can steel wool scratch glass

2021/05/21

To clean your windshield with steel wool theres a couple of things youll need to have on hand. Regularly cleaning your windows is crucial to ensure that they stay in good condition for a long time to come and to let in all that wonderful natural light from outside.

[B]I know the glass is defective and its their entire fault for making glass covered with invisible fabricating debris on it. Just ask anyone who has their windows cleaned regularly. YWhen we say the debris scratched the glass and not the razor isnt that a matter of semantics?

Yes, 0000 steel wool is used by professionals on glass, but a little caution never hurt anybody. When I discovered this, I was happy, yes, but also frustrated. After a Million Failures, This Spice Organization Hack Worked for Me. These windows had shotgun fungus and silicone on them so the only option was a razor (especially since the customer had specifically mentioned how important clean glass was to him). Its always a good idea to do spot tests on an inconspicuous area before you go to town with your new steel wool, just to avoid any accidental damage. [/FONT][/COLOR], [COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]I saw a GANA bulletin that said extra fine steel wool was OK to use. Youll also want to have your favorite glass cleaner on hand. (Im guessing you might have one around the house these days.). When they are made, the air (or gas) between the panes is sealed in. In other words there is no method available for window cleaners to SAFELY check for FD. This type of steel wool is typically used to refinish furniture. Hope this helps. This can help you avoid ruining your windshield and needing to replace it. Since 0000 steel wool isn't as hard as glass, we doubt that it can remove scratches. This causes fogging in the window. [/FONT][/COLOR] I use light pressure when I wool tempered and heat strengthened glass to minimize the risk.

Sometimes you hear it sometimes you dont. This is definitely true. Thanks to my friend Nick Longs suggestion.

Sometimes you hear it sometimes you dont. Before you get started, though, keep these tips in mind: Whip out the dish gloves to avoid any possible skin irritation when using steel wool. Hi Stan. Ya thats it! You could also break one of the glass fines off with your steel wool and scratch the glass. +1, unfortunately as I was taught, Old tempered glass is more likely to be quality tempered than anything manufactured this decade, but educating customers especially Building Contractors about how they are being sold an inferior product is the only way quality control will ever improve. Sand, dirt, and concrete particles can scratch glass when trapped on anything dragged across the glass (whether a squeegee, steel wool, or a rag). We take great care with every pane and aim for a perfect, streak-free clean with every window. Copyright 2022 TheRVgeeks | Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Upon deeper digging, I learned that many cleaning professionals have been using 0000 steel wool for yearsand if you havent tried it, Id highly recommend buying a box. By getting the waiver signed we stay out of the liability loop.

No, Mike, and its an important distinction. As a side note I think the bronze wool pads do outscrub a [B]white scrub pad[/B]. Weve never heard of it scratching before, so we just did a little Googling, and while there seem to be some people who question using steel wool, others swear by it. its like a pillow and it never scratches the glass. Youll first want to park your rig in a shaded spot. Our product range includes Water-Fed pole systems, handles, washers, poles, ladders, detergent, scrapers if you use it in window cleaning then you can find it at www.windowcleaningonline.com.au or in our show-room.

As the #0000 steel wool is softer than glass, it cannot scratch it, and has the huge advantage over razor blades in that it rolls over any microscopic fabricating debris (see the next FAQ for more on this). I did a job yesterday that where the tempering stamp on most of them said Old Castle (absolute garbage) and on some of the panes i could tell there was FD. Never use your scraper on tempered glass. The best that I have found for normal cleaning is windex with newspaper.

Choosing the right tools can leave them sparkling clean, with no scratches and streaks. Period. All rights reserved. UPDATE: Check out our new updated express version of this video: HOW TO SUPER CLEAN YOUR WINDSHIELD SUPER FAST!. An auto body shop isnt the first place youd think to go for tips on tidying the kitchen, but the people who take pride in detailing cars know a thing or two about cleaning surfaces without damaging them. We participate in the Amazon affiliate program, which provides a means for us to earn a small commission by linking to products there.

