Cleaning plastic windows

[spospe]

Firstly, I have done a search of the forums and read the advice.

 

I have had scratched plastic windows for the last 31 years (OK, I admit this means that I am not very good at cleaning them).

 

Are there any specific plastic window cleaning products that folk can recommend?

 

What is best practice today?

 

[howie]

Fenwicks 'windowize' works well on lighter scratches Michael but I always use either Brasso or T Cut which really brings up those acrylic/plastic windows without the 'bloom'. All use abrasive action so try a sample area first.

For condensation on the insides try wiping with newspaper which leaves you with a scratch/smear free finish.

[spospe]

Howie, thanks for the reply.

 

What I really would like is something to wash the windows with, that does not lead to them being scratched in the first place.

 

Any ideas?

 

Michael

[howie]

See what you mean now Michael. Only thing you can do, and always recommended, is to hose off as much dirt and grit before washing, use plenty of soap and water, and a clean cloth or sponge other than the one used to wash the van. A build up of very fine scratching is bound to occur over time, but its those small particles of dirt and grit that cause the problem and where most care should be taken.

 

[spospe]

Thanks Howie

 

Sadly, it seems that scratching is inevitable when washing these windows, no matter how much care one takes.

 

I have had plastic lenses in my specs for the last 30 years and yes they do scratch, but nothing like the plastic windows in a 'van.

 

So unless anyone knows any better, its lots and lots of water, with minimal pressure on any wiping cloth.

[Basil]

spospe - 2008-12-06 10:46 AM

 

I have had plastic lenses in my specs for the last 30 years and yes they do scratch, but nothing like the plastic windows in a 'van.

 

 

Bet you don't leave your specs out in all weathers, direct sun, rain, snow wind etc. 24hrs a day and drive them at up to 70mph in grit and salt driving rain amongst other things though!! LoL!!

 

Bas

[chatterdog]

I have just copied and pasted the following reply from another web site. The info given is from a caravan service manager to someone else with scratches on their windows. I remember years ago being told that Brasso is good but it takes time and patience.

Someone else on the thread suggested something called greygate a specialist plastic polish

 

[use either T-cut or a similar polishing compound like G3. it takes a bit of time and elbow grease but any scratch can be polished out. even extremely deep scratches can be polished out using wet, wet & dry paper first, then t-cut after.]

[spospe]

Thanks guys for the replies.

 

Michael

[Brian Kirby]

For initial washing, use a soft bristle brush, preferably a car cleaning brush with a hose attachment.  Use with the hose attached and water flowing or, failing that, use the brush in conjunction with copious water, and above all, never clean them dry or with "window wipes".  Cloths/sponges will pick up and carry the grit particles, so are more liable to cause scratching than a soft brush.

[Pelicanpete]

I've found that the best way to avoid scratches is to use your own palm!

 

Remove rings(!) and then, with a clean hand, hold the hose in the other and with the hose running, wipe the window with your own hand. The added bonus is that you can also feel any bits of embedded grit (should there be any).

 

There are also proprietary acrylic window scratch removers available from sources such as caravan shops, car dealers, ships chandlers. They work well.

 

 

[spospe]

A neat idea, especially when the weather is a bit warmer. I do not relish the idea of pouring cold water from a hose over my hands just at the moment!

 

Seriously though, it sounds good and worth a try during the warmer times to come.