Maya Ellison
Jeep owners often face the issue of their plastic windows becoming foggy and yellowed due to various factors, such as UV exposure, dirt accumulation, and the use of incorrect cleaning products. To effectively address this problem, it is crucial to select suitable cleaning and polishing products designed for automotive plastic surfaces. In this regard, products like Plexus, Raggtopp, 303 Protectant, Meguiar's PlastX, and Novus are recommended for restoring clarity and preventing further discolouration. Additionally, techniques like using a dual-action polisher with the appropriate level of aggressiveness and finishing with an isopropyl alcohol and water solution can enhance the results. Maintaining Jeep windows involves regular cleaning with mild detergents, avoiding paper towels and harsh chemicals, and applying UV protectants to prevent fogging and yellowing.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of yellowing | Exposure to UV rays, use of paper towels, and harsh household cleaning products |
| Prevention | Use of UV protectant, avoid paper towels, and household cleaning products |
| Cleaning products | Meguiares, Novus, Raggtopp, 303 Protectant, Plexus, mild dishwashing detergent, Meguiar's PlastX, Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Cleaner, Sprayway Glass Cleaner, Plexo Plastic Cleaner |
| Cleaning tools | Soft cotton towels, microfiber cloths, dual-action polisher |
| Cleaning techniques | Remove windows, clean with glass cleaner, clay windows, tape off canvas area, polish with heavy pressure, wipe with isopropyl alcohol/water solution, dry with microfiber cloth |
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What You'll Learn
Use a UV protectant to prevent yellowing
To prevent yellowing of your Jeep's plastic windows, it is important to take precautions and protect your soft top and vinyl/plastic windows. Using a UV protectant can help shield your windows from harmful UV rays that cause damage, such as fading, discolouration, and degradation of the plastic material.
There are a few products available that can help protect your windows from UV damage. One option is to use a UV protectant specifically designed for plastic surfaces, such as the RAGGTOPP™ Convertible & SUV Soft Top Plastic Window Cleaner & Protectant Kit. This product is safe to use on clear soft and hard vinyl, Lexan™, Lucite, Plexiglas, and other clear plastic surfaces. It removes environmental oxidation and protects against UV damage by blocking out UV rays.
Another option is to use a specialised plastic window polish with UV protection, such as Meguiar's PlastX or Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Cleaner. These products can help improve the appearance of your windows and may also offer some protection against UV rays.
In addition to using a UV protectant, you can also take other measures to protect your windows from UV damage. Parking your Jeep in shaded areas or using window covers when not in use can provide added protection from the sun's harmful UV rays. Regular maintenance and cleaning of your windows can also help prolong their life and prevent discolouration.
By incorporating these maintenance practices into your routine, you can help prevent yellowing and extend the life of your Jeep's plastic windows, keeping them clear and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle.
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Avoid paper towels
When cleaning or defogging the windows of your Jeep, it is best to avoid using paper towels. Paper towels are linty, streaky, and abrasive, which can leave your windows with streaks and lint. Paper towels are also not very absorbent, especially when cleaning car windows that are not full of liquid. This can cause streaking and smudging, making it harder to see through your windows.
Instead, it is recommended to use a microfiber towel or cloth to clean your windows. Microfiber towels are more absorbent than paper towels and will not leave behind lint or streak your windows. They are also gentle on the plastic, reducing the risk of scratches. A clean, new microfiber cloth or towel can be used with a mild soap and warm water, or a vinegar and warm water solution, to effectively clean your windows without causing damage.
When using a microfiber towel, be sure to wipe in a straight motion, from front to back or top to bottom, to avoid scratching the surface. Avoid wiping in circles. You can also use a microfiber towel to buff the windows after cleaning to remove any remaining soap or vinegar solution and create a clear finish.
In addition to microfiber towels, other soft materials can be used to clean Jeep windows without causing damage. Soft cotton towels or old cloth diapers, for example, can be used with a mild detergent and warm water to clean vinyl windows effectively.
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Use a mild detergent and warm water
To clean your Jeep's yellowed plastic windows, a mild dishwashing detergent and warm water can be used. This is perhaps the easiest and safest way to clean your vinyl soft top and its plastic windows.
Firstly, it is important to use a clean soft terry cloth or cotton rag to wash the windows. You should always wipe the windows from left to right or right to left to clean them. Avoid using paper towels, as these will scratch your windows.
