19
Exterior Glass and Mirror Cleaning
Although exterior glass and mirrors are cleaned during the exterior wash process, using a glass cleaner to focus on these areas will ensure full coverage, and leave glass and mirrors streak and smudge-free. The exterior glass and mirror cleaning and interior glass and mirror cleaning are best completed simultaneously with each other.
Glass and mirror cleaning is completed using a glass cleaner. Auto Valet offers two (2) glass cleaners:
- IMAGE: an easy to apply, body shop safe, environmentally friendly, and V.O.C. compliant glass cleaner. Formulated to leave the surfaces spot and streak-free, and repelling dust and dirt. Available in multiple container sizes, including an aerosol size.
- PLUS 40: a super-concentrated glass cleaner that dilutes up to 40 parts water to 1 part product. Results obtained are dependent on the hardness of the water used to dilute.
The time to clean the exterior glass and mirrors is dependent on the number of doors with windows, the number of windows, and the intensity and amount of dirtiness. Once the exterior glass and mirror cleaning is complete the applied surfaces will be clean, and free of streaks or smudges.
Safety supplies include goggles, an apron, and impervious gloves. It is recommended to have a second person acting as a spotter. The spotter can point out missed areas from one side of the glass, an alternative to one person going back and forth to check themself. View the products used tab for Auto Valet products and accessories relating to this detailing task.
AREAS OF APPLICATION
Door Window
Rear Window
Side Mirrors
Windshield Glass
PRODUCTS USED
PRODUCTS USED
Detailing task 19: Exterior Glass and Mirror Cleaning
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Directions
STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION
Remove unwanted decals, stickers, road paint, or stubborn deposits carefully using a razor blade. Check and note any chips or cracks on areas of application. If using a concentrated glass cleaner, dilute with water at the correct dilution ratio.STEP 2: APPLY THE GLASS CLEANER
Complete one window at a time. If using an aerosol glass cleaner, shake well before use.Option 1 - Spray onto glass
Spray to mist the glass cleaner directly onto the exterior glass surfaces.
Option 2 - Wipe onto glass
This option reduces the amount of overspray generated and limits product waste. Spray the glass cleaner directly onto a microfiber glass towel or lint-free cloth. Place the dampened side of the microfiber onto the exterior glass surface. Apply even pressure to ensure full coverage while wiping onto the glass.
STEP 3: REMOVE THE GLASS CLEANER AND REVIEW YOUR WORK
Use a dry, clean microfiber glass towel, lint-free cloth, or soft silicone one pass, water blade to remove the glass cleaner and dry the exterior glass surfaces. Review work. If necessary, repeat steps 2 to 3, to clean missed areas.Tips
- If completing the exterior and interior glass cleaning alongside each other, make it easier to detect missed areas by cleaning horizontally on interior glass and vertically on exterior glass. Missed areas can be detected by the direction of the streaks or smudges and whether they are on the exterior or interior.
- It is recommended to complete the exterior and interior glass clean alongside each other.
- Use a second person to act as a spotter. The spotter can point out missed areas from one side of the glass, an alternative to one person going back and forth to check themself.
- When wipe-applying the glass cleaner, use two separate towels. One for applying the glass cleaner, and the other for removing the glass cleaner.
- Check the corners and edges of both the windows and mirrors to ensure these areas are covered.
- Be sure to carefully read and follow all product instructions and precautions, on the product labels.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
There are currently two (2) Auto Valet glass cleaners available.
- IMAGE: an easy to apply, body shop safe, environmentally friendly, and V.O.C. compliant glass cleaner. Formulated to leave the surfaces spot and streak free, and repelling dust and dirt. Available in multiple container sizes, including an aerosol size.
- PLUS 40: a super concentrated glass cleaner that dilutes up to 40 parts water to 1 part product. Results obtained are dependent on the hardness of the water used to dilute.