What's best for Cleaning the Windshield? Anyone use Pledge?

[NancysToy]

So what is the best way to remove light scratches from one of these windshields and give it a coat of surface protection? Is there any good way to restore these windshields once they've gotten scratched up a bit?

Pretty sure the previous owner of mine was using Windex on the windshield (at least a time or two... since they rarely ever drove the machine). It's just got a hazy lightly scratched up look to it... will going over it with plastic headlight cleaner/polishing compound hurt or help?

i have Meguilers (sp?) plastic cleaner polish which I use on my truck's headlights and taillights periodically to keep them clear... will it harm this Spyder windshield?

Thanks!

- Michael

It won't hurt...your windshield is already shot. Please understand that once the factory hardened surface has been chemically damaged or polished off, you will have to polish frequently to keep it clear. Eventually you will be unable to bring it back, even if polished by a practiced expert with a buff on a slow speed wheel. Sometimes Future floor polish, which is a clear acrylic, can make things less hazy for a while, but it is a last resort. As you are aware, Windex with ammonia and plastic windshields don't get along. Same thing goes for products with alcohol, like Rain-X.

 

[Michael211_2000]

Well I wash and wax frequently too... all part of the total cost of ownership of a machine if you want to keep it nice. I don't know with any certainty that Windex was used on it's windshield, that's just a guess on my part based on how it looks. Was the windshield clear as real glass when it was brand new?

It's definitely not looking clear as glass now, and all I've done is gently wipe it off with a warm damp washcloth from time to time to get dust and occassional bug strikes off of it. If I can make it look better and clearer by routinely polishing it so be it.

Thanks for some ideas, I wouldn't have thought to try floor polish on one.

ps. I know very well what ammonia does to clear plastics, I fly model r/c aircraft and I see other club member's model planes with severely warped and deformed windshields and sure enough they're spraying their planes down with ammonia based Windex to clean them up after flying (nitro model aircraft engines leave a messy oil residue all over the planes... there are cleaner/polishers meant for cleaning the models but many people just turn to cheap Windex not understanding what it does to their nice clear plastic windshields, it makes my stomach turn).

- Michael

 

[NancysToy]

Well I wash and wax frequently too... all part of the total cost of ownership of a machine if you want to keep it nice. I don't know with any certainty that Windex was used on it's windshield, that's just a guess on my part based on how it looks. Was the windshield clear as real glass when it was brand new?

It's definitely not looking clear as glass now, and all I've done is gently wipe it off with a warm damp washcloth from time to time to get dust and occassional bug strikes off of it. If I can make it look better and clearer by routinely polishing it so be it.

Thanks for some ideas, I wouldn't have thought to try floor polish on one.

ps. I know very well what ammonia does to clear plastics, I fly model r/c aircraft and I see other club member's model planes with severely warped and deformed windshields and sure enough they're spraying their planes down with ammonia based Windex to clean them up after flying (nitro model aircraft engines leave a messy oil residue all over the planes... there are cleaner/polishers meant for cleaning the models but many people just turn to cheap Windex not understanding what it does to their nice clear plastic windshields, it makes my stomach turn).

- Michael

The best plastic polish I know is Plexus. You might try that. There are restoration products for plastics, but they are pretty abrasive for a windshield or any glossy plastics. There are also product that can bring back the shine, but they can be washed or worn off too easily. Some people use Lemon Pledge, but to my mind it leaves them cloudy, and causes a polarizing sheen when viewed through sunglasses. Windex Multisurface with Vinegar is safe, and does a nice job of cleaning. The most important thing when cleaning is to use lots of liquid, but nothing harsh...water is fine. A wet cloth or running water is better than a damp cloth. A spray bottle helps a lot. JMHO

 

[Michael211_2000]

Hey are these windshields made of Lexan or something else?

In time, all windshields are going to get at least some scratches that's one reason they're there to take the rock hits and stuff we'd otherwise be getting. Might as well learn how to maintain them now unless you're made of money and can afford to replace them constantly. Just another part of the total ownership experience I think. :doorag:

Googling "motorcycle windshield restoration" I'm finding quite a few 2-wheeler owners have found the Meguiars PlastX clear headlight/taillight polish (same formula as the Meguiara Motorcycle Windshield polish evidentally) works well for getting rid of fine scratches and hazing... since I already have a bottle of that, think I'll give it a try 1st for awhile. Also found some good detailed instructions for removing deeper scratches on motorcycle windshields... so it's not a new problem I see.

