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Windex car cleaning

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Old 02-17-2006, 06:27 PM
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Windex car cleaning

Hey guys I just wanted to know if windex is bad for the car's paint surface? I can't stand my car being dirty but would rather not have to take multiple trips per week to the car wash. I've used windex a couple of times to clean the whole car. It does a pretty good job and I can get everything reasonably clean within 5 minutes. Ofcourse this is a great time saver and windex is reasonably cheap. So is using windex gonna harm the paintwork on the car in any way? If so, is there any alternative spray n wipe solution I can use instead that would be better?
 
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Old 02-17-2006, 07:20 PM
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Well, I do not know for sure but I would say the ammonia in Windex cannot be good for the paint at all. I would never put windex on my paint. Why don't you just try some Meguiar's Quik Detailer. It was designed to do exactly what you are wanting to achieve and will provide some lubrication to avoid scratching the dust into your clearcoat.

See it here:

http://meguiars.com/?car-maintenance/Quik-Detailer

Buy it at most auto parts stores. Be sure to use a quality towel (I use icrofiber) to again avoid swirl marks.
 
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Old 02-17-2006, 07:37 PM
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yeah, i dont exactly know how windex does...but i'm assuming its very bad.
try the meguiars as posted above or my personal favorite- zaino z6...basically the same thing.
although keep in mind, if your car is really dirty, you're just pushing around the dirt and scratching the paint.
these are good quick fixes, but not to replace a car wash if its really needed.
you're better off with a dirty car rather than ruining the paint if its too dirty
 
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Old 02-18-2006, 01:53 PM
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Stop using the windex as I believe it can etch the paint after a while. It will also strip the wax or polish from the surface.

Buy a quick detailer, but be careful not to rub the grit off as you will abrade the finish of the clearcoat.
 
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Old 02-18-2006, 03:42 PM
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Cool, thanks guys. I had a feeling I shouldn't be using it. Guess I'll be taking a trip to kragen soon.
 
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Old 02-18-2006, 03:52 PM
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Windex on your paint...........?

I don't think so.............read the label. GLASS
CLEANER.....with AMMONIA-D! That "can't" be good
for your cars painted surface............doooooooooo.
 
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Old 02-18-2006, 04:19 PM
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I use windex in my business to mask off areas from water based dye and to remove overspray. It's definitely not good for your paint as the ammonia will remove/etch clearcoat and paint.
 
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Old 02-18-2006, 04:23 PM
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Windex type products contain amonia and alcohol. That will strip the wax right off your car. Get a good "detailers spray".
 
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Old 02-24-2009, 12:36 AM
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i found this thread. One of my neighbors is a complete jerk and poured a bottle of windex on my girlfriends car tonight. I was wondering if this would be ok to sit on there overnight because it was frozen when we went outside. The reaction wont be fast enough to effect her paint tonight in the dark right?
 
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Old 02-24-2009, 01:16 AM
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get a hose or bucket of water and clean it off now.
 
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Old 02-24-2009, 01:31 AM
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I use optimum no rise from a sprayer. I use it for quick detailing it works great and is cheap. 6oz diluted into 1 gal of distilled water.
 
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Old 02-24-2009, 11:36 PM
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thanks big...got it
 
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Old 02-27-2009, 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by DHCrocks
I use optimum no rise from a sprayer. I use it for quick detailing it works great and is cheap. 6oz diluted into 1 gal of distilled water.
Optimum is great, you can also buy their 32 oz bottom of their Instant Detailer and Gloss Enhancer, it comes concentrated and goes a long way.
 
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Old 02-27-2009, 06:13 PM
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this sounds like another I flushed my engine with water thread...
 
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Old 02-27-2009, 06:13 PM
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Originally Posted by pp7
Cool, thanks guys. I had a feeling I shouldn't be using it. Guess I'll be taking a trip to kragen soon.
Get a couple microfiber towels too.
 

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