Forums > Maintenance > Beast way to clean a windshield

Warm water and mild soap, let it soak the bugs off.  I also use a 70% IPA solution for tough stuff.  No windex or others with ammonia.  To get rid of the film, there are plexi cleaners and clearers, but I don't know a brand name off the top of my head.  Kevin

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SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES .. . . THEY ARE NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING, BUT THEY STILL BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN YOU PUSH THEM DOWN A FLIGHT OF STAIRS.

Try Thunderbolt Polish, it works on all parts of the bike, doesn't leave a film, won't scratch and can be used on hot pipes, leather and plastic.  It is an amazing product and everyone I've know to use it gets hooked -- http://www.thunderboltpolish.com/.   Bugs wipe off easily.

No I am not trying to sell you anything, you can buy it off the internet.

Deb

So far besides your suggestions, this has been the advise I've gotten:

Plexus / Invisible Glass / Pledge furniture polish.  

Thanks,

 

 

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Why are you reading ths?

Plexus is decent stuff if you have minor scratches, as is Meguiar's ScratchX. For just plain cleaning, I really like Stoner Invisible Glass (fantastic stuff). Sprayway Glass Cleaner also does the trick. Both are ammonia-free. You'll recognize Sprayway when you see it at the store:

 

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Scott (AKA GSlite. Isn't there some way to get your username changed?)

EB, Plexus is what I used to clean your helmet face shield a couple of years ago.  usually i just wash the windshield when i wash the bike and use the carwash soap, however, the plexus does a much nicer job.  i love the stuff and carry a can with me when i travel.

laissez le bon temps rouler, yall.

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jean

I wash the screen with hot water, dishwashing liquid and a towel. Allow the solution soaked towel to rest on the dirty screen. Remove and reapply with some light rubbing if necessary. Once the bugs are off, I apply Rain-X to allow easy removal of future insect debris.

 

Caution; Dishwashing liquid will remove the wax you have on your painted surfaces.

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I use Plexus on my windshield and helmet visor. I always carry it on road trips. Unlike other cleaners, Plexus is sold by most bike dealers.

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1994 K1100RS & 2005 Harley Electra Glide

Hey E. go to your local general aviation airport and look for a pilot supply store. They carry windshield cleaner for aircraft. I just lend my bottle to Holger to clean his windshield, don't remember the name. Whatever you do, DO NOT SCRUB the windshield!!!

This is my windshield after 11K miles Alaska....

...it was acutally sticky from all the "bug-guts" on there. After using the cleaner, it came back like new, crystal clear. That stuff cost about $10.-/bottle

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Thomas - I like to keep it simple... IBA# 28109 '07 R1200GS Adventure

Thomas,

I would NEVER let my baby get that dirty! unless I too went to Alaska 

GREAT Picture!

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Why are you reading ths?

...no kidding! Seriously, this plexiglass cleaner is fantastic. When sprayed on, it will turn into white foam. You need to let it sit for 20-30 seconds, take a clean, soft cloth (I used a couple of T-shirts) and wipe it clean. Always use a clean section of the cloth to prevent old grime causing scratches. I don't use anything else for the windscreen.

 

I see, Plexus has been mentioned before. Got this out of the Sporty's Pilot Shop website. The stuff I use looks a little different, but got to be the same...

Edit: This is the stuff I've been using...

Again, should be all the same...!

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Thomas - I like to keep it simple... IBA# 28109 '07 R1200GS Adventure

New to this post, but have been employed in the plastic industry for 30 years.

Good advice from all, but I would add: warm water, mild soap, soft cloth and patience for initial cleaning after a long ride.

All cleaners are good, ie Plexus, Novus, Meguires and aircraft cleaners, but there is an excellent cleaner called Brillianize that is also awesome and is relatively inexpensive when purchased in gallon quantities. Try it out.

PS: The cloth is the secret when cleaning plastic, do not scratch.

 

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Old Dog still learnin to lean

Dang, Android, you missed your chance for a set of Cross Pens with your first post! 

Anyway, what cloth do you recommend?  I use a white hotel hand towel.  When it gets dirty, I swap it out at the next hotel.  I guess these are cotton/blend soft towels.  Any thoughts?

Robo

I use a micro-fiber cloth that is supposed to prevent scratches. Pick 'em at Home Depot or such places. I keep one in my riding jacket.

Jack

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"There ain't no Devil, there's just God when he's drunk." -- T. Waits

I've used a lot of different plexi cleaners and found that Plexus is by far the best. I use it on my windshield, helmet visor and headlight lenses on my car and truck.

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1994 K1100RS & 2005 Harley Electra Glide