Tutorial: Removing Rain-X

[Carnage]

Hey TM3,

From the first day I applied Rain-X to my windshield I had nothing but issues.
I'm going to assume I'm not the only one who has had issues with Rain-X, so I decided to put together this tutorial for everyone.
I couldn't stand the hazing anymore. I couldn't see out my windshield at night if it was raining.

Throughout this journey I managed to scratch all of my windows, buy 10 different sets of wiper blades and drive with my head out the window so I could actually see.

Step 1: Buy this...

http://www.notouch.ca/media/products/images/21.png

or this...

http://www.rainx.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Glass-and-Windshield_X-treme-Clean-12oz-605x1024.png

Step 2: Buy this:

http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00CvtawhqKfgoZ/Microfiber-Cloth-Towel-4041-.jpg

Step 3: Apply either No Touch Auto Glass Stripper or Rain-X X-Treme Clean to a damp microfiber cloth, or even right onto the windshield. Then rub in a circular motion on the windshield until it's all gone.

I was lazy and used a buffer, you can do that too.

Try not to use:


Razer blade
Scotch-Brite Scrub Pad (The green side especially)
Sandpaper


Things that from my testing do not work:


Dish soap
Lighter fluid
Ammonia
Rubbing alcohol
Beer
Sledgehammer


And there you have it.

Good luck!

[Cab0oze]

Useful tutorial i suppose, but I've gotta ask.... how does one have issues with rain-x?

[boo-ninja]

I use rain x all of the time on all of my windows on all of my vehicles, never had any issues. Did you wipe it down with a microfibre after applying it? That's what I have found to be the best.

[sudz]

I Love Rain-x. If you don't apply it often (every other month) it starts to seem like road grime, but as long as you clean your windshield before applying, and buff it out or hit it with the garden hose after applying, its crystal clear.

[peterm15]

I had the same problems as the op. I'll never put it on again. Been a long while since I last put it on. My rain sensor finally seems to adjust the sensitivity.

Every time I had to use the wipers I couldn't see crap for a few seconds.

[rajin929]

i found to have had issues with smearing when I used the Rain X Washer Fluid....but not the regular Rain X

[silverstarmazda]

rain-x = issues for me. its a hit and miss for some people because of the condition of the windshield its applied to apparently.

[Cab0oze]

rain-x = issues for me. its a hit and miss for some people because of the condition of the windshield its applied to apparently.
Ive used it on 5 cars now and never had an issue... whats the problem exactly?

[The Wolf]

OP, were your wiper blades Teflon coated?

[silverstarmazda]

Ive used it on 5 cars now and never had an issue... whats the problem exactly?

ive used it on other peoples cars with fine results. but for me they seem to only want to smudge and smear and cause a very thin oily coat which becomes glared in the morning and night. i use use good quality wipers from now on

[aris]

Ive used it on 5 cars now and never had an issue... whats the problem exactly?
I use it with no issues too

[Carnage]

The issue is whenever the wipers are on as they move they leave a haze behind them for a few seconds which you can't see through at all. And I tried non Teflon blades too.

[brucewayne]

anyone use aquapel?

[silverstarmazda]

anyone use aquapel?

no but heard that stuff is magical. i know for the rain-x (bottle form) you have to let it haze when you apply it. then you remove the haze after with a damp cloth. ive only had it work on like 3 cars. but it doesnt for mine for some reason....

[aris]

no but heard that stuff is magical. i know for the rain-x (bottle form) you have to let it haze when you apply it. then you remove the haze after with a damp cloth. ive only had it work on like 3 cars. but it doesnt for mine for some reason....

DO NOT USE A DAMP CLOTH...

A dry micro fiber towel works the best.

[vinceb73]

I do..and no problem at all...never use rainX..but aquapel do the job.

anyone use aquapel?

[Cab0oze]

The issue is whenever the wipers are on as they move they leave a haze behind them for a few seconds which you can't see through at all. And I tried non Teflon blades too.oh man that doesn't sound safe... I wonder if there was already some kind of oily film on your window before putting the rainx on, because really, rainx should always behave the same way.
My guess for people with problems is:
1) botched application
2) windshield that has some kind of residue on it (i.e. not starting with a clean surface)
3) bad batch of product

I've used all kinds of wipers from cheap to expensive, so it can't be that, and glass is glass (plus we all have the same cars lol)

[Hyperion]

I have that temporary haze also, but it's only there for half a second. And the silicone solution makes the water bead so well I actually rarely use my wipers.

[silverstarmazda]

DO NOT USE A DAMP CLOTH...

A dry micro fiber towel works the best.

wait, do i buff it dry? because i remember the bottle saying it should be a bit damp. how long does this usually last? ive stripped my glass clean of any residue. but rain-x always seem to leave an very very slight oily glaze. even bought 3 bottles from different shops and they all do the same. unless im THAT unlucky lol

[aris]

wait, do i buff it dry? because i remember the bottle saying it should be a bit damp. how long does this usually last? ive stripped my glass clean of any residue. but rain-x always seem to leave an very very slight oily glaze. even bought 3 bottles from different shops and they all do the same. unless im THAT unlucky lol

Your supposed to apply product on dry cloth then apply on windshield... Let dry once it's dries use a clean dry micro fiber towel and buff it out... It will take bit of effort but the results pay off

(it's pretty much the same way you apply wax on your car)

[Seshan]

I should probably use this to remove the rust check i got on my windshield...

[aris]

I should probably use this to remove the rust check i got on my windshield...

Rain -x will not remove the rust check on your windheild... Any glass cleaner will do that

[Souls]

weird! I've never had any issues with RainX and I've been using it for years. I clean my glass with comet (yes indeed), rinse, dry and splash it(RainX) all over the glass and buff it with linty papertowels. it doesn't keep it's awesomeness forever. I notice after about 8-10wks, the contaminants from the road mucks it up, esp during the start of a rain - all the oils in that yummy hwy spray. so I start fresh again.

<edit> I have a newer windshield

[VertigoM]

Anyone else tried Opti-Seal? I use this on all my car's surfaces. Works like a charm on windows and lasts longer than Rain-x. No hazing whatsoever.