If it's already broke, you can't exactly break it right? LOL!

Will report back. Thanks.

- Michael

 

[NancysToy]

Hey are these windshields made of Lexan or something else?

In time, all windshields are going to get at least some scratches that's one reason they're there to take the rock hits and stuff we'd otherwise be getting. Might as well learn how to maintain them now unless you're made of money and can afford to replace them constantly. Just another part of the total ownership experience I think. :doorag:

Googling "motorcycle windshield restoration" I'm finding quite a few 2-wheeler owners have found the Meguiars PlastX clear headlight/taillight polish (same formula as the Meguiara Motorcycle Windshield polish evidentally) works well for getting rid of fine scratches and hazing... since I already have a bottle of that, think I'll give it a try 1st for awhile. Also found some good detailed instructions for removing deeper scratches on motorcycle windshields... so it's not a new problem I see.

If it's already broke, you can't exactly break it right? LOL!

Will report back. Thanks.

- Michael

Spyder windshields are Lexan (polycarbonate). I believe they are surface hardened, too. It is the damage or removal of that surface that causes the most deterioration. They scratch very easily after that. My CHP BMW windshield was that way. They get a lot of Rain-X and regular buffing.

 

[Michael211_2000]

Scotty I thought it was already determined that Rain-X is bad on anything except real glass?

Any thoughts on just how thick the "hardened" surface of these Spyder windshields might be? Surely it's not a super-thin layer only, that wouldn't make sense to me...

- Michael

 

[MidTNDawg]

Warm water to remove bugs, plexis to finish. Wipe up and down to polish, this helps water shed quicker according to the manufacturer. Unless it says safe for motorcycle windshield never use any other cleaners and never...I repeat never use Rain-X, I did the research and it is made for glass.

When Honda put out their service bulletin 15 or so years ago, Rain X said they would go to court. Honda backed off.

 

[NancysToy]

Scotty I thought it was already determined that Rain-X is bad on anything except real glass?

Any thoughts on just how thick the "hardened" surface of these Spyder windshields might be? Surely it's not a super-thin layer only, that wouldn't make sense to me...

- Michael

Rain-X will craze plastic windshields and faceshields over a period of time. It has done so to some of mine. I personnaly feel it is worst on acrylics, but polycarbonates can be damaged, too. That doesn't seem to stop the CHP from using that, or something similar. They also polish their windshiled periodically, which also takes a toll.

The "hardened" surface is very thin. Any abrasive polishing technique or substance can remove it. Not necessarily as a one-time deale, but over a period of a couple of years it will begin to scratch more easily and cloud up eventually if you use alcohol or ammonia on it. Avoiding wiping the windshield with dry paper or cloth...even a microfiber towel will go a long way toward keeping the layer intact and avoiding scratches and swirl marks. Same goes for any abrasive polishes...they are a strict no-no. JMHO

 

[rick_w]

The best plastic polish I know is Plexus. You might try that. There are restoration products for plastics, but they are pretty abrasive for a windshield or any glossy plastics. There are also product that can bring back the shine, but they can be washed or worn off too easily. Some people use Lemon Pledge, but to my mind it leaves them cloudy, and causes a polarizing sheen when viewed through sunglasses. Windex Multisurface with Vinegar is safe, and does a nice job of cleaning. The most important thing when cleaning is to use lots of liquid, but nothing harsh...water is fine. A wet cloth or running water is better than a damp cloth. A spray bottle helps a lot. JMHO

We have tried everything imaginable and Plexus seems to be the best on Shields (everyone gives us samples to try so we will sell it). It will actually clean and leave a film on your shield protecting it and filling in very small scratches.

Plexus is expensive but if you only use it on your shields it lasts a very long time.
Rick

 

[jaherbst]

Best thing I have ever used is Lemon Pledge for 60 plus years. Plexus is good but after several uses you will notice swirl marks on the windshield and body. Pledge will remove and fill in the swirls. Try it, you will like it! I have used it on airplanes, motorcycles, boats and cars. Use on body and any windshield other than glass.

Jack

 

[Sarge707]

I use-
2/5 Apple cider vinegar
1/5 100% lemon juice
2/5 water
in a used spray bottle for the windshield.
Dollar store lemon pledge for the Tupperware.

