BEWARE of Chemical Guys Water Spot Remover

XC3LLR8 · 10-05-2022, 03:20 PM

Ordered the Chemical Guys Water Spot Remover to clean up…well, the obvious. I read the instructions and followed them carefully before beginning and made sure it didn't mention anything about not using on mirrors, as that's where I was beginning.

Thankfully I only did one mirror (passenger side) before moving on. For some reason it left a heavy haze on the inner-third of the mirror. I tried getting it off with water, then water and soap, and then vinegar, all with no luck.

I ended up calling Chemical Guys and told the employee what happened and he said, "Yeah, there are some outside mirrors it shouldn't be used on." I politely stated it would've been nice if the instructions had stated that. He put me on hold to speak with someone else and came back suggesting to reapply it and quickly neutralize it with water and if that doesn't work try wax cleaner.

I did the reapply, neutralized it, and no change. I then got out the Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and rubbed it in with a soft cloth, followed up with Meguiar's Mirror Glaze and that FINALLY did the trick.

Now I'm not comfortable using the Chemical Guys Heavy Duty Water Spot Remover anywhere else on the car, but their Synthetic Quick Detailer has been great.

inc235 · 10-05-2022, 04:04 PM

That is interesting that it etched the mirror's glass surface.
Knowing that it can potentially etch surface, I'd approach with caution on painted surfaces as well.

IMO, polishing glass surface is usually good enough to remove water spots. But in general, how I think you should fix the blemishes are going gradually from weaker stuff to stronger stuff until you see an effect (wax -> compound -> heavy duty stuff).

XC3LLR8 · 10-05-2022, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inc235

That is interesting that it etched the mirror's glass surface.
Knowing that it can potentially etch surface, I'd approach with caution on painted surfaces as well.

IMO, polishing glass surface is usually good enough to remove water spots. But in general, how I think you should fix the blemishes are going gradually from weaker stuff to stronger stuff until you see an effect (wax -> compound -> heavy duty stuff).

I agree, and I failed to mention that. First I used the Mirror Glaze and it only fixed it to maybe 80%. The Ultimate Compound took it home, and then I reapplied the Mirror Glaze just for a finishing touch.

Prior to finally getting it fixed with the Meguiar's I was on hold with the BMW parts department thinking I would have to replace the mirror, but they were backed-up and I finally hung-up. That's when I tried the Meguiar's only because it was already in the garage cabinet. Thankfully it worked!

XC3LLR8 · 10-05-2022, 04:39 PM

Now that's it's been about an hour since using the compound I'm seeing maybe 20% of the haze still there - is it slowly creeping back?

I've read where people have had luck using a small polishing wheel, so it makes me feel better knowing that while it may not be 100%, it can at least get there...eventually.

inc235 · 10-05-2022, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XC3LLR8

Now that's it's been about an hour since using the compound I'm seeing maybe 20% of the haze still there - is it slowly creeping back?

I've read where people have had luck using a small polishing wheel, so it makes me feel better knowing that while it may not be 100%, it can at least get there...eventually.

Haze coming back when dry likely means more etched surface needs to be buffed/polished out! LOL. A bit more elbow grease but hopefully it is back to 99% of original state

NoSuchSol · 10-05-2022, 05:13 PM

Most chemical guys products are pretty good. I didn't like their glass cleaner - it was similar in that it left a heavy haze that was difficult to get off.

Water spot removers can be pretty intense so I wish you the best of luck. The goal is to make life easier and some of these are just too intense. =\

DrRBui · 10-05-2022, 06:13 PM

I had a look at the SDS. Chemical Guys are surprisingly transparent about their formulations. No surprise why it etched your glass - the main ingredient is ammonia bifluoride which produces HF the most common etchant for SiO2 surfaces such as glass.

I'm actually surprised they're able to sell this as a DIY product. HF down the drain is a big nono,

DrJLag420 · 10-05-2022, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrRBui

I had a look at the SDS. Chemical Guys are surprisingly transparent about their formulations. No surprise why it etched your glass - the main ingredient is ammonia bifluoride which produces HF the most common etchant for SiO2 surfaces such as glass.

