Glass Cleaning Cheat Code
I am a big proponent for proper technique over everything else. Premium products are nice but I have always preached process and technique over all else. While I stand by this, I have stumbled upon one glass cleaner that feels like a cheat code.
Glass is easy to overlook, but it is also the first thing you see when you go for a drive after a detail. There's nothing worse than spending hours and hours dialing in the paint work and or interior only to drive away and see streaks all over the glass in the afternoon sun. There is also no easier way to send your customer on a mission to find everything else you missed. Before I spill the beans on my new cheat, lets quickly review the prcess I follow when cleaning glass.
Glass Cleaning Process
The keys to success in glass cleaning for me are two-fold- use multiple towels and minimize product over spray.
- WASH: I like to start with a thicker general purpose microfiber towel to 'wash' the glass and break through any oils and film buildup. I always spray the cleaner directly into the wash towel to make sure not to scatter product all over my freshly detailed paint and interior. My favorite glass wash towel.
- DRY: I then follow up with a low pile drying towel to completely dry the surface and remove any streaks. My favorite glass drying towel.
- Inspect: Get a flashlight out and find the spots you missed. It is helpful to have a bright light source outside the vehicle so you can inspect from the inside. My inspection light.
This process produces good consistent results with a wide variety of products, however the need to use products that are tint safe tends to make the cleaning process more tedious than I am used to with ammonia based cleaners around the house. In my experience, tint safe cleaners tend to smear more and take excessive wiping to remove the product. I have also struggled in the past with these cleaners having the ability to cut through the grease and oily films that build up on interior glass, causing me to have to repeat the process. This meant that I have always been eager to try new glass cleaners when I get the chance leading me to this great find!
Now for the cheat code...
Enter Koch-Chemie Glass Cleaner. From the first window, this product impressed me with how quick and effortless it was. The product flashes quickly and I didn't have to sit there to scrub and overwork it to get all the product off. The most important thing is that it passes the dawn/dusk windshield test. Lets be honest, most glass looks great in the shop or garage, that's why you stopped cleaning it. The glass looked perfect. That is until you drive to work the next day and see a windshield full of streaks in that early morning sun. With even the best products, this situation will usually highlight some annoying little spots where streaks pop up. With the worst products your glass will be COVERED with this mess. This is the first glass cleaner I have personally used that passes this test with a perfect 100% score.
I have used dozens of products over the years and there are many great options that proved themselves worthy of a spot in my arsenal along the way. Koch Chemie Glass Cleaner is a stand out performer for ease of use and exceptional results.
Bottom Line
Koch Chemie Glass Cleaner just plain works! It's that simple. It cleans well, flashes quickly, and most importantly, it passes the sunrise/sunset test. Perfectly clear glass with no streaking even in harsh sun.
Next time you run out of glass cleaner, pick up a bottle for yourself and give it a try!