We have Very, Very few bugs in my state- I could ride 3 days without needing to touch the windshield?nojoke

We have Very Cold winters and Beautiful summers!!!!!!!!!!:yes:

 

[NancysToy]

We have Very, Very few bugs in my state- I could ride 3 days without needing to touch the windshield?nojoke

You must have sent them all to Michigan! :roflblack:

 

[dangme55]

Absolutely not! Never use anything with ammonia. If you need a cleaning solution from the grocery store, Windex Multi-Surface with vinegar is safe. The best cleaner is lots of water, so you don't scratch the windshield. Never use a dry cloth...even a microfiber cloth. A plastic cleaner/polish like Plexus is another good bet.

:agree:

I have used Plexus for years on aircraft, all kinds of plexiglass, etc.

It works really well. Not as cheap as a good soak with water and some patience but works fast and well with no streaking.

 

[Pirate looks at --]

Best thing I have ever used is Lemon Pledge for 60 plus years. Plexus is good but after several uses you will notice swirl marks on the windshield and body. Pledge will remove and fill in the swirls. Try it, you will like it! I have used it on airplanes, motorcycles, boats and cars. Use on body and any windshield other than glass.

Jack

the secret is to not use any circular motion on your shield. Always rub from side to side not in swirls. Then there won't be any swirls. I use hot wet towels to remove the surface dirt and then I use Plexus to polish.

 

[RBS66]

Best thing I have ever used is Lemon Pledge for 60 plus years. Plexus is good but after several uses you will notice swirl marks on the windshield and body. Pledge will remove and fill in the swirls. Try it, you will like it! I have used it on airplanes, motorcycles, boats and cars. Use on body and any windshield other than glass.

Jack

I've used lemon pledge on the Tupperware Man what a shine. Never tried it on the windshield though.

 

[Michael211_2000]

I prefer to just wipe my body panels down with a soft warm wet towel, then wax with Meguairs spray-on Wax for Black Vehicles occassionally (it really makes Black look very BLACK, is very easy to apply and leaves no white paste marks anywhere since it's a clear wax). Smells really good too! LOL!

But to the windshield issues again... can we make a distinction between products which will fill/polish scratches and *won't* harm the hardened layer of the windshielf vs. products that will fill/remove/polish scratches that WILL most likely also destroy the hardened layer over time?

So which products will and will not harm the hardened layer while helping to remove or fill fine scratches in these windshields?

I'm pretty sure the Meguiars Clear Lense cleaner/polish I have (as well as the Meguiars Motorcycle Windshield cleaner/polish, which is the same formulation in fact) WILL damage the hardened layer as it warns on the bottle not to use on painted surfaces so I bet it chemically strips off a layer of whatever it's applied to.

Assuming the hardened layer of my shield hasn't been chemically damaged by ammonia Windex or something similar (as I just don't know if previous owner did that or not!), what products can I try 1st that won't harm the windshield?

Thanks!

- Michael

 

[NancysToy]

If it warns not to use on painted surfaces, it is most likely abrasive or it leaves a hard-to-remove residue. I would not use it except for repairs of a damaged windshield. Put a drop on your finger and rub your finger and thub together. If it feels the least but gritty, don't use it on clear or glossy plastic. You could also try the product on an inconspicuous spot. Look carefully after polishing, preferably with a magnifying glass and a strong, oblique light. If you see any scratches or swirl marks, avoid use on the rest of the windshield. The easiest way if you want to use a plastic polish is to use Plexus or an aircraft windshield polish. They are made for the job at hand.

 

[SpyRyd]

I use a 50/50 mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide sprayed on the shield to soften the bugs. Then I use All Kleer for aircraft windshields. There is an All Kleer for motorcycle shields but it typically costs more than the Aircraft All Kleer. They both are the same exact formula...I called the manufacturer and was told there is no difference between the two.

I purchase All Kleer at http://www.mypilotstore.com/MyPilotStore/sep/4256.

 

[Deanna777]

Go to Walmart and buy some chamois cloths. Warm water on a chamois is all you need. Then wipe dry with a nice clean chamois.

:agree: :agree: :agree: I do the same on my 2012 RTS-SE5. :yes: :yes: :yes: I also use elbow grease. :roflblack: :roflblack: :roflblack: Deanna777

 

[Canned Ham]

I have read that some members use 50% Hydrogen Peroxide mix to clean the windshield.

Can you also use it on the painted areas ? Will it disolve the wax from the painted surface ?

...Ben...

I have been using full strength peroxide for years on windshields, plastic and paint, no problems at all. Instead of H2O, it's merely H2O2, same ingredients as water, just different mixture with equal parts hydrogen and oxygen. Water is 2 parts hydrogen, one part oxygen. Ride safely, CH