Can't get my windshield clean..?!

[Supergus1]

After a rough and long winter here in Maine, I was finally able to hand wash my Tundra last week. I used Meg's Chrystal car wash soap. Even after washing the glass I still couldn't get the windshield clean where the wipers don't touch. It was like road grime except it had almost an oily feel to it. As a side note, I use Rain X windshield fluid, so I don't know if that's where the oily coating is coming from. Anyway, I tried using one of those dish sponges that has the nylon mesh around it. It helped, but not great. I've used Meg's Perfect Clarity, Stoner's Invisible Glass, Armor All Auto Glass, and Rain X glass cleaner. My question is: Has anyone lightly buffed their windshield with #0000 steel wool and a glass cleaner? I had a friend back in high school who's dad swore by this. I'd appreciate any thought or suggestions.

[DogRescuer]

What I do is spray cleaner of choice using a long scraper with a razor blade and scrape
then dry with short nap mf
respray then clay
respray and clean with a dedicated glass towel

[Robbiek]

What I do is spray cleaner of choice using a long scraper with a razor blade and scrape
then dry with short nap mf
respray then clay
respray and clean with a dedicated glass towel

This works very good I've done it few times come out great every time

[Paintxpert]

Buff it with a rotary polisher with a wool pad and very mild polish. Polish @ about 1200 rpms. Slower if you never used a rotary. I dont use clay because I know how to rotary polish. Tape the moldings if you dont trust yourself. Good Luck! "Paintxpert" Shine Since 1969!

[jamesboyy]

If it was me I would get off the major contamention by cleaning the windows first then I would spray them again only this time lightly shaveing the window with a razor then I would clay the window then take a combo like meguiars m105/205 to polish the window then to top it off seal it up with a sealant you have on hand....just my eights cents

[Flash Gordon]

Throw a hammer through it. You won't be worried about that smear then

[allenk4]

Buff it with a rotary polisher with a wool pad and very mild polish. Polish @ about 1200 rpms. Slower if you never used a rotary. I dont use clay because I know how to rotary polish. Tape the moldings if you dont trust yourself. Good Luck! "Paintxpert" Shine Since 1969!

Some Experts have a very different opinion of skipping the decontamination step.

[Paintxpert]

It is decontaminated after you buff it. My windows look brand new buffing them with a wool pad. They appear soft, clean and very clear. My clients are ALWAYS appreciative of my buffing their windows to perfection. One client insists its as good as Rain X. We all have to do what works for us. Not get hung-up on OCD stuff. Just my opinion here. Try it, If you like it, you learned something new. If not, toss it in the round file with the plethora of other advice offered here.

[Paintxpert]

I did a 1965 Corvette convertible with a yellowed plastic back window. I was able to buff the plastic window and make it at least 60 percent more clear. So sometimes you can buff clear plastic as well.

[DogRescuer]

It is decontaminated after you buff it. My windows look brand new buffing them with a wool pad. They appear soft, clean and very clear. My clients are ALWAYS appreciative of my buffing their windows to perfection. One client insists its as good as Rain X. We all have to do what works for us. Not get hung-up on OCD stuff. Just my opinion here. Try it, If you like it, you learned something new. If not, toss it in the round file with the plethora of other advice offered here.

Do you do this for every detail?