Question re: Windex used on hood at Car Wash

[Suze]

OK, folks, windex is a no-no, but what is the best quick spot cleaner for the panels - you know for bugs and tree goop??

I had a tree do its nasty on my windshield and hood yesterday, but the car was clean other than that an I didn't have time to wash it again.

BUT - I don't want to leave that tree goop on the paint!

[scdaf]

Pledge.

It's a cleaner and a wax. Old motorcyclists' trick.

[Kermit]

dupe post

[MB DNA]

but since I have used it on paint for 20+ years I'll keep on.

Bum-bling,

The aerosol glass cleaner that you mentioned using on paint for 20+ years may be of a different formulation than Windex? After 20+ years of usage with no problems I'd say that your beta testing may be conclusive?

While the active ingredients in Windex are less than 5% of the volume, the ammonia may be why it shouldn't be used on paint nor on aftermarket window tint film?

Tom

[Kermit]

Originally Posted by Suze

OK, folks, windex is a no-no, but what is the best quick spot cleaner for the panels - you know for bugs and tree goop??

I had a tree do its nasty on my windshield and hood yesterday, but the car was clean other than that an I didn't have time to wash it again.

BUT - I don't want to leave that tree goop on the paint!

For tree sap I've used WD-40 or tar and bug remover in the past. We've got some nasty pine trees around here!

JPaul - Thanks for mentioning that, that leads us right back around to the crazing. I could see an accusation of improper care for the reason of panoramic roof crazing. (not the case for my car, no ammonia product has ever touched the roof)

[Kermit]

Originally Posted by MB DNA

but since I have used it on paint for 20+ years I'll keep on.

Bum-bling,

The aerosol glass cleaner that you mentioned using on paint for 20+ years may be of a different formulation than Windex? After 20+ years of usage with no problems I'd say that your beta testing may be conclusive?

While the active ingredients in Windex are less than 5% of the volume, the ammonia may be why it shouldn't be used on paint nor on aftermarket window tint film?

Tom

Maybe - I don't have a clue of the % of ammonia. I have only used it on painted surfaces which are also well waxed which may be a reason they have held up so well. I have one car with 33 year old paint that still looks great so that may be tested pretty good. I've done the windex on paint on it for 26 years to be exact.

[fortow]

Even though SC Johnson says it can be used on plastic, they haven't defined what type of plastic. Plastics can react to different solvents and alcohol in various ways. I'm not sure what type of plastic is used for the smart's bodywork - it could be GEs injection molded Xenoy or one of various thermoplastics, probably a polypropylene or polyethylene PET polymer, ABS, but just the same there are products made for cleaning and protecting these plastics. One such product is Plexus which I use for polycarbonate shields, acrylics, motorcycle body work, and generally plastics of all kinds.
Here's one supplier
Plexus Plexiglass Cleaner - 13 ounce aerosol can - MyPilotStore.com

Here are some other plastic care products - Plastic Care Products

[smart fortimo]

Originally Posted by Suze

OK, folks, windex is a no-no, but what is the best quick spot cleaner for the panels - you know for bugs and tree goop??

I had a tree do its nasty on my windshield and hood yesterday, but the car was clean other than that an I didn't have time to wash it again.

BUT - I don't want to leave that tree goop on the paint!

Sprayway aerosol glass cleaner -- would that be compatible with the Makrolon top?

It is my show-and-shine touch up. Non-ammonia for use on tinted windows and a little of its foaming spray, a bug scrubber and a microfiber towel and off come the bugs from the front-end and windshield.

Costco 4-pk, maybe $6-$7 and I always keep a can in the car.

[saronian]

Last weekend I went on a quick trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles and back. The smart was coated with all types of bugs, both large and small. I was tempted to buy some cleaner during the trip, but never had time. When I was back home I used my trusty 1Z Einszett Anti-Insekt Pre-Cleaner, in combination with some Zaino Z-7 Show Car Wash. The bugs were quickly removed without any harsh rubbing or scratching. The car needs a fresh waxing, but other than that it's looks good.