Water Spots

bigwilltitan · 02-05-2007, 02:49 PM

The spots on my door glass are getting pretty bad and nothing I've tried so far seems to get them off. What do you guys use to get water spots off of your glass?

Dorsey · 02-05-2007, 03:07 PM

I have a little piece of nylon mesh that I use for love-bugs that also works on water spots on glass. You can also claybar them. I can't imagine them needing it but there is some stuff called jewlers rouge that polishes light scratches out of glass.

**helomech** · 02-05-2007, 03:12 PM

Dryer sheets work great on bugs and water spots. Just wet them and rub.

bigwilltitan · 02-05-2007, 03:49 PM

Thanks for the tips guys I'm going to give the dryer sheets a try since I have some on hand. Does it make a difference if they are used or not?

**helomech** · 02-05-2007, 05:06 PM

I use new ones, I bought a box that I keep in my truck when it was brand new and I still have the same box almost 1.5 years later.

70DATSUN · 02-05-2007, 08:13 PM

I hand wash my truck and put vintager in the bucket with the soap so I don't get water spots. I have a power washer at my shop that can apply soap when spraying, so when I rinse I mix vintager with water and let it help on the rinse. I had a friend that use too maintain the local car wash in town and he said they added salt too the spot free rinse cycle. Seem too work when I do stop and do a quick wash there. I've never try ed adding salt too my rinse at the shop though.

**Blackbeauty** · 02-05-2007, 08:30 PM

Vinegar or vintager (????) as you call it, is a real good way to strip the wax off your vehicle. I would not recommend this unless you are cleaning it after driving through a lime quarry or otherwise preparing it for clay bar application. You may use it, mixed with water, on your windows, just make sure you don't drip it onto the painted (waxed) surfaces. It will strip the wax off.

*mario* · 02-05-2007, 08:33 PM

why would anyone who maitains a CAR WASH use salt instead of filtered water?

Dorsey · 02-05-2007, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mario

why would anyone who maitains a CAR WASH use salt instead of filtered water?

He was probably putting it in the water softener. Most water softeners use salt pellets - the sodium replaces the calcium in the water.

Krodad · 02-05-2007, 09:21 PM

If you had a GOOD orbital like the porter cable version and some compound or polish, you can get out more than you think.

You might also try a Mr. Clean magic eraser...these things are great for cleaning glass and work really well to help get wax off of black trim...just don't use it on your paint because it is an abrasive pad...just very, very mild.

Something I use to keep the glass from getting the water spots in the first place is Aquawax spray made by Duragloss. It's over the counter at some parts stores, or you can order it online. It is amazing stuff as a spray for your paint, especially when used as a maintenance product for your more conventional sealants or waxes (the Duragloss sealant is top notch also, as is anything made by Collinite). On glass, it buffs out optically clear, and works ten times better than the so-called glass treatments, and it lasts a long time. Best thing you can to for your paint and glass, and it will not stain trim, so I use it on all the black plastic on my Titan.

I don't work for Duragloss, but have found that the quality of their products is as good as anything I've tried, and I've tried a lot...and it is inexpensive as well.

Advertisement over, sorry, but to get back to the waterspot issue, doing something like this really helps. Hopefully the spots are not etched in...if so, you are going to have to live with them to a degree, but I'm sure you will mitigate them quite a bit.

SpeedFreak · 02-05-2007, 09:32 PM

I use to detail cars as a youth and learned a few tips over time.

For removing the hard water buildup on your glass where the windshield washer blades dont reach, and water spots on your side windows there is a easy solution as close as your nearest Wal-Mart.

Go to the cleaning section and pick up a can of "Bar Keepers Friend" in the household cleaning section.

Build up a paste on a clean rag and after wetting your glass gently rub the region that needs cleaned. When all is finished moisten your window and with a clean towel remove the paste and follow with a little windex for a like new finish.

LAfirefytr · 02-05-2007, 09:34 PM

Meguiars clay bar w/ quick detailing spray (comes as a quick clay kit) will get rid of old and new water spots. The key though is prevention. If they are caused by rain, sometimes tit is hard to prevent this as you may not have time to go wipe off your windows after a shower/storm. If they are caused by you washing your vehicle, then prevention is possible. Meguiars NXT wash is formulated to help prevent water spots so that is what I use 100% as I live in a subtropical climate of the Gulf Coast where humidity is 80-100% all the time!!!! Drying the windows quickly after washing to prevent the spots is important as well. If you have some really old stubborn water spots that are etched into the glass and you can't get them out with claying, you can use a product by Meguiars call Heavy Duty Cleaner #4 with a terry cloth towel. It will get your windows spotless. It can also be used on shower doors that have oxidation, water spots, grime, ect. It will restore them to like new condition just like your windows. It will require some elbow grease but works when you apply it. I would try clay w/ detailing spray first. NO, I do not work for Meguiars, but yes I am partial to their products b/c I detail as a side job and depend on their products for income. There are probably other products out there that work, but I know what works for me so thats what I recommend.