There is a very slight possibility that steel wool could dislodge FD but a razor WILL dislodge the debris. But those rules dont apply to 0000-grade steel wool, which has steel fibers far finer than a typical scouring pad. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Window cleaning is often something homeowners can do for themselves. Drop by and look at the wide ranges of window cleaning products! Looking to find our personal choices for great RVing gear? Yes. Set your DVR today! If youd like a free quote, dont hesitate to call us at 206-232-1266 or contact us by filling out the form in the link here. I find myself using my wool pad more and more and the 6 inch razor less and less.

It leaves a more affordable streak-free clean without using ladders. Brand new Season Four episodes of The RVersairing now. While youd expect that steel wool would scratch the glass, its exactly the opposite. great video on how to super clean your windshield thank you. Youll see the water instantly bead as soon as you stop spraying it. Regular window cleaning is important to keep your outdoor views clear and crisp. Cleaning Your Cast-Iron Skillet Has Never Been Easier, The Best Cleaning Products for Kitchen Tools That Want a Little Extra Attention. Ge the waiver signed every time. But why under any normal to semi-normal circumstance would you use anything as potentially abrasive as steel wool of any grade, or even a scotch brite scrubbing sponge? It can only be cleaned with soap and squeegees. Removing lime (mineral deposits) from windows with steel wool is less messy than soaking them in vinegar or other lime-removing solution. Sometimes I use it with MDR or Unger RubOut. ,4000 will not scratch your glass. I bought some 0000 steel wool from my local hardware store and tried it on the blackened drip tray of my toaster oven. [/FONT][/COLOR] Ad Choices, Get Squeaky Clean Glassware With Superfine Steel Wool. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, 100 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122 Clean windows are an essential source of beauty in a home. Posted on Published: August 23, 2011- Last updated: April 3, 2022, Categories Cleaning, Household, Miscellaneous, Routine Maintenance. Id say it is very risky business to scrape tempered and heat strengthened glass with a razor. Even when we're just doing a quick cleaning, without steel wool, we always use Invisible Glass, because it's the best glass cleaner we know of. Before you pick up a ball of steel wool you had lying around in your kitchen drawer, here are three reasons why its crucial to get glass-rated steel wool for your window cleaning job: Even when choosing the right grade of steel wool, its important to only use scrubs that are in good condition. All Rights Reserved. ), Headlight Restoration: Bringing Clarity to Cloudy Lenses, How to Protect Your RVs Decals & Keep Them From Fading. The green pads are pretty abrasive too. I just finished using 0000 steel wool on my 2018 Crosstrek to rid the windows of stubborn water spots . Mild detergent, diluted with water, will emulsify and prep the glass for scrubbing with the steel wool. These windows had shotgun fungus and silicone on them so the only option was a razor (especially since the customer had specifically mentioned how important clean glass was to him). Check out our: Watch us every Saturday morning at 8AM Eastern/Pacific, 7AM Central, 9AM Mountain on Discovery in the USA. Using our toad (towed car), we show you how to use fine steel wool, Rain-X and Invisible Glass to make your view just a little bit clearer. Thanks to llaczko bringing up the rust factor, I have eliminated steel wool from the arsenal, Bronze or Blade only! Home How to Clean Your Windshield With Steel Wool. Every time you pay federal taxes, youre contributing to these lands. These cloths are like that, but for more delicate dishware. This is why its important to ensure you have the correct type of steel wool and do a test spot on your windshield. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Its not the scraper scratching the glass is the broken bits of fabricating debris that scratch the glass. You could also try posting your question on the user forums on http://iRV2.com to see if anyone has a better idea about this than we do.

So we usually use Rain-X when we do a big detailing on our RV or car, like each spring when we wax them. We Asked Food Experts for Their Kitchen Organization Tips. It works on light paint overspray as well. Tips for New RV Owners: How to Avoid the Worst Mistakes! In another video on cleaning the windshield of the RV, you use Invisible Glass with rain repellent.

We're happy with the techniques and products we use, but be sure to confirm that all methods and materials you use are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Fog is a common problem in double-paned thermal windows. Best RV Pet Screen Door Protectors: Pet-Proof Your RVs Door. Larry, Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! How had I wasted years of my life soaking and scrubbing nasty baking dishes for hours? Rusty (iron oxide) steel wool can scratch glass. Regular washing cant remove the fine dirt that gets into the pores of the glass, so we use a little detailers trick that we learned years ago: 0000 steel wool. I think it works on silicone too. Any thoughts on using 0000 steel wool to try and repair scratches made from erroneously using a ScotchBrite pad?

