe for Teflon, so I can't imagine it would scratch glass. I always thought glass was easy to clean, so I'm a bit surprised by this residue. Wish I had some idea of what it was so that we'd have a better idea of how to remove it. And I hope it's not ragtop sealant....it's a coupe! :rofl:

Here's a crappy pic from my Blackberry that is most likely of no help. I'll try to get a better shot this weekend if the first two attempts don't clean it up.

IMG00033.jpg
 
Don't use abrasive cloth's steel wool or rags, You'll damage the glass. Try clay bar, iso alcohol then a window cleaner with ammonia in it (Windex is very good).

If that doesn't shift it then use mineral spirits, very very sparingly and don't get anything on the painted surface or trim.
 
20ducks said:
Don't use abrasive cloth's steel wool or rags, You'll damage the glass. Try clay bar, iso alcohol then a window cleaner with ammonia in it (Windex is very good).

If that doesn't shift it then use mineral spirits, very very sparingly and don't get anything on the painted surface or trim.
Click to expand...

X2

Remember, Glass is classified a liquid not a solid....abrasive's will scratch..
 
Acetone (aka nail polish remover).

Home Depot / Lowe's - $ 5 for a lot of it, in a menacing looking container, too !

Will not harm your glass. Will not harm your exterior paint. It will beat the brains out of a 'clay bar'. It's properties as a solvent will do bad things to many plastics. Apply with a rag / equivalent. Again, it will not damage your glass or your paint.

Before I get barked at, I'll toe the line:
Zed_4_forum_1.jpg
 
Wondermike said:
Glass is a liquid, is that right? :scratchhead:
Click to expand...

It sure is. One of the densest.

Next time you go to a really old house (like several hundred years) look at the windows and you will see how the glass has actually flowed down and the pane is thicker at the base than the top. (Not a test that can be performed in the US as nothing is old...)
 
Wondermike said:
Wow! How about when it smashes, or why does it smash/shatter into loads of bits? I'm intrigued TBH.
Click to expand...


Well you got me wondering so 5 minutes on Wikepedia and I'm sorted. Well actually no wiser as I'm no molecular engineer or chemist.

Seems it's an amorphous solid
Oh and my long held thought that it flows seems to be an old wives tale, based on false assumption abou thte original uniformity of the pane so I'll revise that one :oops:

Anyway go read and figure...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass#Glass_versus_a_supercooled_liquid
 
Glass is crystalline.

Take a dense liquid like mercury - liquid at room temp, anyway. Or any other liquid. Hit it with a hammer. You have had no effect. A liquid is amorphous.

Glass is a solid. If you hit it with a hammer (hard enough), you will put a world of hurt on the structure that makes it clear. It's very ... 'morphous.

Glass can melt (become a liquid). It can't 'freeze'. It's already frozen - crystalline at room temp.

etc. etc. etc.
 
When you cut ultra thin sections for electron microscopy, you have to break fresh glass knives. If they're a couple months old, they ain't as sharp--the glass has flowed from the edge.


Just from the pics, could that be hard water stains? If so, vinegar will take 'em off. Regular window cleaner has ammonia, but that's not acid enough to dissolve the calcium deposits.
 
Glass is the clear stuff around me when I drive?.....right!! :P

Oh and Hello Homes, Nilglass is cleaner i use which smells a lot of vinegar
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

N
We need help - E85 in North Norfolk with completely dead air bag module
Replies
19
Views
1K
enuff_zed
enuff_zed
S
Need help looking for 6-Spd Manual assembly
Replies
4
Views
354
Spriteracer
Spriteracer
E
Z4 roof stuck closed. need help with MicroSwitch ohm values
Replies
11
Views
867
RobbiZ4
RobbiZ4
B
Need some help valuing some z4m / z4 parts please.
Replies
7
Views
2K
enuff_zed
enuff_zed
B
Problem with indicator light. Need help
Replies
1
Views
180
smorris_12
S
Back
Top Bottom