Next, use a mild detergent and warm water to clean the windows. Mix a bit of detergent with warm water in a bucket. Then, use a soft cotton towel or old cloth diaper to clean the windows with the mixture. Ensure that you do not rub the windows when there is dirt present, as this will cause scratches.
After cleaning the windows, use a clean soft terry towel or cotton rag to dry the entire surface. It is important to rinse the windows thoroughly to completely remove the detergent mixture.
It is recommended to only use a slightly damp soft cotton towel with soapy water to clean your windows from now on. Never wipe them when everything is dry. You can use an old soft towel or t-shirt for this purpose.
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Apply Plexus for clear windows
Plexus is a plastic cleaner that can be used to clean and polish plastic Jeep windows. It is available in 13-ounce aerosol cans. It is important to note that paper towels or paper napkins should not be used with Plexus, as they can leave scratches on the plastic. Instead, it is recommended to use soft cloths, like old t-shirts, and to wipe in an up-and-down motion when applying and removing the product.
To use Plexus on your Jeep's plastic windows, first ensure that the windows are freshly and correctly cleaned. This can be done by removing the windows from the Jeep, cleaning them with a glass cleaner, and then claying the windows. Tape off any canvas areas of the windows to protect them.
Next, using a dual-action polisher, polish the windows with a polish that has an aggressiveness rating of 4, according to the Autopia Polish Comparison Chart. Optimum Polish II and a green Hex Logic pad can be used for this step. Apply heavy pressure, pressing hard enough to almost slow down the polisher. The pad will get warm, and you can then wipe away the polish with a quality microfiber towel.
Afterwards, repeat the process with a polish that has an aggressiveness rating of 2, using a white Hex Logic pad. Again, wipe away the polish with a microfiber towel. Finally, wipe down the windows with a 15% isopropyl alcohol and 85% water solution, and dry the windows with your softest microfiber cloth.
By following these steps and using Plexus, you can effectively clean and polish your Jeep's plastic windows, helping to remove scratches, haze, and yellowing, and leaving them clear and protected.
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Avoid bleach and household cleaning products
Bleach and household cleaning products should be avoided when cleaning yellowed plastic jeep windows. Bleach will strip the soft top's vinyl and plastic windows of their natural properties. Common household cleaning products often contain silicone or petroleum solvents, which can be harmful. Similarly, household spray window cleaners tend to contain alcohol and/or ammonia, which will rapidly dry out the natural oils in the windows.
Instead, there are several commercial products available that are designed for use on automotive plastic windows. These include Raggtopp, 303 Protectant, and Plexus. Plexus is anti-static and can be used on both the soft top and the windows. It repels dust, grease, and dirt and lessens the growth of mildew. It also makes coloured plastics vibrant and clear plastic virtually transparent.
There are also a few other methods for cleaning yellowed plastic jeep windows that do not involve bleach or household cleaning products. One method is to use a polishing compound with an electric auto buffer, followed by a headlight buffing kit. Another is to use a dual-action polisher with a polish, such as Optimum Polish II, and a microfiber towel. A third option is to use a plastic cleaner, such as Meguiar's PlastX or Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Cleaner, with a microfiber pad.
It is important to note that when cleaning plastic jeep windows, it is recommended to avoid using paper towels and to be careful with cheap microfiber towels, as these can leave scratches. Instead, use soft cotton towels or old cloth diapers with a bit of detergent in a bucket of warm water. Hose the windows down first and be gentle when cleaning to avoid scratching the surface.
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Frequently asked questions
Use a UV protectant generously and regularly. Avoid using common household cleaning products, as they may contain chemicals that can fog or discolour the windows.
Raggtopp, 303 Protectant, Plexus, and Meguiar's PlastX are all recommended products for cleaning plastic Jeep windows.
Use a soft, clean cloth made from cotton or terry fabric. Avoid using paper towels or low-quality microfiber towels, as they can scratch the windows.
First, remove the windows from the Jeep. Clean them with a glass cleaner and then clay the plastic. Tape off the canvas area. Next, use a dual-action polisher with a polish, following the Autopia Polish Comparison Chart for the appropriate aggressiveness level. Finally, wipe away the polish with a quality microfiber towel.
If you notice dirt, haze, scratches, or yellowing on your windows, it's time to clean and polish them. Regular maintenance will help prevent hazing, yellowing, and oxidation, so it's important to clean your windows as part of your Jeep care routine.