. We can give customers the info they need to go after the people that sold them the crap in the first place. While it can be expensive to have your windows professionally cleaned, many homeowners are happy to pay the cost after running this cost-benefit analysis. Anything else is playing Russian roulette w/ your business. Of course that should absolutely not be happening. Maybe its the homeowners fault for buying crappy glass. choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.

Not only is the glass itself more beautiful when clean and sparkling, but clean windows also illuminate the natural beauty of a homes interior and refresh the old familiar views outside. Clean Your RV Windows & Mirrors Super Fast (no window cleaner needed! In general, glass is a pretty hard substance at somewhere between 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness depending on the manufacturing process. 7 Best RV Vacuum Cleaners: Get One That Really Sucks! Its harder than it looks. While each homeowner will need to tailor any purchase to their budgeting and taste requirements, we do have some general recommendations from a maintenance standpoint: 2020 Evergreen Window Cleaning LLC.

We stock all the major window cleaning brands includingReach-It & Aero water-fed pole systems, Ettore,Sorbo,Wagtail,Unger,Pulex,Glidex,Triumph and Moerman. Overused, rusty, or damaged steel wool will no longer maintain its properties and might scratch the windows.

Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy). And of course, more natural light coming through your clean windows makes your home brighter. Tempered glass is usually marked as such in a corner and are installed (per construction code) in places where the glass could easily be broken. Mesh Dish Cloths Scrub Tough Stains, Without Scratching Cookware. For general debris removal I use my scraper. I prefer wool over steel wool pads even though they dont scrub as well as steel because the bronze doesnt rust and the pads last longer than steel wool. I'm very happy with the results. Rust makes superfine steel wool coarse, so do not use rusty wool on glass or other delicate surfaces. Also, since this variety is superfine, it can release extra-fine shavings. The sprays, sponges, goops, and powders the Epi team uses to keep our tools in tip-top shape. The greatest thing I have found to wash a car and glass with is a scrub daddy scrubber. The strong metal wires that steel wool is made of will dislodge the dirt and scrape it off with little effort. Before you try that, it's possible that the scratches you're seeing aren't actually in the glass, but in any waxy build-up ON the glass (like from having wax applied in a car wash). Window cleaning has been the hallmark of our business since its founding and it still is. In the video above, you treat the window with Rain-X. If they get scratched then you know for sure that the quality is poor and the manufacturer screwed up.

.I even cringe when using wet paper on glass and won't use dry paper at all.

But the level of risk is different. Never use your scraper on tempered glass. Of course they may just tell you to take it to your nearest service facility. On one hand, theres rain, snow, wind bringing debris and dust, insects, animals, and so on. They do make products specifically designed for polishing small scratches out of glass, such as this: http://amzn.to/2xRfj2Q We've never used this type of product, so can't vouch for it personally. Its the best thing since sliced bread for washing a vehicle. If done correctly, this method can be a great way to keep your windshield clean. Ive also used 0000 steel wool on glasses and stemwarethe superfine filaments buffed away cloudy spots that linger after a conventional handwashing. Seven secrets for keeping even the busiest kitchen super organized. Everybody weve told about this little detailing trick seemed really surprised that steel wool does not scratch glass. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. These factors can lead to grime, films, and oils that can get hard to remove. To be honest with you,we hate paying for camping. Used this method to remove any accidental paint or primer over spray. Since 1995, Epicurious has been the ultimate food resource for the home cook, with daily kitchen tips, fun cooking videos, and, oh yeah, over 33,000 recipes. What sort of things on the glass are best removed with steel wool? How often should you clean them? If the objects or furniture are easily movable and present no risk of breakage we are happy to move them for you and replace them. As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours.

Use detergents that are safe for glass and dont leave an oily film. Hi Lin. . If youre worried about scratches, use an inconspicuous area as a test area. When we say the debris scratched the glass and not the razor isnt that a matter of semantics? Would you recommend going with the Invisible Glass instead of Rain-X? Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Is the steel/bronze wool good for sticker glue?..or bring out the Goo-Gone for that?? If you want to get the bugs and other gunk off of your windshield, you can give steel wool a shot.

