1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

How to remove smudge on window?

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by taco_runner, Aug 27, 2020.

  1. Aug 27, 2020 at 7:59 PM
    #1
    taco_runner

    taco_runner [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2020
    Member:
    #15129
    Messages:
    299
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kev
    Vehicle:
    4Runner TRD OR Premium
    Hi all, I have noticed this smudge on my Runner's third window. It looks like someone with oily hands rubbed it. It is on the outside because I can see it on the side/corners (with the black lining).

    Anyway, I have used SprayWay, RainX Glaass Cleaner, Turtle Bug & Tar remover, and 90% rubbing alcohol which didn't do anything.


    What else can I use to try and remove the pesky smudge?

    Thanks
     
  2. Aug 27, 2020 at 8:01 PM
    #2
    rkwfxd

    rkwfxd New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2018
    Member:
    #5662
    Messages:
    642
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rich
    Whittier - So Cal
    I usually just lick my windows.
     
    Toy4X4 and Thatbassguy like this.
  3. Aug 27, 2020 at 9:14 PM
    #3
    erfer1

    erfer1 New Member

    Joined:
    May 17, 2020
    Member:
    #14364
    Messages:
    206
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    SW NM
    Vehicle:
    2019 Limited
    Try vinegar/water mix. I use it because the rain and our local water have a lot of minerals in them, and leave the most ugly spots on the vehicle. Local guy turned me on to it, basically 9/1 vinegar to water, and a blue scrubbie sponge. Takes sap and road tar off as well.
     
    taco_runner[OP] likes this.
  4. Aug 28, 2020 at 8:19 AM
    #4
    brownersd

    brownersd You are the weakest link, buh-bye!

    Joined:
    May 15, 2019
    Member:
    #9894
    Messages:
    468
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sean
    Humble, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2020 MGM 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium
    It may sound silly, but usually when i get crap on my windows, i clay them and they come out well... Worth a shot!

    Cheers,

    Sean
     
    taco_runner[OP] likes this.
  5. Aug 28, 2020 at 10:42 AM
    #5
    taco_runner

    taco_runner [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2020
    Member:
    #15129
    Messages:
    299
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kev
    Vehicle:
    4Runner TRD OR Premium
    ok, I tried vinegar, no go.. I am going to buy clay and try that next...
     
  6. Aug 28, 2020 at 11:04 AM
    #6
    Abanero

    Abanero New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2020
    Member:
    #15972
    Messages:
    289
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2015 Inferno Orange 4Runner TRD Pro
    Can you take a picture of it? I feel like you’ve thrown everything but the kitchen sink - and I don’t think that is recommended.

    have you tired Goo Gone? I had one pesky smudge on the rear window, and that was the only product that removed it.
     
  7. Aug 28, 2020 at 3:44 PM
    #7
    taco_runner

    taco_runner [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2020
    Member:
    #15129
    Messages:
    299
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kev
    Vehicle:
    4Runner TRD OR Premium
    I can only describe it as someone's oily hand touched it... hhere is a picture, but it's very difficuklt to capture:


    [​IMG]
     
  8. Aug 28, 2020 at 3:47 PM
    #8
    Jynarik

    Jynarik I like boobies

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2019
    Member:
    #10510
    Messages:
    2,192
    Gender:
    Male
    Austin Texas
    Vehicle:
    2019 trd pro voodoo
    Is this a new vehicle? If so, take it back. Chances are, it’s under the tint.
     
    Toy4X4 and erfer1 like this.
  9. Aug 28, 2020 at 3:49 PM
    #9
    taco_runner

    taco_runner [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2020
    Member:
    #15129
    Messages:
    299
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kev
    Vehicle:
    4Runner TRD OR Premium
    I am sure it is outside as I can see it on the black surround. I had it tinted by someone else..
     
  10. Aug 31, 2020 at 7:22 PM
    #10
    taco_runner

    taco_runner [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2020
    Member:
    #15129
    Messages:
    299
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kev
    Vehicle:
    4Runner TRD OR Premium
    OK, I have tried clay and googone, nothing helped...
     
  11. Aug 31, 2020 at 8:10 PM
    #11
    erfer1

    erfer1 New Member

    Joined:
    May 17, 2020
    Member:
    #14364
    Messages:
    206
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    SW NM
    Vehicle:
    2019 Limited
    You may have the smudge under the tint. If vinegar and clay did nothing, I would suspect it was under the tint.
     
    taco_runner[OP] likes this.
  12. Aug 31, 2020 at 10:26 PM
    #12
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2018
    Member:
    #7255
    Messages:
    2,568
    New Mexico
    I’d try an abrasive finishing polish. Like Meguiars Ultimate Polish.
     
  13. Sep 1, 2020 at 7:08 AM
    #13
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,473
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    My bad.

    I was drunk.

    I had to pee.

    And I needed something to prop myself up.
     
    Toy4X4 likes this.
  14. Oct 11, 2020 at 8:38 PM
    #14
    4Runner170V

    4Runner170V New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2020
    Member:
    #16853
    Messages:
    360
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tony
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2014 4Runner Trail
    SSO Slimline Bumper w/Smittybilt X2O 10K Winch FOX 2.5 Front, 2.0 Rear/ICON UCA/OME Rear Spring 33X12.50R17 DRIFTA Drawer System ARB Awning APS Side Steps ICS Fab. Center Console Mount LFD Roof Rack Cross Bar Dual Battery System HAM/GMRS Mobile Radio
    steelwool 00
     
  15. Dec 1, 2020 at 11:18 PM
    #15
    dricko

    dricko New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2017
    Member:
    #4667
    Messages:
    78
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Derick W.
    Try polishing them with Ceriglass.
     
  16. Dec 2, 2020 at 12:27 AM
    #16
    bear1998

    bear1998 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2020
    Member:
    #16334
    Messages:
    142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    Vehicle:
    2011 Shoreline Blue Pearl Limited, ...2004 Dark Blue Sport 4.7l .
    I use Bar Keeper Friend Powder in the can to remove stubborn water spot n such.
    Take a little powder n add just enough water to make a paste....put on a damp cloth n use a swirling motion.
    It does sound to me its between the film tho ?
     
    taco_runner[OP] likes this.
  17. Dec 2, 2020 at 2:20 AM
    #17
    Toy4X4

    Toy4X4 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2020
    Member:
    #15580
    Messages:
    6,835
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Vehicle:
    2020 Offroad Prem. 4-runner
    RevTek 3" front- 2" rear leveling, JBA uca's, LED interior lights, Cooper 275-70-17 AT3 LT
    When I clean windows; Windex+Newspapers(black and white print) no glossy paper, that seems to work for me, no streaks or smudges after that.
     
  18. Dec 2, 2020 at 2:49 AM
    #18
    Charlievee

    Charlievee New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2018
    Member:
    #8149
    Messages:
    1,287
    Lava soap and alcohol.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top