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Interior Glass and Mirror Clean

Cleaning the interior glass and mirrors is an important last step of the interior detailing process. Using a glass cleaner to focus on these areas will ensure full coverage, and leave the glass and mirrors streak and smudge-free. The exterior glass and mirror cleaning and interior glass and mirror cleaning tasks 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 interior glass and mirrors is dependent on the number of doors with windows; the number of windows; the interior surface area of gauges, screens, and piano plastic; and the intensity and amount of dirtiness. Once the interior glass and mirror cleaning is complete the applied surfaces will be clean, and free of streaks or smudges.

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. 

Safety supplies include goggles, an apron, and impervious gloves. View the products used tab for Auto Valet products and accessories relating to this detailing task.

AREAS OF APPLICATION

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Electronic Screens

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Gauges

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Piano Plastic

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Rearview Mirror

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Sunroof

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Vanity Mirrors

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Windows

Directions

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Remove unwanted decals, stickers, 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, mirror, or area at a time. If using an aerosol glass cleaner, shake well before use. Spray the glass cleaner directly onto a microfiber glass towel or lint-free cloth. Place the dampened side of the microfiber onto the area of application. Apply even pressure to ensure full coverage while wiping the areas.

STEP 3: REMOVE THE GLASS CLEANER AND REVIEW YOUR WORK

Use a dry, clean microfiber glass towel, or lint-free cloth to remove the glass cleaner. Review work. If necessary, repeat steps 2 to 3, to clean missed areas

 

Tips

  • It is recommended to complete the exterior and interior glass clean alongside each other.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Roll the side windows down to effectively wipe the entire top of the window.
  • 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.

Yes, both IMAGE and PLUS 40 are safe products to use for body shop applications.

Both IMAGE and PLUS 40 are designed to clean interior and exterior mirrors and glass. IMAGE is a ready to use, effective glass cleaner. PLUS 40 is a highly concentrated glass cleaner that works well in most cases; however, results obtained are dependent on the hardness of the water used to dilute.