Cannot get this off. Any suggestions welcomed

[AZCoyote]

So I went out for a run in the desert after the monsoon and got pretty dirty. Washed up and this is what am left with. Cannot tell if I drove through something nasty that got dumped out there or maybe is just grime trapped by my cleaning products? I didn’t do windows with anything so I think it’s A not B.

anyone have suggestions on removal? I’m thinking I’m to a buffing compound and electric buffer to get this gone. Hand and power washes don’t do it. It looks clean until it dries and looks like this.

Sponsored

 

[snolen]

maybe try some steel wool on a spot on the glass

 

[CalvinT]

When I had my Bronco ceramic coated, they used 0000 steel wool to clean the windows. It polishes instead of scratches.

Make sure it's 0000.

They DID NOT use it on the mirrors. Only the windows and windshield.

 

[AZCoyote]

Thank! I’ll try that on the glass. Any suggestions for the paint?

 

[snolen]

Might try some glass cleaner Sprayway brand takes off alot of stuff off. The other is buffing and polishing

 

[Dan-O]

Kind of looks like soap residue sun dried with hard water before you were able to dry it off with towels. Have you tried rewashing say one area and rinse to see if it reduces at all. If not you may need to clay and polish to get it off. Our water here in AZ is so hard it makes washing a vehicle very difficult. I’ve invested in a portable water deionizer that I use when washing my rigs or house windows. Another way without the deionizer is to wash and use air to blow water off quickly before it dries. You can always use shop vac and put hose on exhaust side to blow it away.

 

[Beach_Bum]

Kind of looks like soap residue sun dried with hard water before you were able to dry it off with towels. Have you tried rewashing say one area and rinse to see if it reduces at all. If not you may need to clay and polish to get it off. Our water here in AZ is so hard it makes washing a vehicle very difficult. I’ve invested in a portable water deionizer that I use when washing my rigs or house windows. Another way without the deionizer is to wash and use air to blow water off quickly before it dries. You can always use shop vac and put hose on exhaust side to blow it away.

The OP can also use a hard water cleaning solvent. Adam's Polishes, Chemical Guys, Malco Automotive are few.

As an aside, I always thought that the "spot-free rinse" cycle at the self-serve car wash was a scam. Always just used the regular rinse and then towel dry. Then I used the spot-free rinse cycle as I had a lot of time still on the meter. It came out like a sprinkle with hardly any pressure. Thought for sure, that I was wasting my time (money was already wasted on the meter). Well, wouldn't you know, the darn cycle does work.

 

[Dan-O]

The OP can also use a hard water cleaning solvent. Adam's Polishes, Chemical Guys, Malco Automotive are few.

As an aside, I always that the "spot-free rinse" cycle at the self-serve car wash a scam. Always just used the regular rinse and then towel dry. Then I used the spot-free rinse cycle as I had a lot of time still on the meter. It came out like a sprinkle with hardly any pressure. Thought for sure, that I was wasting my time (money was already wasted on the meter). Well, wouldn't you know, the darn cycle does work.

Ya I became a true believer first time I washed a vehicle here in AZ. We have extremely hard water combined with high heat and no humidity water spots instantly formed. I had tried some of the water spot removal solutions and they did reduce the stains but ultimately still had to polish them out. Total PITA!!

 

[AZCoyote]

Kind of looks like soap residue sun dried with hard water before you were able to dry it off with towels. Have you tried rewashing say one area and rinse to see if it reduces at all. If not you may need to clay and polish to get it off. Our water here in AZ is so hard it makes washing a vehicle very difficult. I’ve invested in a portable water deionizer that I use when washing my rigs or house windows. Another way without the deionizer is to wash and use air to blow water off quickly before it dries. You can always use shop vac and put hose on exhaust side to blow it away.

I just tried some Griots water spot remover with a LOT of elbow grease and it seems to be taking some of it away. I’m out in Florence and the water is absolutely horrid. Someone must be taking bribes at EPA to let this water get public use.

I’m letting my last run dry to see what comes back and decide if have a viable solution.

 

[Dan-O]

I just tried some Griots water spot remover with a LOT of elbow grease and it seems to be taking some of it away. I’m out in Florence and the water is absolutely horrid. Someone must be taking bribes at EPA to let this water get public use.

I’m letting my last run dry to see what comes back and decide if have a viable solution.

I’m in Fountain Hills and from what you say it sounds like our water comes from the same source. I use Griots products also. With polisher the water spot remover works ok on light water spots and does seem to require some extra effort. You may be better off using their correcting cream or finishing cream to make a bit lighter work of it. A polisher would save you hours and a lot of sweat. Looks like you’re on the right path and hope you’re able to get it taken care of!!

 

[AZCoyote]

I’m in Fountain Hills and from what you say it sounds like our water comes from the same source. I use Griots products also. With polisher the water spot remover works ok on light water spots and does seem to require some extra effort. You may be better off using their correcting cream or finishing cream to make a bit lighter work of it. A polisher would save you hours and a lot of sweat. Looks like you’re on the right path and hope you’re able to get it taken care of!!

Thank you!

and thanks to all posters. Very helpful!

 

[Lifeliberty]

I'd try rubbing alcohol

 

[Baja Bronco]

Try Maxima SC-1. That stuff takes off sticker residue, stains, grease, etc. It makes plastics shiny, but does other stuff too.

 

[HotdogThud]

It's arizona water, so it's got lots of minerals in it, and leaves that behind. 50/50 vinegar and water in a spray bottle, let it soak for about 10 seconds and then wipe off with a microfiber. Another vote for Sprayway glass cleaner here too, as that also works.

 

[DEC]

Vinegar will remove it.

Sponsored