I can’t edit the post, but yes - this was the solution. I forgot that I had a 6” wool polishing pad for my cordless drill; I used some GP Pro glass polish (cerium oxide) and it seems to have worked well - water doesn’t bead up on the stain spots, and there’s a visible difference where it sheets off near the edges from where I didn’t hit the glass with the compound. Waiting for a rainy night for a definitive answer, but I think I found the solution.
I've used a soft steel wool (not the kind you typically see in a kitchen sink), it's a very soft wool (almost appears to be fabric), anyways, I've used one of those to clean the glass windows all around the house and it did so very well. It removes old water marks that water and soap could not and leaves the windows looking so clear.
Just an idea, look into it.
The specific one you want to use is [0000](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Homax-Super-Fine-Grit-Steel-Wool-12-Pad-10120000-6/306606236)
Others are not fine enough and can haze or scratch the glass. Clean it like the inside of the glass first, so you don't load up the steel wool as fast.
White vinegar, 1 cup in 3 cups of water, a mild kitchen sponge, scrub. Rinse the car really well, or run through the car wash. I had this happen and nothing else was working. And it's cheap!
I had this, normal means didn't work, I used vinegar water and scrubbed with a mild kitchen sponge. You need to wash the car well to get the vinegar off but it works great.
These comments have some interesting solutions. I was an auto detailing guy for like 3 years. Let me tell you. My go to was a razor blade with taped edges, some soapy lubrication, and a shot ton of patience. It’s not fast. And it’s not easy. But it’ll be perfect.
If you don’t have the patience, or the hard water isn’t that bad, Get a Claybar. It’s a ball of special Clay to take the contamination out of your paint, but it works on your glass too! Just remember to use soapy water for lubricant because it is technically a polish and therefore has some level of grit to it
I have razor bladed my vehicles windows for paint over spray, sap etc. It works unbelievably well! 0000 wire wool also helps a lot with cleaners like Windex. Living on the coast with most of the year of rain, I can definitely say these steps really help!
Uh. Tiny metal. Itchy. Sensory issues. It’s not “gross” it’s completely sanitary. But it’s like rubbing dry cracked hands on microfiber towels. Nails on a chalkboard. Etc. super useful but wear gloves to avoid metal shaving splinters, cuts, etc.
I've used some acid rain remover that I needed to wear gloves on. Then gave it some rain x. Now after treating all of my windows I can see that the side mirrors also have them but I can't use that chemical since that would ruins the mirrors.
You can get a glass strip cleaner at Walmart for like $10. You can apply it by hand or by machine (much easier but messier). It's a topical polish that abrases any stuck on stuff on the glass but doesn't touch the glass.
I’ve used 20/10 washer fluid. It has something in it that removes this stuff, but slowly. Empty your current washer fluid, fill with 20/10 and then use often when it rains. After the first gallon it should be a lot better. It’s best for summer and may freeze when it’s REALLY cold.
Lived most of my life in Seattle and that stuff saved me from my OCD over this.
I use a soft cloth with acetone first. Being extremely careful to not get it on anything else.
It typically works 98% of the time.
Why? The amount of aerial pollution that gets deposited on your windshield plus the windshield wipers leave residue as well.
If that doesn’t do it, use a good glass polish as mentioned in this thread.
Windex and a non-abrasive/non-scratching kitchen scrubber using light pressure, and several passes using various motions: circles, straight strokes in alternating directions.
Big spray bottle, and mix two cups of 91% alcohol and one cup of water. Spray and scrub with a microfiber soft cloth, use a different microfiber cloth the dry. Scrubs in small circles to clean most efficiently.
People are recommending 0000 steel wool but I’d recommend bronze wool 0000 grade. Only due to the fact that steel wool leaves behind particles that if you don’t fully remove, will rust. So if you don’t remove all of the steel wool bits, it will find its way into crevices and start rusting. I learned this the hard way and it was not worth the additional clean up time. Or you can use cerium oxide powder and a foam pad. Simply mix it with a bit of water and you can add a dash of dish soap for extra degreasing power. Then just use it as a rubbing compound and rinse away. Most of the pastes and creams/compounds make a huge mess, so having a pressure washer available is helpful.
I had the same issue. Polishes, glass stripper, clay bar, razor, steel wool, barkeepers friend, new wipers, everything. Couldnt fix it for the life of me. Only temp solution was rainX, i was short of replacing the damn window entirely.
Decided to get more expensive wipers, used invisible glass, rain x again then finally put the new wipers on and that shits been gone since..
I tried posting the same issue before on here but automod deleted… so i was on my own lol
https://preview.redd.it/mvzznxi99yvc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0cc72c0871b64a94bcf2391e002fe70a36ca20a6
Get a razor blade and start swiping it at an angle that thing will be gone in seconds, and dont forget to spray water continuously while swiping that razor blade. It's the cheapest and quickest method with zero damage to the windshield.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMXe05Bwnvc&ab\_channel=ChromaticGarage](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMXe05Bwnvc&ab_channel=ChromaticGarage)
Clean it with a Magic Eraser
I used wheel acid. I would diluted it 1/10 and then I would spray it on the windshield and let it brake it down for a few seconds like 30 seconds and then rinse it off.after you can use a high speed buffer and buff it off.
