dirty windshields...

[pbaker]

I have seen some pretty dirty windshields lately and am wondering what kind of cleaners are being used to wipe the ws clean before repair or after. which ones are good/which ones to stay away from? I know to stay away from silicone products, but is there any other bad chemicals to be aware of? So far, I have been using just a standard outdoor windex type cleaner from wall mart, and it just isn't doing the trick.

Thanks!

[JAC]

When I first started doing it, I tested a few different things. I tried cleaning some windshields after and not cleaning some to get a feel for what people thought. I cleaned half the windshield I did to a perfect shine and the other half I left as it was.

I found that people seemed happier when I did not clean the windshield. Not becuase I did anything different, but because THEY couldn't find where the repair was done as easy. I explained to them beforehand about the repair not making the damage disappear and how it would be guaranteed when I'm done, but still slightly noticable.

So the first thing they do when they come out is look for the damage. If the windhsield is as they normally drive, with some dirt, it's just another spec to them and they where 100% happy in my test. In the ones where I cleaned it perfectly afterwards, everyone was still happy, but when a few saw the repair spot first thing, they kind of hmmmmm'd until they said that they could hardly see it.

I took the same care in doing them all and nobidy complained in either casem nor did they comment how nice and clean the winshield was. So from my experience, I no longer clean the windshield after.

Before the repair I wipe with a dry towel to clean off the surface around and on the damage.

JAC

[Layne]

For ten years now I have been cleaning the windshields after repair...The bridge and UV shield leave their imprint on the outside and the mirror I use on the inside does too. Mu customers have always appreciated a clean windshield.

[sydfloyd44]

We use Sprayway Ammonia Free. Have used it exclusively for about 13 years. Have tested EVERYTHING on the market and all of our shops always agree on the Sprayway unanimously.
Simple and good foam cleaner. If it does more than just clean glass, you do not want it!!! More and more companies are doing the "all in one" cleaners. When it comes to glass, stay with glass cleaner.

[pbaker]

now that you mention it, I have heard of sprayway. Thanks. Ill have to do a little test of my own now, to see how people's reactions are to cleaning windshields vs. not cleaning it. I know I'd like a clean windshield.

[Clarity Glass]

I never really noticed the cleanliness of my windshield until I started working with glass everyday. Now... a dirty windshield is a pet peeve of mine (hence my business name). I concur that Sprayway is the best and people appreciate the cleaning as it is something that tends to be low priority in their busy lives.

[streekyd]

Syd brings up a good point for marketing.
CRL and Somaca both have private label programs for thier glass cleaners. If you have the opportunity to private label the glass cleaner you can sell/give a can to the customer as advertising. Good will goes a long way. The customer has your contact info, they have a great glass cleaner and WORD OF MOUTH comes into play.

Just a few random marketing thoughts.