Cleaning windows

[paul salliss]

Took the boat from Chichester to Hamble on Saturday and boat was covered in salt. Made a bad job of cleaning the windows and had to do the whole lot twice. Any tips for this boring but regular job to get a great result please

 

[Seashoreman]

Spray bottle of fresh water and a squeegee?
Window Squeegee Blade Shower Screen Washer Glass Cleaning Wiper Rubber 5055706641816 | eBay

 

[Dino]

I use white vinegar in a spray bottle for removing salt. It works great.
I saw a guy using one of those Karcher window cleaners on a boat and thought it would be a good idea if I was doing regular sea trips.

 

[Bran]

I use white vinegar in a spray bottle for removing salt. It works great.
I saw a guy using one of those Karcher window cleaners on a boat and thought it would be a good idea if I was doing regular sea trips.

I use a Karcher window vacuum, great bit of kit!

 

[chillee]

This stuff works great. Bought it for my car and worked so well on the windows (no smears at all) decided to try it on my boat. Also good for just cleaning up around the cockpit when needed.
I wait till it is on offer though
Turtle Wax Dash & Glass Interior Cleaner 500ML | Halfords UK

 

[Portofino]

In the Med just plenty of water from a hose to rinse it off.
If it’s not rinsed off properly it smears .
Then a squeegee to pull off excess unsalted water quickly before it dries.

Med boaters rinse off every trip as it’s doesn’t rain often and the salt deteriorates everything .Bad enough with the UV attacking your boat .

 

[Momac]

Any tips for this boring but regular job to get a great result please

I usually make a real mess of window cleaning so I get the wife to do it. She has some special microfibre cloths that are not used for any other purpose.
In case you might be wondering, she is not available for outside contracts at the moment.

 

[BruceK]

Have you tried RainX. Wont help for windblown salt, but easier to clean with a quick hose off and as for salt water it runs off before the salt can dry. I use it instead of my windscreen wipers to rid me of the salt streaks caused by the wipers unless you have a heavy hand on the window wash button. Application is tedious and precise and if you can avoid using the wipers has reasonable longevity.

Edit

Not for plastic etc windows though or canopy windows. For that use the product motorcyclists use on their helmet visors. (apologies, the name escapes me)

 

[Martxer]

Have you tried RainX. Wont help for windblown salt, but easier to clean with a quick hose off and as for salt water it runs off before the salt can dry. I use it instead of my windscreen wipers to rid me of the salt streaks caused by the wipers unless you have a heavy hand on the window wash button. Application is tedious and precise and if you can avoid using the wipers has reasonable longevity.

Edit

Not for plastic etc windows though or canopy windows. For that use the product motorcyclists use on their helmet visors. (apologies, the name escapes me)

+1 for rain x

 

[dj43]

Took the boat from Chichester to Hamble on Saturday and boat was covered in salt. Made a bad job of cleaning the windows and had to do the whole lot twice. Any tips for this boring but regular job to get a great result please

As per others have mentioned, hose boat off with cold water each time you return, will Dissolve the salt and protect your boat, wipe dry windows micro cloth

 

[russ]

Hose down and then use an old wiper blade. Fits the window curve a treat. Then micro cloth off any residue.

 

[stelican]

In the Med just plenty of water from a hose to rinse it off.
If it’s not rinsed off properly it smears .
Then a squeegee to pull off excess unsalted water quickly before it dries.

Med boaters rinse off every trip as it’s doesn’t rain often and the salt deteriorates everything .Bad enough with the UV attacking your boat .

I don't believe you get spray on your windscreen.

 

[rafiki_]

I use a Karcher window vacuum, great bit of kit!

+1

 

[Plum]

Have you tried RainX. Wont help for windblown salt, but easier to clean with a quick hose off and as for salt water it runs off before the salt can dry. I use it instead of my windscreen wipers to rid me of the salt streaks caused by the wipers unless you have a heavy hand on the window wash button. Application is tedious and precise and if you can avoid using the wipers has reasonable longevity.

Edit

Not for plastic etc windows though or canopy windows. For that use the product motorcyclists use on their helmet visors. (apologies, the name escapes me)

+2 for rainX Rain X Rain Repellent Trigger 500ml | Halfords UK significantly reduces the smearing. They also make a version for plastic glazing.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[paul salliss]

I have already got the Karcher thingy, it’s more what solution do you put on them, white wine vinegar was an interesting suggestion

 

[Dino]

Ordinary white vinegar, the white wine version might be overkill. Most window cleaning solutions contain plenty of vinegar.

 

[Sneds]

Warm water. White vinegar and fairy liquid. Sponge and finish with Karcher window vac blade. Buff with newspaper.

Credit to my Gran, c 1981. (Except the Karcher of course!)

 

[Bran]

I have already got the Karcher thingy, it’s more what solution do you put on them, white wine vinegar was an interesting suggestion

I use the Karcher cleaning liquid that came with the vac, seems ok to me.

 

[Elessar]

Kaarcher also good for getting condensation off cockpit seats to speed up that first cuppa of the day.