Clear Plastic Windows Care and Maintenance

[bug73]

Clear Plastic Windows Care and Maintenance
From North American Waterway and Ostler Boat Tops.
http://www.north-american-waterway.com

Nothing makes a boat look more unkempt than cloudy, yellowish brown plastic windows.
If proper care isn't taken, the vinyl will become brittle due to loss of chemicals called "plasticizor". The plasticizors work their way to the surface over time, evaporating and leaving the vinyl brittle, cracked and cloudy.

Start the cleaning process by first rinsing glass with clear water to remove any dust or dirt particles. This should be done on a frequent basis to keep salt water and environmental agents off of your glass product. Using a soft non-abrasive cloth, wash curtains inside and out with a mild soap and water mixture. Rinse completely with cool water. DO NOT USE DETERGENTS! Polish glass inside and out with a manufacturer recommended product. DO NOT use chemicals on the vinyl glass. This will break down the protectors in the vinyl. You can remove some scratches from your glass by using a manufacturer’s recommended product. Do not fold clear vinyl glass, store flat or roll up.

[agsbill]

I have read on other boat forums that you should NOT use Windex on plastic windows...

Bill

[bug73]

I dont have plastic windows yet, but I wouldnt after reading the above. It sounds like what armor all does to tires, it removes the natural lubricants and protectants from the product you put it on.

[badmoonrising]

A few years back I had a canvas top on my Ford Ranger made by Safari Tops in VA (no longer in business). The owner of the company told me to use Pledge furniture polish without lemon in it.

Don't know if that's still true these days though.