Question re: Windex used on hood at Car Wash

[carolthompson323]

I took my car in yesterday to be washed (it's a black cabrio & gets ditry & dusty quickly here in Los Angeles). when the guy came over to dry it, I noticed he sprayed something on the hood -- I thought that was weird so I asked him what it was. He said "Windex". I told him in Spanish to only use Windex on the windows... Hello????

So my question is: Did the Windex on my hood ruin the paint or begin to degrade the paint and what would I look for? If so, is there anything I can do to fix it?

[Jordon]

Isn't the black molded plastic without paint. If so windex should not hurt anything. And this is why I am the only one that works/washes my vehicles. Too many people don't have respect for others property and try to cut corners.

[jwight]

Black is one of the moulded in colors, but like all panels is clear coated. One random spray probably didn't hurt (other than removing any wax on the sprayed area.)

[Bum-bling-B]

Wow, and I've only been using glass cleaner on my show cars as a "quick detailer" for 20+ years and it hasn't degraded the paint yet. Same cars sitting in the garage with the same 30+ year old paint. This was of course before the wax companies came out with their "quik detailer products.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it - but I'm only speaking from experience on paint, and it is the older more fragile paint of yesteryear so what do I know. PS - I still use it as a quick detailer on all my cars. Aerosol spray glass cleaner -not Windex.

[forestacademy]

If your car is waxed the worst thing that it probebly did was remove some of it. Rewax your car and you should be fine.

And what Bum-Bling said

[carolthompson323]

Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it! It's so easy to become obsessed and compulsive with everything having to do w/ my smart.

Speaking of being obsessed and compulsive, one more thing happened. The rear of my trunk (the horizontal piece that extends out from it) has gotten scratched (not from me). Either someone took a key or a knife, perhaps, as I've never opened the trunk against anything. Any ideas how to repair it? Does the whole trunk panel have to be replaced?

[MB DNA]

Windex ® Glass & Surface Cleaner

SC Johnson sez:

What ingredients are in Windex® Glass and Multi-Surface Cleaners?
Windex® Glass and Multi-Surface Cleaners contain detergents, solvents, fragrance, Ammonia-D®, and alcohol. They should not be used if ammonia is not recommended for use on surface.

Can I use Windex® on my vehicle windows?
Yes, but it is best to clean automobile windows with Windex® cleaners when the surface is cool and out of direct sunlight whenever possible. You can use it on glass, chrome, stainless steel, plastic, and vinyl surfaces. You should avoid painted surfaces.

[Bum-bling-B]

MB DNA got the word from the horse's mouth - but since I have used it on paint for 20+ years I'll keep on. Now THAT being said - make sure you avoid putting it on unprotected plastic (non-clear coated) like the plague!!! DON'T PUT IT ON YOUR PASSION COUPE'S ROOF!!! NEVER EVER DO THAT! I have had clear plexiglass haze because of that.

[carolthompson323]

Originally Posted by Bum-bling-B

MB DNA got the word from the horse's mouth - but since I have used it on paint for 20+ years I'll keep on. Now THAT being said - make sure you avoid putting it on unprotected plastic (non-clear coated) like the plague!!! DON'T PUT IT ON YOUR PASSION COUPE'S ROOF!!! NEVER EVER DO THAT! I have had clear plexiglass haze because of that.

Thanks much for the info. Not much chance of me putting it on my roof 'cause I have a Cabrio.

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by Bum-bling-B

... DON'T PUT IT [Windex] ON YOUR PASSION COUPE'S ROOF!!! NEVER EVER DO THAT! I have had clear plexiglass haze because of that.

See the official Bayer table of Makrolon and its reaction to chemicals here:
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...27-post49.html
Note that Windex contains ammonia, and that's a no-no.