. But the reviews are generally good, so it might be worth a try. UV-ray film is becoming a rarity these days in the Seattle area, but we still find it on some older panes. However, only glass-rated steel wool will suffice for such purposes. The deionized water-fed pole method has become an important tool in modern window cleaning. Although we cannot guarantee that scratching is impossible, many people whove tried steel wool since seeing this video have been thrilled with the results. 2022 Cond Nast. I use bronze wool (to eliminate the rust issue) to buff out drips or runs as a touch up measure. Some also think you should never us a razor blade on glass, and others do it all the time. The pandan-scented dessert is like one big, green honeycomb. Its crucial that you only attempt this on glass windshields. If having and keeping clean windows is your goal, then we recommend cleaning your windows four times per year. Act Fast to Prevent a Crack! . The following will be listed separately on any quote (or invoice) we send. If the windows are really messed up with paint overspray and I really need a razor to getm clean I ask the home owner to call the [B]clowns[/B] that got paint all over her tempered glass windows and let them solve her problem. In addition to subscribing above, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, too (if you havent already)! This is how you know your windshield is ready for the next rainstorm. If that doesnt do the job, you can work your way up using more aggressive approaches to scrubbing your windshield. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk. Love your chainmail scrubber for cleaning cast-iron pans? After a little time goes by, every windshield gets a little hazy. It works in a desperate situation but should be avoided in most cases. We will remove a few stickers free of charge, but will need to add an additional charge for more than that. Some of the best auto glass cleaners also contain rain repellent and make a significant difference in the rain. A reputable professional window cleaning company takes on your time, weariness, danger, frustration, and they know how to clean your windows without scratching them.

While you can use steel wool on dry windows, you can increase its effectiveness by first soaking your windows in a soapy water solution. On small cut ups Ill use my pad to wet and scrub the window. We recommend using a high-quality glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. That goes double for autos that are towed right behind a large motorhome.

Some people refuse to try this method in fear that it might scratch their windshield. I have a question I have a newmar Dutch star and the diesel leaks out of gas cap I was wondering why that is and what I can do about that. Its of interest that GANA says no razors but then says a 1" razor is OK. Kind of double talk dont you think?

Fine grade steel wool will not only prevent any scratching but can repair existent scratches and polish the glass. Well show you how to improve the clarity of the glass and improve visibility. Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by F8L, Dec 3, 2010. If we miss anything in the quoting process, please dont hesitate to let us know so we can adjust the quote. Ya thats it! Spilling diesel is a serious and possibly dangerous problem, and we would suggest you contact Newmar directly to let them know what's happening and ask if there is some known problem. Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting, Similar Threads - Cleaning windshield steel, Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, (You must log in or sign up to post here. . You should only use new steel wool to avoid any issues with contaminants. We actually use both at different times. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. sometimes ill steel wool every window on a job if the glass is just way dirty. If its important to window cleaners then you can guarantee that WCO stocks it. While it lit up every muscle fiber in my good arm and took a few solid minutes of work, I was able to buff away some incredibly persistent grease with only steel wool and hot water, leaving absolutely zero scratches behind. Worked in custom collision body shop in the 90s. With your vehicle parked in the shade, use the super fine steel wool to scrub away the bugs, pine tar, and other road gunk from your windshield. Window cleaners are not paid to check for it, nor do window cleaners want the liability associated with an inspection. However, before you go throwing good money away, you should first check with the installing contractor or manufacturer to see what warranties exist on your windows. :). and or your hardware store. Any vehicle with plastic or non-glass windshield would be more susceptible to scratching. One important point here guys - the tempered can have FD on it and you wont be able to tell. Replace your steel wool cleaning pads when you notice grime build-up, rust, or ruffled wires on them. To revisit this recipe, visit My Account, thenView saved recipes. Theyre the key to doing the dishes faster and better.

Windows are exposed constantly to outside elements and traces of our indoor living.