I'm actually surprised they're able to sell this as a DIY product. HF down the drain is a big nono,

That's some harsh chemicals. Wouldn't let that touch any of my cars. I'll stick with Griot's, Xpel, and STEK detail products.

ryo- · 10-05-2022, 07:16 PM

what's a good product to remove water spots (stains?) on the glass black trim? I was washing my car today and noticed that the markings don't come off at all, even with hard rubbing w/ soap and detailer spray.

XC3LLR8 · 10-05-2022, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryo-

what's a good product to remove water spots (stains?) on the glass black trim? I was washing my car today and noticed that the markings don't come off at all, even with hard rubbing w/ soap and detailer spray.

A combo of vinegar and water is supposedly to go-to formula.

I'm still rubbing compound on that one mirror as the haze (a little more diminished each time) keeps coming back. So glad I didn't let it touch anything else. Really surprised at how many good reviews it has.

DrRBui · 10-05-2022, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryo-

what's a good product to remove water spots (stains?) on the glass black trim? I was washing my car today and noticed that the markings don't come off at all, even with hard rubbing w/ soap and detailer spray.

Add a tiny bit of acid such as vinegar to your usual car wash soap. Water spots are usually just leftover soap and minerals from washing or use. Add it to the rinse fluid for good measure.

DrRBui · 10-05-2022, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XC3LLR8

A combo of vinegar and water is supposedly to go-to formula.

I'm still rubbing compound on that one mirror as the haze (a little more diminished each time) keeps coming back. So glad I didn't let it touch anything else. Really surprised at how many good reviews it has.

Looks like we're thinking the same

For your problem - I'd use something silicone based or labeled as a ceramic. The SiO2 will restore the ectches in the mirror and then you should just polish until restored.

XC3LLR8 · 10-05-2022, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrRBui

Looks like we're thinking the same

For your problem - I'd use something silicone based or labeled as a ceramic. The SiO2 will restore the ectches in the mirror and then you should just polish until restored.

Are you suggesting a ceramic-based wax? Any specific name/brand you recommend?

DrJLag420 · 10-05-2022, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XC3LLR8

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrRBui

Looks like we're thinking the same

For your problem - I'd use something silicone based or labeled as a ceramic. The SiO2 will restore the ectches in the mirror and then you should just polish until restored.

Are you suggesting a ceramic-based wax? Any specific name/brand you recommend?

Try Griot's Ceramics

https://www.griotsgarage.com/ceramic-all-in-one-wax/

https://www.griotsgarage.com/ceramic-3-in-1-wax/

DrJLag420 · 10-05-2022, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryo-

what's a good product to remove water spots (stains?) on the glass black trim? I was washing my car today and noticed that the markings don't come off at all, even with hard rubbing w/ soap and detailer spray.

Try this. Best used with a random orbital. But can be used by hand as well. Will take a bit more time and effort though.

https://www.griotsgarage.com/one-ste...ant-16-ounces/

DrJLag420 · 10-05-2022, 07:47 PM

The ultimate way to keep those piano black trim pieces swirl free and easy to keep spot free is self healing PPF. Not cheap but well worth it IMO

DrRBui · 10-05-2022, 07:58 PM

DrLag gave some good suggestions. I'd go with any of his

inc235 · 10-06-2022, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrRBui

I had a look at the SDS. Chemical Guys are surprisingly transparent about their formulations. No surprise why it etched your glass - the main ingredient is ammonia bifluoride which produces HF the most common etchant for SiO2 surfaces such as glass.

I'm actually surprised they're able to sell this as a DIY product. HF down the drain is a big nono,

Yup definitely will produce some amount of HF (very little) with sulfuric acid. No wonder it etched auto glass surfaces LOL.

Ruebarb · 10-07-2022, 06:58 AM

I've had no luck removing the factory issued water spots in the mirrors, straight vinegar did nothing.

Anyone have success?

