Windex!!!
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 2
From: Houston (Area)
Windex!!!
If you are uncertain about anything all you have to do is ask this forum and someone will have input. It may not always be right or you may not agree with it, but you will get some input. 
Well, I tried something without consulting the forum! [
] What was I thinking? However it’s not too late. Responses will just let me know if I should do it again.
Sunday I went to this hang out and it’s awesome. About 40-50 bikes, people enjoying the fellowship and having a good time. There were bikes that were shinning like I have never seen before. I was going over to the guys to ask what polish they used and guess what I saw……………………………………… ……Windex! Yes you heard me Windex! They were wiping and spraying on Windex. They told me don’t use the old “blue” Windex, but the clear Windex with the yellow label. It’s ammonia free and has vinegar in it. I was told it won’t affect your paint because it is ammonia free and it doesn’t streak.
Yesterday, I washed my bike, dried it, and applied Windex to the paint, chrome, and everything. My bike looked like it should have been in a bike show. I’m thinking to myself, I can wax/polish every now and then but this Windex is cheap, last a long time and it’s the way to go. No more expensive stuff and I can pick it up at the Wal-mart on the corner.
Does anyone have an opinion on using Windex? I know the Harley Gloss can be used all over the bike and they sure smell the same. I’m not concerned about the chrome but more concerned about the paint in the long run.
Well, I tried something without consulting the forum! [
] What was I thinking? However it’s not too late. Responses will just let me know if I should do it again.Sunday I went to this hang out and it’s awesome. About 40-50 bikes, people enjoying the fellowship and having a good time. There were bikes that were shinning like I have never seen before. I was going over to the guys to ask what polish they used and guess what I saw……………………………………… ……Windex! Yes you heard me Windex! They were wiping and spraying on Windex. They told me don’t use the old “blue” Windex, but the clear Windex with the yellow label. It’s ammonia free and has vinegar in it. I was told it won’t affect your paint because it is ammonia free and it doesn’t streak.
Yesterday, I washed my bike, dried it, and applied Windex to the paint, chrome, and everything. My bike looked like it should have been in a bike show. I’m thinking to myself, I can wax/polish every now and then but this Windex is cheap, last a long time and it’s the way to go. No more expensive stuff and I can pick it up at the Wal-mart on the corner.
Does anyone have an opinion on using Windex? I know the Harley Gloss can be used all over the bike and they sure smell the same. I’m not concerned about the chrome but more concerned about the paint in the long run.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
From: Tuscaloosa, AL
RE: Windex!!!
Makes sense, we may be the only two DA's on this forum that never thought to use it but it sounds like a great quick spruce-up when there is no time for an intense washing and cleaning...I used to use pledge furniture polish on my bass boat after taking it out of the water and wiping it down, something I did everytime I took it out of the water...Always was clean with an awesome shine and very rarely needed polish...Sounds like the windex is the same principal, just a different chemical on a different surface. I am going to get some today because I have very little time to do a regular full cleanings on my scoot because I ride it when I am not busy working!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,892
Likes: 2
From: Florida
RE: Windex!!!
I've used glass cleaner on my chrome for a long time now. It's easier to use then applying chrome polish and I think it gives a better shine. Haven't used it on the paint however.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 16,125
Likes: 24
From: Linden New Jersey
RE: Windex!!!
I sure it will make it shine, but is it protecting the paint/chrome? Not a flame, but curious. And does it strip the wax off?
If it works for you great! But I think I'll still do the old method of waxing
If it works for you great! But I think I'll still do the old method of waxing
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 2
From: Houston (Area)
RE: Windex!!!
I sure it will make it shine, but is it protecting the paint/chrome? Not a flame, but curious. And does it strip the wax off?
If it works for you great! But I think I'll still do the old method of waxing
If it works for you great! But I think I'll still do the old method of waxing
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
RE: Windex!!!
Protect-All is the only way to go. Windex for the bugs and grime, then Protect-All. Has carnuba wax and other additives. Good for everything accept the windshield.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Reno, NV
RE: Windex!!!
Windex w/ vinegar is good for chrome & metal but should not be used on any waxed surface...why?... if it will remove greasy fingerprints off chrome then you can be assured it will remove wax too. Vinegar is basically a mild acid with a pH of about 3.0, comparable to lemon juice, where battery acid is 0 pH...windex has a pH of about 10.
A heavy wax coating is about .001" (1/1000) thick after polishing. In comparison a sheet of notebook paper is about .003 (3/1000) thick. Fresh wax can be removed from a painted surface by applying a hot sweaty palm ( pH of 5) for a few minutes...
A better choice for paint would be any brand of detailing wax ... Mothers, Turtle, Meguires, etc.
Or my choice... dont worry about it ... Ride more, Clean Less
RenoGlide
www.FastAire.com
A heavy wax coating is about .001" (1/1000) thick after polishing. In comparison a sheet of notebook paper is about .003 (3/1000) thick. Fresh wax can be removed from a painted surface by applying a hot sweaty palm ( pH of 5) for a few minutes...
A better choice for paint would be any brand of detailing wax ... Mothers, Turtle, Meguires, etc.
Or my choice... dont worry about it ... Ride more, Clean Less
RenoGlide
www.FastAire.com
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 701
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
RE: Windex!!!
I also use windex or similar on my chrome parts and windshield/signal lenses. I would be concerned about the long term effects on the paint. There is not much paint on our bikes, so I stay with the tried and true periodic waxing. Once clean and waxed, I maintain the shine with the HD spray cleaner/polish. Maybe not the best, but it sure works with my paint (rich sunglo blue).
