How to easily clean rubber, glass and plastic | Garage Rescue Miata

Don’t worry, we’re not becoming a detail website. But we do like to keep our cars clean–whether it's for a local get-together, Radwood or our own $2000 Challenge.

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How’d we find these easy, effective…

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Thoughts on cleaning polycarbonate (i.e. LEXAN)?

In reply to infernosg :

I've been using Plexus in the marine industry for years. It will work on polycarbonates for minor cleaning. Meguiars 2 part pastic cleaner works better. And if bad enough don't be scared to break out the 1500 and 2000 grit. Then finish with the Meguiars. As a side note - Plexus works great on prescription glasses. 

The Sprayway glass cleaner is something my local glass shop uses and 'rebrands' by putting their sticker over the front. But it's great stuff, and, as you stated, 2 for 5 bucks

In reply to hybridmomentspass :

Yeah, BOGO is hard to beat. We have a glass kitchen table, so I keep one can in the kitchen, one in the garage. 

Glad to see Plexus mentioned, and Zep is my go-to for glass.

In reply to FastFreddy :

Thanks. It seems like Plexus or Sprayway could both work. My track RX7 has a LEXAN rear window and while the exterior cleans up just fine during a normal wash the interior is more difficult. I've been using a simple mixture of water and a drop of dish soap with moderate success but that requires a level of "polishing" to get it clear and free of streaks.

I do like the spray on glass cleaner.

In reply to Shadeux :

Years ago--like 25 or more--we got a care package from Plexus. This might have been when they were new. Anyway, the company made all sorts of bold claims: Cleans! Polishes! Protects! It was both a floor wax and a dessert topping.

Anyway, that stuff worked as promised. It smelled good, too.

The biggest trick has been finding it. 

In reply to David S. Wallens :

You mentioned rubber. This is a finish protectant, but I like Aero Cosmetics Rubber Care. It's not glossy or messy. 

Maybe they will send a care package 

In reply to Shadeux :

Thanks for the tip, and I'll have to check it out. 

I need to clean up some more tires soon, so I'll take some before and after photos. It is amazing how well those old race tires cleaned up with just the SD-20. That was about a minute of work: spray and wipe. I didn't even wait for the stuff to work as I was rushing to get to the tire store. Also, no hose, no mess. 

Thanks. 

Plexus and Sprayway both appear to be viable options. My track RX7 has an LEXAN rear window, and while the exterior cleaner it up easily, the interior is more harder to clean. 

I've been getting by with a basic cleane solution of water and a drop of dish soap, but it takes a bit of "polishing" to get it clean and streak-free.

For years, I've been utilising Plexus in the marine sector. 

For minor cleaning, it will work on polycarbonates. 

It's better to use Meguiar's two-part pastic cleanser. 

Don't be afraid to use the 1500 and 2000 grit if things get too terrible. 

The Meguiars should be applied last. 

Plexus works wonderfully on prescription glasses, as a side aside.