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BEWARE-ArmorAll Glass Cleaner

Dalefan

Dalefan

Full Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2004
Messages
590
Location
Front Royal, Virginia
BEWARE-ArmorAll Auto Glass Cleaner!

This product works fine on GLASS, but avoid it's use on any non-glass surfaces. I used this product on my 94 S10 and it destroyed my window tint (only lost one window, thank God i didn't prespray all the windows).
Today I was doing the Av, and when I was in the back seat, took the damp terry and wiped the rear audio display. The display now has an etched surface.

Below is the text from my letter to ArmorAll:

"ArmorAll,

I received one of your boxed gift sets this past Christmas and have enjoyed using the products. I do have to express some dis-satisfaction with the ArmorAll Auto Glass cleaner.
With any Auto Glass cleaner I always read the active ingredients before using, and I saw that your product was Ammonia free and contained Isopropanl, very similiar to others I have used. My main concern was to make sure it lacked ammonia so it would be safe to use on window tint film. After doing the exterior of my 94 S10, I proceeded to the interior. When I sprayed this product on the window, it immediately started to damage the tint. This is tint that has been cleaned with many other brands of alcohol based cleaners with no ill effects. The damage was so severe my only option was to remove the tint. Since the S10 is my secondary vehicle, I was not overly concerned, just disappointed.
Today I was doing windows on my new baby, a 2004 Avalanche. I did all of the windows and while I was in the back seat, I noticed fingerprints on the rear seat audio display, so I took the terry that I was using, and with a damp section wiped the display. My rear audio display now has an etched surface!
Warnings need to be placed on this product so others do not experience possible damage to non-glass surfaces like those that I experienced.

THank You for your time."
 
whoa, thanks for the warning. I always cringe when putting stuff on window tinting...I usually just use water. I have found the Stoners Invisible Glass hasn't harmed my tint, at least not so far.

Sorry to hear about your incident :(
 
Yeah, I tossed out that glass cleaner when I got it in a set. I didn't like the smell if it, didn't work well and I heard it would remove tint as well. I only use water or Stoner's on my glass.
 
Thanks for the warning Dalefan. This is the stuff that makes this site second to none.......

Tractman
 
CA-AV said:
Thanks for the warning.
Click to expand...

I just bought the ArmourAll Set yesyerday at Walley World, they were on sale. I'm glad I read your post, because as soon as this weather let up in San Antonio, I was going to give the AV a bath with all the AA products..wheeeew, that was a close call (y)
 
Remember, I said the product works fine on GLASS, just avoid any non glass surfaces.

As far as cleaning windows tinted with film, for years I have always followed my installer's instructions, do not use ammonia based window cleaner, only those with an alcohol or vinegar base, or plain soap and water. I have used many that were alcohol based with no ill effects (such as melting or discoloration) until the ArmorAll. I thought the AA would be fine since the ingredients listed isopropanol (alcohol).

Live and learn and pass the word, just glad I didn't wipe down anything on the dash first.
 
one should never use window cleaners on vinyls, leather or plastics.....they may do damage.....
 
I guess the main moral of the story is:

When using any type of cleaning product, only do one type of surface at a time, using only products designed for that surface. When finished with one cleaner, get a CLEAN towel.

Also, When in doubt, test a small quantity on a very small inconspicuous surface.

I was just amazed at the harshness; on the audio display I did not spray or rewet the towel, it was just residual dampness from a final wipe on the rear window.
 
i am not sure about this one. ??? seems to be some other variables not mentioned. the reason i say this is because i used the product with no problem for about a year on tinted windows.
i had my '02 windows tinted. a friend stopped by the tint shop to talk to me while i was getting it done. she told me to make sure i do not use window cleaner with ammonia. i did not know this. i never had aftermarket tint before. i went to the store looking for something that was safe to use. i decided to go with the Armor-All. i used it for a year or so. no problems. spray on. wipe off. never used it on anything other than windows. never let it sit longer than it took me to get put the bottle down and get the paper towels ready to wipe glass off.
 
Found the following on AA's web site:

Q: Can I use Armor All? Auto Glass Cleaner on all types of tinted windows?
A: Armor All Auto Glass Cleaner has been specially formulated for use on factory tinted windows. We do not recommend using this product on other types of tinted windows, such as those with plastic tint films.

window cleaner FAQs
 
The tint installers are not kidding about not using amonia
products on the film. I will look fine and seem fine, just wait.
Look around town and see the cars where the window film
seems to have faded, and in worse cases turned a purple
color. This is the long term reaction to the cleaners.

Down here in Florida tinted windows are a necessity. Use soap
and water, and you re-tint every 5-6 years. Use a cleaner, and
you can cut that life in half. As my tint guy says "go ahead and
use Windex, I need the business." :) :)
 
PUNISHER said:
i am not sure about this one. ??? seems to be some other variables not mentioned.
Click to expand...

Only variable not originally mentioned was the brand of tint film. Finally located the paperwork from when I had it done it 94. Llumar 35% grey film w/ 5 year guarantee.

Complete sequence of events was:
Sprayed window, set down bottle, starting wiping with terry, discovered damage to film, total elapsed time less than 30 seconds.
 
Dalefan said:
Found the following on AA's web site:

Q: Can I use Armor All? Auto Glass Cleaner on all types of tinted windows?
A: Armor All Auto Glass Cleaner has been specially formulated for use on factory tinted windows. We do not recommend using this product on other types of tinted windows, such as those with plastic tint films.

window cleaner FAQs
Click to expand...


good find. now i am thoroughly confused. it says on the bottle that it is safe for use on tinted windows. that's why i got it. it does not clarify "factroy or after-market". thanx for the info. i will have to find a new brand.
 
Call me crazy if I am wrong but this is Armorall that we are talking about. A compant that makes millions on selling stuff to people like us to make our vehicles look pretty. Unless they are from planet stupid they must know people put tint on there car windows. WHat kind of an idiot makes a product that could camage a vehicle!

Come on for Gods sake. A little overspray, and oops your interior looks like crap forever! Bunch of Cheapo's! They should have formulated it right so it woulden't damage a card interrior!
 
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