Cleaning Model 3 Glass

[Xambler]

The first time I washed my model 3 I noticed the glass seemed to grow streaks within hours of careful cleaning. Thinking this was just some initial film or manufacturing contaminant on the windows I just kept wiping them down every day or so. Was odd because it was garaged when not in use.

After 5000 miles I did a little research and found this was an issue on a some luxury cars and detailers recommended always finishing with windshield glass cloths. I have had a jaguar and several BMWs and haven’t had this problem before but figured I would give them a try while we are isolating on top of a very dusty mountain .

Found that anything searched for on amazon that is automotive associated won’t ship until after April 21 (covid rules). However, I was able to find a 12 pack of mr siga ultra fine microfiber cloths for glass on amazon under kitchenware (which is considered essential I guess as it had 2 day delivery.) These large cloths worked absolutely great on the car glass. Also work great on the touchscreen (I have a tempered glass protector on it). On the windows, basically damp microfiber wash and then the mr siga cloths for final dry wipe. No lint or streaks so far.

 

[6thDAY]

Use microfiber cloth first dampen to clean windows, then use dry siga cloths for final wipe?

 

[Xambler]

Use microfiber cloth first dampen to clean windows, then use dry siga cloths for final wipe?

Yep. If really dirty of course it helps to blast the windows with a hose first. Common problem if I leave the cover off the car up on the mountain. Nice Georgia red clay dust .

 

[6thDAY]

Thanks!

Was looking for a streak free cloth on the windows

 

[kataleen]

After using quite a few glass cleaners, I noticed something similar. The only one that did not leave any residue or streaks and cleaned really well was Sprayway glass cleaner. Give it a try and see if you still get streaks. Many times I wipe with paper towels instead of microfiber exactly because of this.

 

[acarney]

6,000 miles in and I still have a hazy after washing windows... the only thing that seems to leave them crystal clear is if I was the whole car using a car shampoo and the rise the car and allow it to air dry. (Either from a touchless automatic which has “spot free rinse” or when using my DI system I bought for home washes.)

As soon as I put anything physically on the glass, paper towel, microfiber (plush, standard, glass, waffle weave, etc) it leaves the finish hazed you where if you run your finger by it’ll leave a clear streak or mark... it so very odd.

I should note, I ended up ceramic coating all the glass after my last wash with chemical guys hydro charge and we’ll see if I can clean them in a normal manner now. (I know hydro charge says only on painted surfaces, but it seems perfectly fine on the glass. Crystal clear and no issues with the AP cameras...)

 

[CLLACAB]

I wash my car including the glass. Then clean the glass with a glass cleaner. I happen to like Meguiars. Then, here is my secret. I take small cotton hand towel and soak it with just water. Wipe the glass a section at a time and dry with another cotton towel until the glass is slippery smooth. No streaks from the cleaner.

 

[smartypnz]

So it sounds like the solution is to clean the glass with a glass cleaner and then clean off the glass cleaner with a non glass cleaner ???

 

[Mrcarcrazy]

Alcohol works great as a final wipe.

I’m a fan of sprayaway, stoners is another good product.

I’m also a fan of using newspaper on glass instead of microfiber.

 

[NedH]

What is newspaper?

 

[bigroccrek]

Use invisible glass. Best glass cleaner around! Use it on my Model 3 all the time, clean and no streaks.

Amazon.com : invisible glass cleaner

And a microfiber or two!

 

[CLLACAB]

As you can see, there are lots of different “solutions “ to the problem. Mine is the final wipe with just water. But it’s important to get all the dirt off with the wash and glass cleaner before the final wipe down.

 

[RC2785]

If you're looking to clean the inside of your windshield, follow this video, it doesn't leave any streak marks. I laid out a towel on the dashboard when I was cleaning mine to prevent water from dripping onto the dash.