Removing stubborn water spots and film from windows

So I did this today on the cap I got from @EatSleepTacos. The side windows had a rough film on them that regular window cleaner wouldn't get off. This trick also works for stubborn water spots and other debris that window cleaner won't get off. I have tried other products and methods and this is by far what works the best.

Do this at your own risk if done incorrectly there is a possibility of scratching your windows!

Materials Needed:

1) BarKeepers friend (I like the powder but the liquid stuff works too, I think the powder works better)

2) Water

3) Window cleaner (I prefer invisible glass)

4) Sponge (I use the scotch blue ones that are scratchless, or one with the netting on it, do not use the green ones too rough) I have heard that 0000 steel wool is ok but have not tried it

5) Small container to hold BarKeepers Friend and water mixture in

First gather your materials.


Next create a slurry of water and bar Keepers friend. This is roughly 4 tablespoons of the powder and 2-3 cups of water. Note: you will have to continually stir this as the powder tends to separate from the water.


Then spray your windows with the window cleaner this acts as a lubricant, similar to when you are wet sanding.


Next start scrubbing. I use the soft side of the sponge and save the rough side for really bad spots. This takes some elbow grease and may take some time.


I scrub in all directions up & down, side to side, and Mr. Miagi wax on wax off. Scrub until the window feels smooth. If you are getting water spots off you will have to rinse the windows off and dry them to see if you have gotten them all. If you are not satisfied after rinsing and drying wash, rinse, repeat as many times as it takes to get them clean.

If your Bar keepers Friend mixture is too heavy on the powder side you scrub too hard with the rough side of the sponge or whatever you choose to use, or you put the settled clumpy powder on the windows and scrub you run the risk of scratching the glass.

After you are finished make sure you rinse the windows and truck well the slurry can leave white streaks on the truck. I also dry my windows then use the glass cleaner to make them shine when I am done with the slurry. I usually like to do this when I know I am going to wash the truck because like I said the slurry likes to leave white streaks so why not go ahead and wash the truck and know you washed it all off good.

Hope this is helpful any questions please ask.

 

Yeah man that stuff was on the rear window too! I was wondering what it was I ended up taking a fresh razor and windex and running that over the rear. I thought it was spray paint over spray or something.

 

This can work for minor over spray as well. At my folks house they have a ton of pine trees that drop sap on their cars and will stain the windows this trick works for that as well.

I have no clue what the film on the windows was, I didn't see any water spots could have been over spray or some other kind of road grime film who knows!

It was on the roof of the cap as well maybe some sort of tree goo or something. But I scrubbed the shit out of that as well with a bug and tar remover mixed with my car soap it worked. Damn cap cleaned up really nice! Just a little elbow grease and TLC until I go and get it filthy again or add to the tree rash.

 

I've always used 0000 steel wool. Works like a charm and doesnt cause any damage.

 

Subd

 

I ended up using my dual action polisher with cutting compound and pad. Took all the acid and hard water stains right out!

Mighy give this a go next time, looks like it might actually be faster.

 

I've done that before as well and this is way faster. The nice thing is as long as you wash your windows regularly you shouldn't have to get that staining off very often at all. Every yr or so has been my experience in doing this.

 

Great write up! Would you happen to have any before & after pics?

 

No I forgot to do those.

 

Doesn't 0000 steel wool work

 

Yes as far as I know I didn't want to try it though. From what I was told is not to go any "harsher" than the 0000 or you will scratch the windows. I've also heard that a mild rubbing compound followed up by a polishing compound works as well. I think there are probably 100 different ways to skin this cat!

 

So I did this project and here is my review. I used Bar Keepers Friend and water as stated in first post, got it from homedepot for under $2. I then got 0000 steel wool from homedepot as well. Made the mixture with water stirred the steel wool around in the mixture and used circular and straight motions on the glass. No hard elbow grease needed and didn't take long at all and ALL water spots are gone. Does make a little mess but after I was done I just gave her a bath. Def worth it

 

That it does make a mess! That is why i suggested doing it when you are willing to wash the vehicle. Glad it worked. I guess the amount of elbow grease needed depends on how bad your water stains or contaminants are, mine required a fair bit.

 

Subb'd I've got the hard water spots all over the windshield making it hard to see in the sun so I'll be trying this soon. Does Lowes carry the Bar keepers friend stuff? I'll have to stop by and see

 

Wally world does not sure about Lowes though. I am sure that most places that sell cleaning stuff would.

 

Wally World is good thanks this crap hac been driving me nuts

 

It did me as well!

 

I had some shit on my glass that was not coming off when it dawned on me to use a clay bar and holy shit it came right off.