A Clear Windscreen Wanted.

[Vimto]

Ever since I bought a second-hand car over two years ago I have been unable to clean the inside of the windscreen properly. In the summer it is not such a problem but during the wet and cold months I have a constant battle keeping it clear for viewing.
There is a large patch immediately in my vision which, when wet, an area of writing appears which seems to be the remnant of a "for sale" sign that must have been on the car at the dealers which gives details of the car. I have been told that in hot weather the plastic notice can form a "stain" on the windscreen which is hard to remove. This ties in well in the fact it was August when I purchased the car. I have tried all manner of solutions including meths, patent glass cleaners and good old elbow grease without any appreciable effect. When the windscreen is completely dry it is not a problem and the "ghost writing" disappears but when wet or simply steamed up it does cause a problem. Can anyone suggest a method or some special solvent that will clear this residue pleae.

[Canary42]

Does your insurance cover windscreen replacement - if so, arrange a little "accident" and get a new windscreen.

[janbee]

Have you tried nail polish remover? I find it's quite good for removing all sorts of marks. Try it Vimto. Good luck.

[fbg40]

Vimto
Do you have a "Poundshop" near you ? If so, pay them a visit and buy the following : White Vinegar Glass Cleaner. This comes in a spray bottle (500ml I think) and is absolutely brilliant. Well worth a trip if you have a close Poundshop.
FBG40

[gingejbee]

I don't think that you will remove the problem using any of the usual solvents...you really need a slightly abrasive glass polish, specially made to remove all manner of surface problems from car glasswork. This is probably the easiest to obtain...it will last for years and you will have the cleanest glass (inside and out).

http://www.halfords.com/motoring/cleaning-products/interior-cleaning-products/turtle-wax-intensive-cream-glass-polish-500ml

[Old_Geezer]

If spirit based fluids have not removed it, then it sounds as if it needs to be scraped off. Something sharp enough to separate the residue from the glass but unable to scratch glass. Not sure what to suggest though. Maybe trial & error required.

[TWR]

Hot Soap Water put plenty of Fairy in the Basin, a Stanley blade with do the Job, Put On /Wipe Off, Put On / wipe off, it will take you while but the job will be done.

[gingejbee]

With respect, I think that both OG and TWR have misunderstood the nature of the problem...if you read the OP again properly, you will see that the problem is not one that can be "scraped" away....because it is "ghost writing" ie it's not really there all the time, just when conditions are right. I'm sure that a mildly abrasive glass polish will do the job.
And please don't use anything sharp...you'll scratch the glass permanently!

[Old_Geezer]

If you are using a mild abrasive that will be doing your scraping for you. It's unlikely to be dissolving anything.

[gingejbee]

"Something sharp enough to separate the residue"....there isn't any residue! The problem lies in the surface of the glass (at the molecular level) and a microscopic amount of the surface needs removing....and not with anything (in the usual sense of the word) sharp.

[Old_Geezer]

Oh I see.

If that is the case then, best of luck with it. I'd be concerned deliberate wearing away the surface of the whole area might just make it all a little steamed up in the wet. But must be worth a try.

[Baldric]

Sounds like a New Windscreen to me,

[TWR]

Ginge, I have been Valeting cars on a part time basis for 30 years, never had a problem with what I have stated & I still use it now, it works on the Inside / Outside the Glass.

[gingejbee]

TWR: BUT...if you read the OP....there is nothing physical on the screen to scrape off! And, I maintain, that nothing sharp should be used on a windscreen, anyway.

[chrissa1]

My daughter read this in Facebook, it might help.

You buy some Cat Litter and pour it into an old sock. Then put another sock over the other one so that the Litter is sealed in. Sit this "sausage" on your dashboard and apparently it stops condensation.

I haven't tried it myself but it might work. Cheaper than a new windscreen.

[tonyav]

I have used electrical spray cleaner in the past on windscreens to remove very sticky residue left by stickers etc. It works very well, it dissolves the sticky stuff and you can just wipe it off.
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=electrical+spray+cleaner&rlz=1C2FDUM_enGB494&biw=1280&bih=622&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=FH61VNCWMtTy7Aa4n4EY&ved=0CEcQsAQ

[TWR]

I have read the Post Ginge, that's why I give an answer from a Valeter.

[gingejbee]

TWR: reading it and understanding it ...two different things, no matter how long you've been cleaning vehicles.

[Old_Geezer]

The OP does mention residue. Suggested that, that was causing the 'stain'. Took that as being correct.

Still no harm in trying all sorts of suggestions.

[jno]

this sort of thing might prevent the condensation in the first place

http://www.lakeland.co.uk/24575/Dashboard-Dehumidifier

[stocksman]

Vimto, I can't guarantee this will cure your particular problem but I find Polyclens(brush cleaner, not paint stripper) shifts almost anything and is water soluble so is easy to clean of afterwards. I have used it to remove contact adhesives which the adhesive makers say you need to buy their own expensive) remover. I have found that cheaper versions from Wilko and wickes are also very effective.