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Message started by ihasabike on 07/15/14 at 17:03:44

Title: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by ihasabike on 07/15/14 at 17:03:44

I know I'm not supposed to get alcohol on it. What kind of chemical can I use to clean it that won't damage it and works really well to clean it? Is there any kind of cloth I can use that won't damage it?

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by engineer on 07/15/14 at 17:17:59

I bought a new windshield last winter and it had definite instructions about cleaning. It said to use only mild soap. No window cleaner, no solvents, no abrasives etc. Mild soap only and it doesn't work very good to get the bugs off.

I've been told that draping a hot wet towel over the windshield for a few minutes prior to cleaning helps to soften the bugs.

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by BalingWire on 07/15/14 at 17:19:31

Plexus plastic cleaner is the best.

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by arteacher on 07/15/14 at 17:20:38

When in doubt about cleaning stuff I use eyeglasses cleaner. If it will leave all the coatings on my glasses alone it cant hurt anything. The best thing for drying it is a clean chammios.

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by Drestakil on 07/16/14 at 04:14:24

I like Honda's Spay Cleaner Polish. Use it on the whole bike with a worn out t-shirt. I also use it to clean my helmet including the face shield. Gets great reviews and can be picked up at a local dealer.

I usually spray the windshield first, along with any other area with bugs, and let it soak for awhile. I'm sure you already know this but never use paper towels on plastic. The wood fibers can leave scratches.

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/942/28845/Pro-Honda-Spray-Cleaner-%26-Polish

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/16/14 at 04:16:57

Eyeglass lenses are polycarbonate. You can use the same thing they recommend for them.

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by Dave on 07/16/14 at 05:02:51

Yep....When I am ready to clean my windshield I place wet paper towels or a wet towel on the windshield to do the initial bug guts softening. Then I remove the towels and use the hose to spray water on the windshield to get off the grit.....you don't want to start scrubbing with anything until you have the grit off or you will scratch the windshield. Then I apply soapy water and wash the windshield, and then rinse it again with water, and dry with a microfiber towel. If I want to polish it I use a cleaner made for plastic windshields.

Same thing for my face shield on my helmet. Although sometimes I will remove it and soak it in the utility sink in sudsy water to soften the bugs and get the grit off.

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by Beagle on 07/16/14 at 05:52:14

I use eye glass cleaner on my windshield and it works great!

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by jman on 07/16/14 at 05:58:15

73505D585F5666584354310 wrote:

Plexus plastic cleaner is the best.

+1 on Plexus. I use it on my Triumph Daytona, and on my helmet, and it works wonders.

I bought a large can from the local Harley shop about 2 years ago, and it's still not empty.

It's not cheap stuff, though.

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by BalingWire on 07/16/14 at 06:07:53

Yes, motorcycles dealerships are carrying Plexus now. You can also pick up a can at the local airport.

A tip from my aircraft daze on cleaning plastic windshields:

Wipe One Way. One Way Only.

"One Ping Only" The Hunt for Red October, Sir Sean Connery
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr0JaXfKj68
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr0JaXfKj68[/media]

No circles! No swirls! No cross-hatching! No this-a-way-then-that-a-way! After a few years, you'll have little micro-scratches, and if you've wiped one way only, the sun will sometimes glint off the micro-scratches only at one angle, instead of all the time at many angles.

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/16/14 at 06:27:44

Makes sense,, no reason to screw up in every direction.
The prep work Dave mentioned sounds really smart.

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by stewmills on 07/16/14 at 06:32:21

+1 on the soaking with a warn (or at least wet) towel or cloth to loosen all of the gunk. This is key.

I recently tested the 'pledge' cleaning method and I was quite impressed at how well it works. If you are not familiar with using pledge (yes, the wood polish/cleaner) search the web and you'll find a lot of people using it. You can use the old lemony scent or the multi-surface (what I used) and as long as you apply it on the bike and the windshield that DO NOT have dirt and grime on them it acts as a great polish and leaves a shiny, slippery surface that helps keep the bugs and dirt from sticking back to the bike. Works on the metal and plastic surfaces equally as well.

Sure, you can buy the professional products as several have noted and it's a safe bet if you are concerned about damaging your windshield...I'm just a cheapo and willing to take the gamble on pledge and it worked (this time) :o

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by Dave on 07/16/14 at 07:01:08

Back in the 70's I was taking flying lessons in small planes. The airport always used Pledge on the plastic windshields. Got the bugs off and made the rain slide off really well.

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/16/14 at 14:07:07

063D3027363A21273C343926550 wrote:

Back in the 70's I was taking flying lessons in small planes. The airport always used Pledge on the plastic windshields. Got the bugs off and made the rain slide off really well.

I gave myself Flying Lessons off of Grandpa's barn. I Soloed the first day and hung up my wings at the same time.

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by PuffsPlus on 07/16/14 at 18:50:31

Good thread. Very informative!! :D

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/16/14 at 18:56:54

Yeah,well,don't be jumping off Grampas barn.

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by HondaLavis on 07/16/14 at 19:05:57

I also use pledge for all of my clear plastic. Windshields, helmet visors, etc. I only started because we use it on all the plexiglass windows on blackhawks. ::)

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by WD on 07/16/14 at 23:24:55

Pledge or WD40, whichever can falls to hand. Neither one is made for plastics, both work. But the windshield has to be beyond disgusting for me to consider washing it since I have it set correctly. I look over it, not through it. It can be filthy as a pig rolling in a wallow full of cow pies, makes no difference.

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by Seaweednh on 07/17/14 at 01:38:03

I never knew about Pledge and will have to try it. One of the miracle cleaners I use and love is Soft Scrub. I use it a lot to clean the plexi windows in commercial popcorn machines. I bought thirteen of them from Extra Mart that hadn't been cleaned in years, you couldn't see through the windows from the oil build up. They looked like new when they were done. Not saying I'd use it every wash but It it had some tough bugs, it will get rid of them.

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by Kris01 on 07/17/14 at 10:21:49

This thread has made me nervous! I clean the face shield on my helmet with hot water and toilet paper. Should I stop NOW? Is Windex bad?

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by Seaweednh on 07/17/14 at 11:02:23

625B405A1918290 wrote:

This thread has made me nervous! I clean the face shield on my helmet with hot water and toilet paper. Should I stop NOW? Is Windex bad?

If it works and doesn't scratch then it's just another method of cleaning it.

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by HondaLavis on 07/17/14 at 14:44:18

I have been warned that cleaning clear plastic with Windex can cause it to fog over. I've never done it, so I wouldn't know if it's true.

Title: Re: Washing a Polycarbonate Windshield
Post by Kris01 on 07/17/14 at 18:42:08

I haven't done it yet but I've considered it. I think I'll stick with hot water, toilet paper and a very light touch.