10-05-2022, 03:20 PM	#1
XC3LLR8 Banned 2063 Rep 1,559 Posts Drives: Super73 Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Keller, TX iTrader: (0)	BEWARE of Chemical Guys Water Spot Remover Ordered the Chemical Guys Water Spot Remover to clean up…well, the obvious. I read the instructions and followed them carefully before beginning and made sure it didn't mention anything about not using on mirrors, as that's where I was beginning. Thankfully I only did one mirror (passenger side) before moving on. For some reason it left a heavy haze on the inner-third of the mirror. I tried getting it off with water, then water and soap, and then vinegar, all with no luck. I ended up calling Chemical Guys and told the employee what happened and he said, "Yeah, there are some outside mirrors it shouldn't be used on." I politely stated it would've been nice if the instructions had stated that. He put me on hold to speak with someone else and came back suggesting to reapply it and quickly neutralize it with water and if that doesn't work try wax cleaner. I did the reapply, neutralized it, and no change. I then got out the Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and rubbed it in with a soft cloth, followed up with Meguiar's Mirror Glaze and that FINALLY did the trick. Now I'm not comfortable using the Chemical Guys Heavy Duty Water Spot Remover anywhere else on the car, but their Synthetic Quick Detailer has been great. Attached Images
	Appreciate 2 TJZ67201842.50 PP3121357.50 Tweet Quote

10-05-2022, 04:04 PM	#2
inc235 Private First Class 117 Rep 122 Posts Drives: 23 m240i rwd Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: west iTrader: (1)	That is interesting that it etched the mirror's glass surface. Knowing that it can potentially etch surface, I'd approach with caution on painted surfaces as well. IMO, polishing glass surface is usually good enough to remove water spots. But in general, how I think you should fix the blemishes are going gradually from weaker stuff to stronger stuff until you see an effect (wax -> compound -> heavy duty stuff).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-05-2022, 04:39 PM	#4
XC3LLR8 Banned 2063 Rep 1,559 Posts Drives: Super73 Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Keller, TX iTrader: (0)	Now that's it's been about an hour since using the compound I'm seeing maybe 20% of the haze still there - is it slowly creeping back? I've read where people have had luck using a small polishing wheel, so it makes me feel better knowing that while it may not be 100%, it can at least get there...eventually.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-05-2022, 05:13 PM	#6
NoSuchSol Second Lieutenant 168 Rep 269 Posts Drives: 23 G80 Yellow Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Most chemical guys products are pretty good. I didn't like their glass cleaner - it was similar in that it left a heavy haze that was difficult to get off. Water spot removers can be pretty intense so I wish you the best of luck. The goal is to make life easier and some of these are just too intense. =\
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-05-2022, 06:13 PM	#7
DrRBui New Member 24 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 2023 M240i Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	I had a look at the SDS. Chemical Guys are surprisingly transparent about their formulations. No surprise why it etched your glass - the main ingredient is ammonia bifluoride which produces HF the most common etchant for SiO2 surfaces such as glass. I'm actually surprised they're able to sell this as a DIY product. HF down the drain is a big nono, Attached Images
	Appreciate 2 XC3LLR82062.50 jbazz256.50 Quote

10-05-2022, 07:16 PM	#9
ryo- First Lieutenant 251 Rep 355 Posts Drives: '22 MWM M240i Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Central California iTrader: (0)	what's a good product to remove water spots (stains?) on the glass black trim? I was washing my car today and noticed that the markings don't come off at all, even with hard rubbing w/ soap and detailer spray.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-05-2022, 07:47 PM	#16
DrJLag420 Lieutenant 799 Rep 487 Posts Drives: 2022 BMW M240i Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Private iTrader: (0)	The ultimate way to keep those piano black trim pieces swirl free and easy to keep spot free is self healing PPF. Not cheap but well worth it IMO Attached Images
	Appreciate 1 PP3121357.50 Quote

10-05-2022, 07:58 PM	#17
DrRBui New Member 24 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 2023 M240i Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	DrLag gave some good suggestions. I'd go with any of his
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10-07-2022, 06:58 AM	#19
Ruebarb First Lieutenant 375 Rep 375 Posts Drives: BMW G42 M240i Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	I've had no luck removing the factory issued water spots in the mirrors, straight vinegar did nothing. Anyone have success?
	Appreciate 0 Quote