Proper Care & Cleaning of Polycarbonate Side by Side UTV Windshields

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE

The #1 problem caring for a polycarbonate side by side windshield is the use of incorrect cleaners. Never, ever use cleaners containing ammonia. Cleaning products like WINDEX & Formula 409 will harm your new UTV Windshield.  Use only products specifically recommended for cleaning polycarbonate such as Novus #1, or Brillianize and a SOFT CLOTH. Never use a DRY CLOTH or your HAND to clean your polycarbonate windshield! This will rub dirt and dust INTO the polycarbonate as much has it rubs it OFF.

First, blow the dust or dirt off, or use water and a soft cloth to float the dirt off. Then use a recommended cleaner to complete the job. Note: a mild solution of dish detergent and warm water takes off stubborn dirt easily without harming the polycarbonate if you've run out of Novus #1 or Brillianize. When in doubt, use water and a soft cloth.

Use of Improper Cleaners Can Damage Polycarbonate 

The leading cause of unnecessary damage to polycarbonate sheets is the use of improper cleaners or improper cleaning techniques. This is completely avoidable with just a little bit of knowledge. Lucky for you, we’re going to tell you exactly how to clean and care for your brand new polycarbonate sheets right here!

The first thing you need to know is to never use any kind of cleaners containing ammonia. This is a surefire way to cause damage to your polycarbonate and tarnish the look of it. Popular household cleaners such as Windex or 409 will cause damage to polycarbonate sheets and should never be used as a substitute for a proper cleaner. It is also imperative that you never use a dry cloth, or your hand, to wipe clean a piece of polycarbonate. Using a dry cloth to clean your polycarbonate will rub the dirt and dust into your polycarbonate sheet, scratching or causing damage to it. This is the same reason that car washes use damp towels instead of dry ones for drying cars, to avoid unnecessary scratches.

Proper Cleaners to Polycarbonate 

For proper cleaning and care of your polycarbonate sheets, we recommend Novus #1 cleaner and a soft cloth. The first step to cleaning your polycarbonate is to remove all the dust and dirt from it. In order to do this, you can either blow the debris off the polycarbonate or use water and a soft cloth to float the debris off. After you have removed the debris from your polycarbonate you should clean it with a recommended cleaner such as Novus #1. If you run out of Novus, a mild solution of warm water and dish detergent can clean your polycarbonate sheet decently without damaging it, however, you still want a proper cleaner to truly clean the sheet.

Compatible Cleaners for Polycarbonate Windshield

The following cleaning agents have been found compatible with polycarbonate sheets. The cleaner manufacturer's recommendations and instructions should be followed.

• Joy
• Freon T.F.
• Palmolive Liquid
• Top Job
• VM&P grade Naphtha

Washing to minimize Scratching

Wash your polycarbonate windshield with a mild soap or detergent (e.g., Joy** dishwashing liquid) and lukewarm water using a clean sponge or a soft cloth. Rinse well with clean water. Dry thoroughly with a chamois or moist cellulose sponge to prevent water spots. Do not scrub or use brushes on these products: their coating is UV-resistant, not mar-resistant.

Fresh paint splashes, grease, and smeared glazing compounds can be removed easily before drying by rubbing lightly with a grade of VM&P Naphtha or isopropyl. Afterward, a warm final wash should be made, using a mild soap or detergent solution and ending with a thorough rinsing with clean water.

Minimizing Hairline Scratches

Scratches and minor abrasions can be minimized by using a mild automobile polish. Four such products that tend to polish and fill scratches are Johnson Paste Wax, Novus Plastic Polish #1 and #2 (Novus Inc., Minneapolis, MN), Mirror Glaze plastic polish(m.G.M10 – Mirror bright Polish Co., Pasadena, CA), and Plexus* (B.T.I. Chemical, Aguora, CA). It is suggested that a test be made on a sample of Polycarbonate sheet with the product selected and that the polish manufacturer's instructions be followed.

Removing Scratches from Polycarbonate

In the event that, after taking meticulous steps to prevent it, your fine piece of polycarbonate becomes scratched, Fine scratches CANNOT be removed with a mild abrasive polish such as Novus #2, or Novus #3. While the material looks similar to Plexiglas, it is made of carbon, not methyl methacrylate. 2 very different compounds. We Want You To Be Satisfied. We have offered these basic rules to guide you to years of satisfaction.

DO NOT:

DO NOT use abrasive or highly alkaline cleaners on Polycarbonate sheet products.

DO NOT scrape polycarbonate sheet products with squeegees, razor blades or other sharp instruments.

DO NOT use Benzene, gasoline, acetone, or carbon tetrachloride on your windshield.

DO NOT clean polycarbonate sheet products in hot sun or at elevated temperatures.

4x4UTV.com offers Hard Coated Polycarbonate Windshields & MR10 Upgraded Polycarbonate Windshields

MR10 Sheet Cleaning Instructions

Because this material is highly mar and UV-resistant coating, avoid the use of abrasive cleaners and/or cleaning implements that may mar or gouge the coating.

Graffiti Removable for MR10 Sheet

Butyl Cellosolve works well for removal of paints, marking pen inks, lipstick, etc.   Masking tape, adhesive tape, or lint removal tools work well for lifting off old weathered paints.

To remove label stickers, etc. The use of kerosene or VM&P Naphtha is generally effective. When the solvent will not penetrate sticker material apply heat (hair dryer) to soften the adhesive and promote removal. GASOLINE SHOULD NEVER BE USED.

New Construction and renovations frequently require that the glazing and surrounding sash and wall finish be cleaned of any excess mortar, paint, sealant, primers, or other construction compounds. Only recommended cleaners should be used to clean your Polycarbonate Windshield.