So I went up to visit my parents a few weeks back and while there, I washed and waxed the car. My stepfather was helping and when it came time to clean the windows he did the strangest thing. He came back with window cleaner but also some old newspaper. Then he proceeded to spray on the cleaner then used the newspaper instead of paper towels. I thought the old man had lost it- and was thinking I'd have to go over them again to remove the newsprint ink- but damn it if that didn't get the windows sparkling clean! Has anyone else heard of this? I was astounded. He said he learned the trick from a glass company. As one of the Murphy's Laws of Combat goes: "If it's stupid but works, it isn't stupid."

yup it works good...i would think you step father was in the military? THats where i learned to use newspaper and it works good.

I use that method, cheap and really good

The old newspaper trick has been around for a million years. It's proof positive that the old school guys still have a few tricks up their sleeves.
The key is to use old newspaper, at least 3 or 4 days old. By then, the inks have dried enough to be locked into the paper and won't spread to your glass very easily.
Stoner's Invisible Glass, Sprayway, Surf City, or Meg's Detailer's Line glass cleaner will still work better than Windex with the newspaper though.
-John C.

I don't use that on my car windows, as most regular non-aerosol cleaner leaves some sort of streaks. It works really well on house windows. I use a microfiber towel and Invisible Glass (aerosol window cleaner) on my car windows. Claying the windows also helps to remove outside dirt embedded on the glass.

So I went up to visit my parents a few weeks back and while there, I washed and waxed the car. My stepfather was helping and when it came time to clean the windows he did the strangest thing. He came back with window cleaner but also some old newspaper. Then he proceeded to spray on the cleaner then used the newspaper instead of paper towels. I thought the old man had lost it- and was thinking I'd have to go over them again to remove the newsprint ink- but damn it if that didn't get the windows sparkling clean! Has anyone else heard of this? I was astounded. He said he learned the trick from a glass company. As one of the Murphy's Laws of Combat goes: "If it's stupid but works, it isn't stupid."

Yes, I used to do that when I washed our family's vehicles back in the 70s. Just don't get it near the paint or chrome trim.

Newspaper also works wonders as an insulator (I used to put newspaper inside my jacket when riding my bike to school in winter).

The newspaper method is referenced in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" which was written in 1949. It ain't a new trick :D

thats why the homeless guys always use it when they try and wash your windows at redlights. They know all the tricks ;)

The newspaper method is referenced in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" which was written in 1949. It ain't a new trick :D
Yes!! Good ol' Willy Loman.

I thought everyone cleaned their windows this way.

I get the WTF? look all the time when detailing cars and bust out the newspaper. Then once they see the results, they go all SRS.

I've always just used dilute screenwash to clean my windows and the results are streak free almost all the time. Does using a pre-mixed window cleaner really give better results?

Does using a pre-mixed window cleaner really give better results?

No, but it may give WORSE results if you use ammonia-based cleaner on tinted windows.

"If you could use it to wipe yo a$$ it is good for the glass"

I remember using newspaper when i was a little kid.

Leaves no streaks :)

paper towels works well too

I've always use Star Micro Fiber and water. Works extremely well without the use of chemicals and wasting paper towels. Absolutely streak free and save a bunch of money!! even after washing the micro fiber it still works like brand new.

Newspaper was the only way to pass inspection at the Academy......still do it today!

nothin like the newspaper