Expert: Robert Lamb - 12/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: I can't remove a white film that's kind of streaky from my patio door windows. Since the paint on our siding comes off on your hand if you rub it, I think it has covered the windows just from running off with the rain. I have tried Windex and a mix of water and white vinegar.

ANSWER: Ann,

Believe it or not glass is very porous. Because of this it can really "grab" and hold on to stains.

You probably need to use a mild abrasive like grade 3 or 4 steel wool. Look for steel wool with 3 or 4 zeros (000 or 0000) on the packaging. These grades (3 or 4) will not damage glass. A one or two zero grade might though so be sure not to use those.

You might also use a plastic scrubby pad. These are graded too, by color, so only use a white one.

There are other options too, but I would try this first in conjunction with your regular cleaning techniques.

Let me know how it turns out.

Robert Lamb
www.robscleaningservice.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Robert, Thank you for your quick response. I have a follow up question. After using the mild abrasive (steel wool or scrubby pad) will I need to polish the glass? Should I use my regular windex when I do this?  And, after I clean them this way, I assume the problem will return so do I need to be careful about using the abrasive on the glass too often?
Actually, that was 3 questions - sorry :)  


ANSWER: Ann,

In answer to your questions, "After using the mild abrasive (steel wool or scrubby pad) will I need to polish the glass? Should I use my regular windex when I do this?"

Yes, as I mentioned above, "I would try this first in conjunction with your regular cleaning techniques." So what ever your regular cleaning techniques are (Windex, or if you do as we do, use a little sudsy water and a squeegee) do that after you use the steel wool or scrubby pad. In fact, some like to use their window cleaning solution in conjunction with the abrasive so that they have a little lubricant in the mix.

Now for the last question, "And, after I clean them this way, I assume the problem will return so do I need to be careful about using the abrasive on the glass too often?" Here's my two part answer: (1)Your problem will probably come back. One thing you could do is apply a sealer after you thoroughly clean the glass. One common glass sealer is Rain-X. Rain-X or a similar product will put an invisible barrier between the glass and what ever is causing the stain. This will increase the amount of time that your windows will look great and decrease the amount of time you will have to spend keeping your windows looking great. (2)If you use the correct type of abrasive pad (000 or 0000 grade) you do not have to worry about using the abrasive too often. Using a lower grade abrasive (00 or 0 grade) just once is too much and you can expect scratches. Remember the plastic kind is also graded (by color) and white is the only safe one you can use.

Please let me know how your window project works out!

Robert Lamb
Window Masters
www.robscleaningservice.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Robert,
I used the steel wool as you suggested and I thank you for that.  However, it became clear to us that the streaks are between the glass panes of the sliding glass window. agh!
We have had no condensation that would make us think the seal is broken, so we have no idea how those streaks got in there. By the way, the streaks look just like the link you provided "Image: chalky stains".  
 So, unless you have a magic solution, I guess I am stuck
with the awful view until I buy new sliding glass doors.
 Thanks again, Ann

Answer
Ann,

If the streaks are between the glass, you are correct, you have a broken seal (a very common problem). The moisture between the glass will become acidic and will corrode the glass until you have stage 3 corrosion. Stage 3 corrosion is irreversible.

There are some companies that claim to be able to drill a hole in the frame of the damaged unit, remove the moisture, and then plug the unit (unless you already have stage 3 corrosion). One of those companies can be found here: http://www.crystalclearwindowworks.com/Default.html

Another option is to check the warranty on that sealed unit. Some companies will guarantee their products for up to 20 years.

Let me know if this helps.

Robert Lamb
Window Masters
www.mywindowmasters.com