Best method to clean clear vinyl windows?

[opoteat]

Can anyone suggest the best method to clean my enclosure windows? They're Taylormade clear vinyl and have been stored for about 6 months... now they're extremely cloudy. <br /><br />Thanks.<br /><br />Owen

 

[tgissel]

Re: Best method to clean clear vinyl windows?

Most automotive stores should have something like this Jeeps and convertible tops are made of the same material. Good Luck

 

[opoteat]

Re: Best method to clean clear vinyl windows?

Hadn't thought of that. Great suggestion! I'll see what they have to offer. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[thejeepster02]

Re: Best method to clean clear vinyl windows?

dont use any window cleaner that has ammonia in it.<br />Ammonia will fog plastic and plexiglass.

 

[opoteat]

Re: Best method to clean clear vinyl windows?

Thanks. An "Old Salt" once told me he used Pledge... cleaned and repelled water like RainX. The All-purpose cleaners that don't have ammonia should work though shouldn't they?

 

[thejeepster02]

Re: Best method to clean clear vinyl windows?

I would think so, the ammonia will take several cleanings before you see it. it kinda melts it I guess.<br />But if you ever see a plexglass window that looks all floggy or looks like it was cleaned with a scotch brite pad, usally you will find they used windex with ammonia

 

[qaztwo]

Re: Best method to clean clear vinyl windows?

I use pledge on my airplane's windsheild for 10+ years no problems, which is plexiglass. And the bugs come of so easy.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Best method to clean clear vinyl windows?

Maguires makes a plastic cleaner that works well. It's actually a very, very fine grit polish. I've used that for years and my side curtains are in great shape (when they're clean, but that's a different story). It will also help remove and minimize the black marks caused by the bows. I haven't tried pledge, but plan to this evening. Sounds like it might be just the ticket for quick, easy routine cleaning. I know I used to use it on my plastic hockey face mask and it seemed to remove or at least hide minor scuffs and scratches and make it nice and clear and pretty - not to mention the pleasant fragrance.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Best method to clean clear vinyl windows?

Unfortunately,when plastic windows fog as you say yours have you may not be able to get them back to clear.When you store them ,they must be as clean as you can get them and it is best to either lay them flat with a towel between them.If you put plastic to plastic or roll them up,they tend to stick together and leave a sticky film.Charlie

 

[opoteat]

Re: Best method to clean clear vinyl windows?

Aaaarghhh... I had heard that about the film. I'm still going to try to get them as clean/clear as possible. My boat is small... 22 footer... not much room to store the curtains flat and if I don't store them in the boat... well the next time I'm in a storm and need them... well they'll be at home in the garage... I'll be soaked... my wife will be soaked... and I might have to travel alone for a while.<br /><br />I read about the Macguires product... think it is called Plastex... found it online... going to check West Marine to see if they carry it.<br /><br />Thanks again guys. Me, wife and boat leave tomorrow for a 5 day trip from New Bern to Beaufort, NC via the ICW. Will get this as clean as possible and then watch it get dirty again with saltwater... no way to stay clean.<br /><br />Thanks for the help/advice.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Best method to clean clear vinyl windows?

You'll also probably find the Maguires product at any auto parts store. Have fun, and good luck restoring the windows.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Best method to clean clear vinyl windows?

I looked in my garage last night and the product I have is Maguire's Mirror Glaze. I looked on their website to see if they still carry this product (my bottle is at least 10 years old). They do. They also have several products for cleaning and polishing clear plastic and sell a package called the "clear plastic collection" for around $21. Just FYI. Clear plastic boat curtains are worth some effort and care, although they're tougher than you'd think and will handle normal use/abuse pretty well, especially if stored with a little care.