Is it okay to use a window cleaner such as Invisible Glass to clean the inside of the rear window? I've had my '09 Prius for a month now and have resisted the temptation to clean the interior of the rear window because page 346 of the '09 manual cautions that a glass cleaner shouldn't be used on the interior rear window because it may damage the defrost/heating element. They suggest using only water and a rag, which doesn't seem like it would do much good. Just wanted to see what other folks have done. Thanks.
I would avoid the cleaners that contain sodium hydroxide or acetic acid (vinegar), such as the spray foam types. Something like "Windex" would be fine. It uses detergent. Or just mix your own. 50% distilled water and 50% isopropyl alcohol with a drop of dish detergent works very well. Do be very careful when wiping. The rag/sponge can catch very easily on the heater contacts and tear them off the window. Wipe in the direction of the lines (side to side).
I have Windex, but have found that it can leave residue on the glass. So sometimes I just use a paper towel dampened with water to clean the glass and another paper towel to dry, and that usually works well.
invisible glass. I've never had a problem. i clean it pretty often.. plus construction material has ran into that window a lot of times... no damage to the defrost coils.
If you do break one of those 'wires' the symptom would be no defogging along that line. Remember which line it is, then go to the auto parts store and get a little bottle of the paint-on repair stuff. It actually works. My experience was not on a Prius, but it should be the same material.
Windex should be fine, but the recommended Invisible Glass is also a grear product. I have both in my collection of cleaners. Just make sure when you wipe, go Horizontally with the lines of the heating element to prevent damage. Have fun cleaning.
invisible glass is "da" bomb. best glass cleaner I ve ever used, picked some up a few months ago. Beats all the others. if you use a window cleaner just make sure it's ammonia free on tint
Thanks to everyone for your input. Sounds like folks have suffered no damage from Windex and Invisible Glass products so I'll give one of them a try with a soft microfiber cloth using horizontal motion.
I've used Invisible Glass on my 2004 Prius all along, with no issues. Also use it on my FJ Cruiser. Instead of paper towels, I use a bath towel that I've "demoted" to window cleaning duty. I launder it with the other whites, whenever I clean the windows The combination of Invisible Glass and a cotton terry towel results in truly clear glass. I've had passengers comment on it
yeah because the new Windex formula is ammonia free. get the store brand with strong ammonia in it. It wont hurt the tint right away, but will eventually.
