Let’s be honest: most of the time when we clean our windshields, we don’t do a very good job. Whether it’s a quick wipe down at the gas station while we wait for the tank to fill up, a wipe down in the middle of the drive, or a trip to the car wash, there are always a few spots of dirt or dead bugs that seem to have been left behind. Half the time, it seems like the wiper blades are just making it worse! What our windshields really need is a thorough quarterly super-clean, and RV Geeks is here to show us the best way to do it!
his secret tool? Steel wool.
Originally, steel wool was used by carpenters to sand their materials. Since then, it has been used mainly for similar purposes! To clean windows, other glass surfaces and other rough and bumpy surfaces. The sharp, tactile fibers not only smooth surfaces, but also remove tough, gritty stains from the surfaces you need to clean.
Let’s say, for example, the windshield of your motor home! You need it to be clean, you know, so you can see. It may seem counterintuitive to clean your windshield with something as rough as steel wool – if you don’t know any better, that hesitation makes perfect sense.
Why would you want to scratch the delicate surface of your glass with something so rough? But surprisingly, using steel wool on glass surfaces (like windshields) is a trick of the automotive trade. Steel wool won’t scratch your glass and works wonderfully to remove stubborn stains like bugs, water spots, pine sap or other unmentionables.
This technique is simple and works very effectively to get your windshield looking sparkling new. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Materials
- Fine steel wool
- Invisible glass
- Rainx
- Rags
- A sock
Now, you want to use the finest steel wool you can find, which is called four ought steel wool. Usually, the ought will be listed on the package, and you want to make sure you get the lowest ought possible. This will make sure the rough surface of the wool is extra gentle on your windshield and leave you with an incredibly smooth finish.
Step 1: Start by rubbing down the entire windshield with your steel wool. Polish the entire windshield in firm, circular motions for about 5 to 10 minutes. Make sure you look for and attack any little spot.
Step 2: Soak a rag in Rainx and clean the entire windshield with the cloth. Make sure this does not get on your car/RV paint.
Step 3: Let your windshield dry before giving it a second coat of Rainx.
Step 4: Let the Rainx dry and while it’s drying, soak a rag with water. Once the windshield is dry, wipe down the entire surface with the rag.
Step 5: Soak a sock with Rainx and use the cloth to cover your windshield wipers with the product, too.
Step 6: Finish off with a coat of Invisible Glass.
Now, you’ll have a perfect view through your windshield come rain or shine!
