Dirty windshield can't get clean?

Question

I've had this issue before (see my other questions). I have a 2001 Xterra I swear has a windshield made of inferior glass. For years I've had two major problems: One, the wipers were always streaky, even when brand new. Two, the glass always (especially when wet) looked like it was greasy, or like a glass shower door. I first cleaned it off thoroughly with rubbing alcohol. Then I used bug/tar/grease remover. Then I bought new wiper blades. It seemed to do the trick
My problem is this: Although the wipers now wipe streak-free, after a rainstorm my windshield looks like that old shower door. It doesn't clean with the wipers. It only goes away when the windshield is totally dry.
Now I think that the crap on there is improved since the rubbing alcohol and bug/tar remover. However, that stuff I used could eat through steel, so I don't know if this is an issue of stuff on the surface. Could it be the surface of the glass itself is bad? What can I do?

Thanks for the advice to use a stronger cleaner. If you don't get the gist of this question, it's that I'm using the strongest stuff that I can think of and it still isn't getting the glass clean.

BTW, I've used coke and alcohol with some mild success, if at all. Thanks tho

Answer 1

go to the hardware store and get a bag of 000 steel wool and rub the windshield down with it then wax the windshield with your favorite wax and replace your wiper blades and you should be good to go.

Answer 2

I think you should use orange clean and windex. The orange clean is like a dregreaser, but won't eat at the steel and windex always cleans glass well. Also use steel wool found at homedepot or walmart to scrub off the junk on the window, but be careful your paint job it will mess it up. The bug/tar/grease remover just add to your problem of the window. If that doesn't work then here is a site http://www.autoglassmastersusa.com/windshield%20supplies.htm

They seem to have the rght suff you might need. Good Luck!!

Answer 3

Never heard this one but you should first make sure the wipers are contacting the window properly. Or you could try replaceing the whole blade and not just the wiper refill. Also you may try this! I often wax my windshield just like the exterior paint. Tends to work similiar to rainex and last a little longer. if the winshield is rough it will help to fill the pores.

Answer 4

Do you park under trees with lots of sap? Or in an area with lots of air quality or airborne fallout issues? We use to clean windshields with these problems at the dealership with Bon Ami which cuts through and removes any residue causing the wipers to streak...you can try white vinegar also as it is slightly acidic...just rinse real well when done. Maybe try some detail shops in your area for advice.

Answer 5

Dirty Windscreen

Answer 6

It sounds like you getting antifreeze on the windshield to me.

Check to see if the heater core hoses have a leak =- or a leak in the radiator.

Also try acidtone - just dont get it on the paint job.

Answer 7

What works for me is Coca Cola poured over the windshield with the wipers operating.

Answer 8

I would suggest using some "Amway" Crystal clear I think it is, product for cleaning glass its pretty good for this, simply add to the water for cleaning windscreen.
from David the cutter

Answer 9

Try cleaning the window with de-natured alcohol that's stuff takes off everthing if that doesn't work get a new winshield. good luck

Answer 10

If under warranty take it back to dealer. If not replace it. Sorry if it is not the solution you were looking for.