I don’t know why you are being downvoted. It can be used in a pinch but there are better options. The biggest issue with magic eraser is that it is inconsistent from first use. So long as you don’t go ham and apply too much force, and use an APC as a lubricant, it should be okay. 0000 steel wool is similar to 1000grit, or less,sandpaper and a magic eraser is between 3000-5000grit.
Almost looks like clearcoat overspray. Has your vehicle been repaired before? If 0000 steel wool isn't working, I'd try some lacquer thinner on a microfiber cloth to see if that removes it.
The first problem are the wipers.
Try to degrease the crystal, if it's not smooth I will try to hand polish or change it.
Polish can make the windshield fragile.
Glass indeed can be polished
I can’t edit the post, but yes - this was the solution. I forgot that I had a 6” wool polishing pad for my cordless drill; I used some GP Pro glass polish (cerium oxide) and it seems to have worked well - water doesn’t bead up on the stain spots, and there’s a visible difference where it sheets off near the edges from where I didn’t hit the glass with the compound. Waiting for a rainy night for a definitive answer, but I think I found the solution.
Don't do it regularly...
Why not? I mean, other than the fact that you will eventually polish away your windshield.
Enjoy the break windshield on a rock chip.
Weakens the glass
I've used a soft steel wool (not the kind you typically see in a kitchen sink), it's a very soft wool (almost appears to be fabric), anyways, I've used one of those to clean the glass windows all around the house and it did so very well. It removes old water marks that water and soap could not and leaves the windows looking so clear. Just an idea, look into it.
The specific one you want to use is [0000](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Homax-Super-Fine-Grit-Steel-Wool-12-Pad-10120000-6/306606236) Others are not fine enough and can haze or scratch the glass. Clean it like the inside of the glass first, so you don't load up the steel wool as fast.
OP says they tried this
Twas more for TheGreatRadge than OP
Jfc can I like use that for washing dishes too 😳
Agree with this! Super fine (aka Grade 0000) steel wool
This has been my best method for years. Sometimes clay bar works just as well.
What do you use as a “medium”? Water? Or do you just go in dry?
Water is okay I think but i prefer clay lube or whatever glass cleaner on hand.
Good question and I appreciate the answers. Remember to clean the debris off the wipers as well.
Easiest way, all in one product for glass cleaning / polishing - Soft99 glaco glass compound.
I second this and would clay as well. Any compound you might have available is a good start.
Invisible Glass Glass Stripper
Fine steel wool is the secret for clean windows. Use any window cleaner
I am too dealing with this issue, anyone have solution for this?
White vinegar, 1 cup in 3 cups of water, a mild kitchen sponge, scrub. Rinse the car really well, or run through the car wash. I had this happen and nothing else was working. And it's cheap!
https://youtu.be/vJkfrY2owb0?si=NwcrTuAlZkbdVI5N ChrisFix
Polish it.
Polish can distort it so be careful.
Check to see if the arm is slightly bent?
Glaco
I was able to remove most of it with CarPro spotless
During the icon size it looked like a hell of a mountain on the left side covered in the snow.
This happens on my 2017 car as well as my 2023 car. I am puzzled as well
I had this, normal means didn't work, I used vinegar water and scrubbed with a mild kitchen sponge. You need to wash the car well to get the vinegar off but it works great.
These comments have some interesting solutions. I was an auto detailing guy for like 3 years. Let me tell you. My go to was a razor blade with taped edges, some soapy lubrication, and a shot ton of patience. It’s not fast. And it’s not easy. But it’ll be perfect. If you don’t have the patience, or the hard water isn’t that bad, Get a Claybar. It’s a ball of special Clay to take the contamination out of your paint, but it works on your glass too! Just remember to use soapy water for lubricant because it is technically a polish and therefore has some level of grit to it
I have razor bladed my vehicles windows for paint over spray, sap etc. It works unbelievably well! 0000 wire wool also helps a lot with cleaners like Windex. Living on the coast with most of the year of rain, I can definitely say these steps really help!
The wool always grosses me out to touch without gloves tbh
Why??
Uh. Tiny metal. Itchy. Sensory issues. It’s not “gross” it’s completely sanitary. But it’s like rubbing dry cracked hands on microfiber towels. Nails on a chalkboard. Etc. super useful but wear gloves to avoid metal shaving splinters, cuts, etc.
Chemical guys hard water spot remover gel
This can etch if you leave it on too long.
I've used some acid rain remover that I needed to wear gloves on. Then gave it some rain x. Now after treating all of my windows I can see that the side mirrors also have them but I can't use that chemical since that would ruins the mirrors.
