Windshield cleaning technique. What's yours?
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 303
From: N. Tx.
I remove the windshield and put it in the sink in our utility room and spray it down with hot water...then apply a good coat of dawn dishsoap with a sponge to dissolve the bug goo, followed by hot water rinse. Repeat if necessary. Then a light application of Mcguires to coat the lexan with a protective finish.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 37
From: Rockland County, NY
The best plastic cleaner / polish is Plexus. Second best is Novuz. Wet the shield. Stick a towel to it. Soak the towel good. Paper towel is ok because I don't use this to rub the sheild. After a while the bugs are soft. Peel the towel and wipe with microfiber cloth. Either polish will coat the plastic with anti-static coating making future clean-ups a bit easier.
Never scrub or use harsh chemicals.
Never scrub or use harsh chemicals.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
actually the ammonia in windex etc, really isn't very good for the plastic.
I take some mild dish soap and rud it on with my fingers (on fairing too or wherever there is dried bug goo). let set a while, then use a good microfibre cloth(technology is great)
then apply a little elbow grease.
Then I use a slightly damp soft cloth, with Mequiars plastic polish, rub it in on the window. then buff dry and clean.
I take some mild dish soap and rud it on with my fingers (on fairing too or wherever there is dried bug goo). let set a while, then use a good microfibre cloth(technology is great)
then apply a little elbow grease.
Then I use a slightly damp soft cloth, with Mequiars plastic polish, rub it in on the window. then buff dry and clean.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 12
From: Commerce, Mich.
Windex WILL etch your windshield over time, and you will have to replace it. Much cheaper to use a cleaner made for the material you are cleaning...
I use Novus...nothing else other than water and bike shampoo ever touches the shield. I carry a bottle with me, so I can clean it if needed when I stop
Best application is to rub it in one direction only..Simple back and forth works well. I don't use a wet towel...the Novus removes the bugs easily. Even dried on ones..
But...as they say...its YOUR windshild, and Your Money to replace it...so if you want to use windex...thats also your choice..
I use Novus...nothing else other than water and bike shampoo ever touches the shield. I carry a bottle with me, so I can clean it if needed when I stop
Best application is to rub it in one direction only..Simple back and forth works well. I don't use a wet towel...the Novus removes the bugs easily. Even dried on ones..
But...as they say...its YOUR windshild, and Your Money to replace it...so if you want to use windex...thats also your choice..
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I use Chemtech's CT18 (an Australian product) - it is biodegradable, pH neutral and inhibits rust & corrosion.
I mix the concentrate 20:1 with water, put it in a squeeze bottle, spray it ALL over the bike including the screen - you can literally see the bugs, oil and crap sliding off the screen, tins and chrome. Wait 20 minutes or longer (better when dry), hose off and use a chamois to wipe down the bright work and chrome.
Dead easy - screen (and bike) spotless with literally 10 minutes work.
I mix the concentrate 20:1 with water, put it in a squeeze bottle, spray it ALL over the bike including the screen - you can literally see the bugs, oil and crap sliding off the screen, tins and chrome. Wait 20 minutes or longer (better when dry), hose off and use a chamois to wipe down the bright work and chrome.
Dead easy - screen (and bike) spotless with literally 10 minutes work.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 7
From: Outside of Philly
I lay it flat and cover it with wet towels. Let soak. Wipe gently with a wet towel to clean the guts off. Then with a wet towel I coat it with Harley Glaze, and when it dries I polish it with a clean microfiber towel that is used ONLY on my windsheild.
I like the tip to use straight up and down motions when you wipe it. I think I'll start doing that next time I clean it.
I like the tip to use straight up and down motions when you wipe it. I think I'll start doing that next time I clean it.