help with cleaning windows

[torinalth]

So I have two issues that have gotten so on my nerves that I am compelled to seek assistance.

1a - My front windshield needs a SOLID deep clean on the inside. No matter how many cloths, paper towels, newspapers, etc I use and no matter what product I use for a cleaner I can never seem to get it truly clean. There is always an oil film on it that I can't seem to remove. Any other suggestions?

1b - something I noticed and can't see to fix is that at some point the previous owner or dealer had used suction cups (fairly large ones at that) to hold something to the inside of the windshield. When it really needs cleaning or fogs a bit you can always see the imprint of where the cups were. Any way to fix this?

2 - On the outside on the rear windows, every time I lower the windows after a wash (day or two days later, doesn't matter) there is always a line on the glass where it stops rolling down. any suggestions on how to prevent it from leaving that line?

[14S4GWM]

Google is your friend on this one. Post this over in the detail forum, probably get some better hits over there.

Sounds like your windshield needs a real good clay and polish.

[Audibot]

For the outside, consider using a razor blade to scrape the glass help remove some contaminants. Like stated by 14S4GWM, you probably need a good clay and polish. But this is a good step.

On the interior, try using some 70% isopropyl alcohol as a cleaner.

[VeeDubbinJetta]

To answer your 1b questions, those suction cup marks are likely from the factory, my new A4 did the same thing when it fogged up

[MrFunk]

There is probably wax or similar on the front window.
You need to decontaminate it. Clean it. Then use a sap/bug/tar remover on it. then clay bar with that as the lubricant. Then razor blade it.
When you wash your car try not to get detail spray on the windshield.
This should help with the suction cup marks too.
As for the rear windows - Do you park outside under or near a maple tree or even some evergreens (work or home)? - they drip sap and could be what is on your windshield (all over your car actually)... probably also gummed up your rubber seal on the bottom of your windows causing marks.

Here's a vid on window cleaning - this guy has a lot of great detailing tips.
BTW - my front window is never as clean as I'd like either because I use a carnauba detail spray when I wash and it leaves a "film" which is visible on the windshield when the light hits it just right. After I clay or razor my windshield it's gone.

[bayonet14]

Get get rid of fog on the inside (front windshield only) DO NOT USE ON TINTED windows

Get a Mr Clean Eraser & mix up a 32oz spray bottle w/about 1 cap full of baby shampoo > spray mixture on Eraser till damp/squeeze out excess mixture > work in circular motion then cross hatch on glass > wipe clean with MF > use separate clean MF w/your favorite glass cleaning solution and clean area again...done

[Dirt]

Good thread here on cleaning glass ====> http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ering-Skipping

Pay special attention to the posts from pdqgp.

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[torinalth]

For clarity, my issue with the windshield is on the inside of the glass. I can compound the outside to get it clean, but can't use messy stuff on the inside.

To answer your 1b questions, those suction cup marks are likely from the factory, my new A4 did the same thing when it fogged up

That makes some sense as well. they are 4 cups, and are perfectly uniform. Thanks for the insight!

Get get rid of fog on the inside (front windshield only) DO NOT USE ON TINTED windows

Get a Mr Clean Eraser & mix up a 32oz spray bottle w/about 1 cap full of baby shampoo > spray mixture on Eraser till damp/squeeze out excess mixture > work in circular motion then cross hatch on glass > wipe clean with MF > use separate clean MF w/your favorite glass cleaning solution and clean area again...done

Thats a good suggestion, I'll give it a go.

[Dirt]

For the inside, just use a water dampened Magic Eraser and a waffle weave (no lint) microfiber to wipe it clean while the glass is still wet. Just had to go through this after having my windshield replaced again.

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[SouthernBoy]

Try one part white vinegar and four parts distilled water at room temperature. If you can fine non-bleached paper towels get them, otherwise a glass cleaning cloth. This does a great job on the inside of the windows to get the plastic gas out haze off.

As for those suction cup marks, my 2016 S4 also had them visible under certain conditions. I attributed them to the factory assembly line process of installing the windshield.

[Crucible35]

Everyone has their tricks. The suction marks are likely from an aftermarket GPS that the previous owner used, stuck to the windshield. I use Stoner's Invisible Glass inside and out and it has been amazing.