what do you guys think of using #0000 steel wool for cleaning automotive windshields , windows etc.

 

Steel wool is 100% safe to use to remove overspray/bugguts on glass. It is the 3m nylon type abrasive pads that do major damage. That said, do not use it on the inside of a aftermarket tinted glass. Goes without saying I guess.

 

I wouldn't use it.
Regardless of the grit, it's still a form of mechanical surface removal by sanding and long term use would be accumulative.
I would try chemicals...even solvents first.

 

I've had 2 come back with scratched glass after taking them to get tinted. Now that I know what caused it, I request that it not touch my glass.

 

don't be afraid


http://www.wd40.com/search/

 

what does wd40 have to with window cleaning enlighten me

 

thanks for the replies . i think i will only use the steel wool very sparingly and it makes sense not to use it all the time due to possible surface removal

 

What are you trying to remove? I'd just start out by using some clay.

- NCSU

 

i had a friend tell about using steel wool to cleaning automotive windows using #0000 and i figured i would ask the guys that would know before i ever tried it.

 

0000 (very very fine) steel wool is perfectly safe to use on glass only (no tinting). I have used it for years on every vehicle I have owned to get the 'Bug Juice' off. Also..never use it on any type of plastic, there are other products for that.

 

thanks for the info

 

I left out a very important point here..sorry!....also use glass cleaner with the steel wool.

 

I use 000 with some type of lubricant (class cleaner/polish/ etc) all the time. Will leave a completely spot free, scratch free surface! Don't waste your time trying to remove serious major water spots or defects with chemicals/cleaners.

 

Yea, Galaxy, my point exactly..never use steel wool dry !!!

 

OP never stated his purpose for using it but steel wool's primary function is mechanical surface removal (metal sanding).
If you use it wrong or long enough lube or not it will dull the smooth surface of the glass. IMHO...Thats not perfectly safe.
For hard water spots I would use a razor blade and vinegar or window cleaner before steel wool.

Jetech, do you work on Jets?