Dodger Window Cleaner?
- Thread starter shemandr
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Dodger makers consensus
I'm told by those who make them (dodgers) that using anything containing alcohol or ammonia, which includes Windex, will remove the plasticizers, particularly in Isenglass. Over time this will supposedly lead to crazing and yellowing. Their consensus is one of two products - Plexus or the 3M 201 product. I mentioned to them once about using Pledge and they all agreed that product brings in lots more business for them...
I'm told by those who make them (dodgers) that using anything containing alcohol or ammonia, which includes Windex, will remove the plasticizers, particularly in Isenglass. Over time this will supposedly lead to crazing and yellowing. Their consensus is one of two products - Plexus or the 3M 201 product. I mentioned to them once about using Pledge and they all agreed that product brings in lots more business for them...
Windex has always been a no-no.
This has been discussed many times in the past and Don just gave you the reason. Many major manufacturers of vinyl windows for dodgers etc. recommend 303 Protectant. I suggest you go to their website and read up on some modern technology. Here is the information from the chandlery here. 303 Aerospace Protectant SPF 40 Sunscreen for Your Stuff This is the maintenance product manufacturers recommend most. Only 303 beautifies as intensely, protects as powerfully, or lasts as long. Powerful UV screening protection for colored gelcoat fiberglass, inflatable boats, vinyl, clear vinyl windows, rubber, plastics and leather. Features: * Non toxic and biodegradable, environmentally safe * Beautiful, color restoring finish * Easy, spray on, wipe dry * Treated surfaces repel dust, soiling and staining * Not oily or greasy
This has been discussed many times in the past and Don just gave you the reason. Many major manufacturers of vinyl windows for dodgers etc. recommend 303 Protectant. I suggest you go to their website and read up on some modern technology. Here is the information from the chandlery here. 303 Aerospace Protectant SPF 40 Sunscreen for Your Stuff This is the maintenance product manufacturers recommend most. Only 303 beautifies as intensely, protects as powerfully, or lasts as long. Powerful UV screening protection for colored gelcoat fiberglass, inflatable boats, vinyl, clear vinyl windows, rubber, plastics and leather. Features: * Non toxic and biodegradable, environmentally safe * Beautiful, color restoring finish * Easy, spray on, wipe dry * Treated surfaces repel dust, soiling and staining * Not oily or greasy
My Canvas Man
My canvas guy said on my new 2007 canvas to use a soft old type rag and any mild soap. He is suppose to leave me some special cleaner for me next time I go to boat this monday,but he did say no windex or ammonia or any strong cleaning product and very soft rags. Nick
My canvas guy said on my new 2007 canvas to use a soft old type rag and any mild soap. He is suppose to leave me some special cleaner for me next time I go to boat this monday,but he did say no windex or ammonia or any strong cleaning product and very soft rags. Nick
IMAR Strataglass Cleaner!
This is the only stuff recommended by the makers of Strataglass. It's available from Defender.. If you have heavy gauge clear Strataglass type windows DO NOT use 303 Aerospace! They specifically warn against this stuff for clear glass. Hell the makers of 303 say to put the stuff on everything but I think I'll leave my lawn to Scott's Turfbuilder. Ask the makers of 303 if they are willing to replace your windows and pay the labor when it ruins them? I am a involved in a Canvas business and can tell you we replace LOTS of windows ruined by 303, pledge, windex, terry cloth, Plexus etc. etc..... The misinformation on this site kills me! DO NOT use Pledge, Windex, Plexus, Rain-X or 303 if you have the very clear, very expensive distortion free type glass that MOST canvas makers are using today! If you have regular (cheap) thin windows with the distortion then 201 is fine or Plexus if you need to remove fine scratches but Plexus will eat the clear coating on Strataglass and many other distortion free dodger glass. 303 with eat through it, get into the membrane, and cause permanent hazing of the glass. Your choice! Unfortunately you can't believe everything you read on a manufacturers site. Heck I tried to replace my hacksaw with a Ginsu years ago....... Replacement windows $600.00 to $1000.00. The correct cleaner $16.99..... Here's a link: http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|10918|309314|311480|812850&id=575892
This is the only stuff recommended by the makers of Strataglass. It's available from Defender.. If you have heavy gauge clear Strataglass type windows DO NOT use 303 Aerospace! They specifically warn against this stuff for clear glass. Hell the makers of 303 say to put the stuff on everything but I think I'll leave my lawn to Scott's Turfbuilder. Ask the makers of 303 if they are willing to replace your windows and pay the labor when it ruins them? I am a involved in a Canvas business and can tell you we replace LOTS of windows ruined by 303, pledge, windex, terry cloth, Plexus etc. etc..... The misinformation on this site kills me! DO NOT use Pledge, Windex, Plexus, Rain-X or 303 if you have the very clear, very expensive distortion free type glass that MOST canvas makers are using today! If you have regular (cheap) thin windows with the distortion then 201 is fine or Plexus if you need to remove fine scratches but Plexus will eat the clear coating on Strataglass and many other distortion free dodger glass. 303 with eat through it, get into the membrane, and cause permanent hazing of the glass. Your choice! Unfortunately you can't believe everything you read on a manufacturers site. Heck I tried to replace my hacksaw with a Ginsu years ago....... Replacement windows $600.00 to $1000.00. The correct cleaner $16.99..... Here's a link: http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|10918|309314|311480|812850&id=575892
more info
Actually, the info and recommendations here are pretty good, particularly when you review the industry recommendations compared with the lame explanation by the mfg, included below, as to why they don't recommend anything except their own product(s). As MaineSail says, " Unfortunately you can't believe everything you read on a manufacturer's[sp] site." To quote the manufacturer's press release: "On Sept. 30,2004 Strataglass changed its recommendation for the care and maintenance of Strataglass and Crystal Clear 20/20 clear vinyl sheets. These sheets are used mainly in yacht enclosures and are subject to extreme exposure to the elements, including sun, salt spray and acid rain. Past recommendations of Aquatech and Collinite products provided a level of protection, but most warranty claims came from the improper use of these products on the clear vinyl sheets. Because of this, Strataglass worked with a group of chemists to develop a cleaner and polish combination that, when used as directed, actually extends the useful life of the vinyl and enhances the scratch-protective coating that made Strataglass famous. These products are manufactured exclusively for Integrated Logistics, a Virginia company, and marketed under the IMAR logo."
