0000 steel wool on windshield ?

[Qwert66]

Can anyone recommend if it's ok to to use wetted steel wool (4aut) to clean/polish the windshield without scratching? Other options ?

Thought I read it on irv2 somewhere or was referenced in a vid. We have tried everything else on some unknown spots on the inside of the passenger windshield glass. Tried solvents, wax/polish, mineral spirits, bug/tar remover, magic eraser etc. to no avail. Sorry no pics but it is spattered and may be some kind of construction adhesive (speckles of white colored, coarse pepper size diameter, rock hard spots). I don't feel comfortable with trying a single edge razor blade on the curved surface.

[C-PHartley]

I have 0000 steel wool on my car windshields in the past to clean it. It worked great. Be sure to clean up any steel wool strands that come off as they will rust when wet. I hope this helps.

[ahicks]

I would go with the razor blade as long as I had something to hold it with (besides my fingers!). You can get holders in hardwares or paint suppliers. Otherwise, the steel wool should be no problem.

[TXiceman]

Even with 0000 steelwool, you can get some scratching and hazing on glass. I would recommend a plastic scrubbie or a razor blade. Otherwise, they do make special glass polishing compounds.

Ken

[njs42]

There are small and large holders for single edge razor blades. If you put a lot of small scratches on the glass with steel wool you will live with it forever. Try the razor blade first. A number of holding devices can be found in the paint department of most big warehouse stores Lowes etc; inexpensive.

[szy]

HOW TO: Super Clean Your Windshield - YouTube

[nosticks]

Here is a trick for using single edge razor blades to keep them from gouging a surface, particularly a curved one. Take the blade and grind the corners round, either with a file or grinding wheel. All you need to do is have a slight curvature on the edges in other words circumference the outer edge. It keeps them from digging in on curved surfaces.

[CoCoDave]

Originally Posted by nosticks

Here is a trick for using single edge razor blades to keep them from gouging a surface, particularly a curved one. Take the blade and grind the corners round, either with a file or grinding wheel. All you need to do is have a slight curvature on the edges in other words circumference the outer edge. It keeps them from digging in on curved surfaces.

Good tip!

Also, go side to side not up and down which will minimize the effect of the curve in the windshield.

FWIW

[johnandanne]

After seeing the above youtube video two months ago, I have been using 'dry' 0000 steel wool on all of my windshields with perfect success - no scratching.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I would use synthetic pads rather than actual "steel' wool. It is all but impossible to get the tiny shards of steel wire out of the crevices around the front of the coach and they will almost instantly rust and stain. 3M and others make synthetic pads in the same grits, e.g. 0000 or even finer "polishing pads". They will not scratch the glass.

For most things, a heavy duty windshield cleaner will be sufficient. Auto parts stores usually have a spray on cleaner that will remove even paint over-spray.

[ahicks]

I ruined a windshield while cleaning a MH at the big spring Cobo Hall RV show in Detroit one time - using a couple of those brand new at the time Scotchbrite pads. Not a good plan. I was so embarrassed Fleetwood replaced it at no cost when I told them about it. Nobody knew any better at the time! Maybe they've changed, dunno. But I won't be trying them on glass again any time soon.

I have used steel wool without incident, and I would also caution when using them on the outside of the windshield too, but I thought we were working on the inside? Bronze wool is a much better plan on the outside - no possibility of rust. Available at better boating supplies. -Al

[RoadHogg]

Originally Posted by Qwert66

Can anyone recommend if it's ok to to use wetted steel wool (4aut) to clean/polish the windshield without scratching? Other options ?

Thought I read it on irv2 somewhere or was referenced in a vid. We have tried everything else on some unknown spots on the inside of the passenger windshield glass. Tried solvents, wax/polish, mineral spirits, bug/tar remover, magic eraser etc. to no avail. Sorry no pics but it is spattered and may be some kind of construction adhesive (speckles of white colored, coarse pepper size diameter, rock hard spots). I don't feel comfortable with trying a single edge razor blade on the curved surface.

000 or 0000 works great on tempered glass and chrome, and doesn't scratch. Do not use it on non-tempered glass such as mirrors however, it will scratch big time.

[DonDee]

Vinegar removes water spots also.

[new2RVn]

Originally Posted by johnandanne

After seeing the above youtube video two months ago, I have been using 'dry' 0000 steel wool on all of my windshields with perfect success - no scratching.

Same here. Besure to use RainX to keep it from happening again. Dry not wet.