Even with a waiver signed I just dont have the time or the energy to be spending a day going to court with a very angry customer. Yes. NOTE: We mention using fine 0000 steel wool in this video. Use warm water to dislodge the dirt more easily. [/B]But whose fault is it when the windows get scratched because a window cleaner used a razor on tempered glass that the manufacturer said not to use a razor on? On the other hand, you have steam from cooking, dust, and sometimes sticky fingers of curious kids. Cleaning your windshield with steel wool sounds like a bad idea, but its not as crazy as youd think. Then, wipe it off with paper towels, newspapers, or a clean rag. A common request is to have both inside and out cleaned once or twice per year and the exteriors cleaned quarterly.

If you were to scratch your windshield, theres no repairing it. Popular cleaning wisdom alerts us that using steel wool should be limited to materials that can handle its abrasive powerjust imagining the scratches standard steel wool might leave on delicate glassware makes me shudder. :eek: I use a scratched glass waiver even if I leave the razor in the truck. It should go without saying that clean windows make your home or business look cleanerbut its absolutely true. Glass-rated steel wool is extra fine and it can remove stubborn deposits, oils, and debris efficiently without needing water or detergents to work. Theres a rumor going around that cleaning your windshield with steel wool can provide you with professional-looking results. We are Australian owned and operated with our window cleaning product showroom based at100 Auburn Road in Melbourne, Victoria. Period. Maybe its the homeowners fault for buying crappy glass. If there are many small objects in front of the windows, it really helps us do our job more efficiently if they are moved beforehand.

One suggestion was to use wet steel wool (of course it will then rust, so pitch it afterwards). For residential, we recommend having your exterior windows cleaned biannually or quarterly and the interiors cleaned once or twice per year. ), Red triangle cleaned out ton of hair still red triangle. First, youll need super fine 0000 steel wool. i charge a little more and the quality is great.

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]My post was meant to be funny, tongue in cheek. Also, if the steel wool you were using was not new/clean, and had bits of other material from previous use or storage near machine shop tools trapped between the strands (silicon sand, dust from grinding hardened steel, microscopic bits of glass, etc), or had a bit of rust on it (iron oxide coming in at 6 on the hardness scale) then that might also explain the scratches. Epicurious may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers.

So we researched to find out if steel wool really is a viable way to clean your windshield.

No glass cleaner needed.

This works quite well with vinyl and aluminum-framed windows, but not as well on many older windows (such as true leaded-glass panes). Unless I was dealing with paint, glue or sap, or some direct substance that would not remove with the use of common glass cleaners and clothI'd avoid going at any glass with any substance that is abrassive. Windshield Stone Chip? This is our standard operating procedure for most windows: We apply a soap/water solution, scrub the glass with fresh, #000 steel wool, squeegee the window, do a quick streak-check with clean cloth or dry steel wool, wipe down the sash and sill, and lastly, we wipe down the screen and replace it. i use the four 0000 steel wool. Browse and buy great quality window cleaning supplies. [/B]But whose fault is it when the windows get scratched because a window cleaner used a razor on tempered glass that the manufacturer said not to use a razor on? i charge a little more and the quality is great. Quarterly window cleaning (or more often) is best to keep clean windows throughout the year. Correct, Tony you cant prove fabricating debris is [B]not[/B] present. I use light pressure when I wool tempered and heat strengthened glass to minimize the risk. Evergreen Window Cleaning and Home Maintenance is licensed, bonded, insured, all our field techs are highly-trained professionals with a mission to deliver excellence with integrity and joy. Get the waiver and educate the homeowner about their potential problem. . Quality tempered glass without fabricating debris does not scratch. We clean storefronts and other commercial properties. Removing dirt from your windows and other glass panels doesnt have to be a difficult job.

.

.why under any normal to semi-normal circumstance would you use anything as potentially abrasive as steel wool of any grade, or even a scotch brite scrubbing sponge?.

Fine steel wool marked with the #0000 grade is perfectly safe and a useful tool in your window cleaning kit. [/FONT][/COLOR]

Anything coarser than the finest grade of steel wool which is marked #0000, can scratch your windows. We use drop-cloths over carpeted areas and furniture that is not easily movable. If not done correctly, you could very well damage your windshield. Hi Dan! It scratches pretty easy. pads, will absolutely scratch it and must never be used to clean it.