Actually, the info and recommendations here are pretty good, particularly when you review the industry recommendations compared with the lame explanation by the mfg, included below, as to why they don't recommend anything except their own product(s). As MaineSail says, " Unfortunately you can't believe everything you read on a manufacturer's[sp] site." To quote the manufacturer's press release: "On Sept. 30,2004 Strataglass changed its recommendation for the care and maintenance of Strataglass and Crystal Clear 20/20 clear vinyl sheets. These sheets are used mainly in yacht enclosures and are subject to extreme exposure to the elements, including sun, salt spray and acid rain. Past recommendations of Aquatech and Collinite products provided a level of protection, but most warranty claims came from the improper use of these products on the clear vinyl sheets. Because of this, Strataglass worked with a group of chemists to develop a cleaner and polish combination that, when used as directed, actually extends the useful life of the vinyl and enhances the scratch-protective coating that made Strataglass famous. These products are manufactured exclusively for Integrated Logistics, a Virginia company, and marketed under the IMAR logo."
Sounds fishy to me.
Mainesail promotes a product he likes, and discredits other products rated to be as good or better. Strataglass recommends a certain cleaning product - they probably get a royalty on every sale, and no doubt it works. So does 303 Protectant. Is there any verification to the statement that 303 Protectant will eat through the dodger glass??? I don't think so. That is really silly. There is verification that Windex won't work - it has ammonia in it. Personally, I along with thousands of others will continue to use a product that works just great on our plexiglas, vinyl, and polycarbonate - 303 Protectant.
Mainesail promotes a product he likes, and discredits other products rated to be as good or better. Strataglass recommends a certain cleaning product - they probably get a royalty on every sale, and no doubt it works. So does 303 Protectant. Is there any verification to the statement that 303 Protectant will eat through the dodger glass??? I don't think so. That is really silly. There is verification that Windex won't work - it has ammonia in it. Personally, I along with thousands of others will continue to use a product that works just great on our plexiglas, vinyl, and polycarbonate - 303 Protectant.
Time Will Tell
Time is the best answer to wether a product works or not. So I will throw in my two cents and make the investment worthwhile. For 12 years I have use a spray aerosol-can product called M310. You can buy it from any reputable canvas people or even at Boater's World. A spray can (about $12) will last several years. I am on my third because it'll rust out before you use it up. I use it 2x a season between well-rinsed washings. Only wash them with water and TP, to remove any salt deposits. Or use it when you feel it is necessary.
Time is the best answer to wether a product works or not. So I will throw in my two cents and make the investment worthwhile. For 12 years I have use a spray aerosol-can product called M310. You can buy it from any reputable canvas people or even at Boater's World. A spray can (about $12) will last several years. I am on my third because it'll rust out before you use it up. I use it 2x a season between well-rinsed washings. Only wash them with water and TP, to remove any salt deposits. Or use it when you feel it is necessary.
what about woolite?
I was told by the lady that made my dodger to just use a clean soft rag and woolite in a clean bucket?
I was told by the lady that made my dodger to just use a clean soft rag and woolite in a clean bucket?
Bird doo has grit in it.....
Since birds dont have teeth they swallow grit to help grind their food; so you dont want to be 'wiping' bird doo from the soft dodger vinyl without first 'softening it' first. Any pressure on your part when 'wiping' bird doo is sure to put scratches in the vinyl. Use a garden hose to blast/knock off the loose stuff, let soak with water (or apply a water soaked paper towel) then 'lift' the bird doo with a paper towel being careful not to 'wipe it across the vinyl. Then use a vinyl window cleaner followed by a polish specifically for vinyl windows ...; McGuires or Mothers or 3M from an auto supply store. If you have Stratoglass, then you need to use the specific Stratoglass cleaner.
Since birds dont have teeth they swallow grit to help grind their food; so you dont want to be 'wiping' bird doo from the soft dodger vinyl without first 'softening it' first. Any pressure on your part when 'wiping' bird doo is sure to put scratches in the vinyl. Use a garden hose to blast/knock off the loose stuff, let soak with water (or apply a water soaked paper towel) then 'lift' the bird doo with a paper towel being careful not to 'wipe it across the vinyl. Then use a vinyl window cleaner followed by a polish specifically for vinyl windows ...; McGuires or Mothers or 3M from an auto supply store. If you have Stratoglass, then you need to use the specific Stratoglass cleaner.
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