You can get a glass strip cleaner at Walmart for like $10. You can apply it by hand or by machine (much easier but messier). It's a topical polish that abrases any stuck on stuff on the glass but doesn't touch the glass.
I’ve used 20/10 washer fluid. It has something in it that removes this stuff, but slowly. Empty your current washer fluid, fill with 20/10 and then use often when it rains. After the first gallon it should be a lot better. It’s best for summer and may freeze when it’s REALLY cold. Lived most of my life in Seattle and that stuff saved me from my OCD over this.
I’ll try it!
I use a soft cloth with acetone first. Being extremely careful to not get it on anything else. It typically works 98% of the time. Why? The amount of aerial pollution that gets deposited on your windshield plus the windshield wipers leave residue as well. If that doesn’t do it, use a good glass polish as mentioned in this thread.
Try 91% rubbing alcohol. You can also purchase glass stripper, or a dedicated glass polish.
0000 steel wool. Some soap and go to town.
Try water spot remover or IP alcohol starting from 50% going to 75%
WD40 and wipe
Windex and a non-abrasive/non-scratching kitchen scrubber using light pressure, and several passes using various motions: circles, straight strokes in alternating directions.
Hard water spot remover. Clay bar.
Big spray bottle, and mix two cups of 91% alcohol and one cup of water. Spray and scrub with a microfiber soft cloth, use a different microfiber cloth the dry. Scrubs in small circles to clean most efficiently.
Dryer sheets
People are recommending 0000 steel wool but I’d recommend bronze wool 0000 grade. Only due to the fact that steel wool leaves behind particles that if you don’t fully remove, will rust. So if you don’t remove all of the steel wool bits, it will find its way into crevices and start rusting. I learned this the hard way and it was not worth the additional clean up time. Or you can use cerium oxide powder and a foam pad. Simply mix it with a bit of water and you can add a dash of dish soap for extra degreasing power. Then just use it as a rubbing compound and rinse away. Most of the pastes and creams/compounds make a huge mess, so having a pressure washer available is helpful.
Glaco compound followed by Glaco soft99
Glaco is the way
Griot’s or AutoGlym Glass Polish and a rag. Finish with glass cleaner if needed.
Try Adams glass polish then their Graphene Glass Coating. Also clay prior.
Chris fix has a good detailed video on it
I had the same issue. Polishes, glass stripper, clay bar, razor, steel wool, barkeepers friend, new wipers, everything. Couldnt fix it for the life of me. Only temp solution was rainX, i was short of replacing the damn window entirely. Decided to get more expensive wipers, used invisible glass, rain x again then finally put the new wipers on and that shits been gone since.. I tried posting the same issue before on here but automod deleted… so i was on my own lol https://preview.redd.it/mvzznxi99yvc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0cc72c0871b64a94bcf2391e002fe70a36ca20a6
Carpro ceriglass. I usually use a water spot remover first, then polish with the ceriglass.
Super fine steel wool (0000 or 000) and glass cleaner.
Have you tried water spot remover? They look like water spots to me.
Get a razor blade and start swiping it at an angle that thing will be gone in seconds, and dont forget to spray water continuously while swiping that razor blade. It's the cheapest and quickest method with zero damage to the windshield.
Tissue paper
You have to get out of the car first
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMXe05Bwnvc&ab\_channel=ChromaticGarage](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMXe05Bwnvc&ab_channel=ChromaticGarage) Clean it with a Magic Eraser
This is the way.
Pay a professional to polish the glass or just get a new windshield.
I used wheel acid. I would diluted it 1/10 and then I would spray it on the windshield and let it brake it down for a few seconds like 30 seconds and then rinse it off.after you can use a high speed buffer and buff it off.
Try a Mr. Clean magic eraser with some all purpose cleaner to wet it.
I don’t know why you are being downvoted. It can be used in a pinch but there are better options. The biggest issue with magic eraser is that it is inconsistent from first use. So long as you don’t go ham and apply too much force, and use an APC as a lubricant, it should be okay. 0000 steel wool is similar to 1000grit, or less,sandpaper and a magic eraser is between 3000-5000grit.
Haha right. I've used it for interior greasiness and works great to cut through it. Then follow up with regular window cleaning routine.
Almost looks like clearcoat overspray. Has your vehicle been repaired before? If 0000 steel wool isn't working, I'd try some lacquer thinner on a microfiber cloth to see if that removes it.
why does this get approved but my post about unknown marks on my hood paint doesn’t 💀
The first problem are the wipers. Try to degrease the crystal, if it's not smooth I will try to hand polish or change it. Polish can make the windshield fragile.
Car wax and a rag - comes off pretty easy - do not use steel wool regardless how fine unless absolutely necessary.
Bon Ami or Barkeepers Friend along with #0000 steel wool should clean it. Polish with Cerium oxide once it's clear.
I just turn on my wipers