So recently I noticed a few water spots on the bonnet stripes. When I took a closer look, i realized that the entire length of the bonnet stripes where covered in the annoying spots. Just now, i also looked back at the rear columns and noticed them on there as well. I tried a few different methods to get them off:
1. Simple Green
2. Vinyl trim cleaner/shine
3. Soap and water
4. ArmorAll wax&wash

Any more suggestions? I can't seem to get them off. Worst case I guess i could just replace the stripes, but how costly is that? PLEASE HELP!

 

Try a very dilute solution of muriatic acid and distilled water.

 

Where can i get muriatic acid? and what ratio do you consider very dilute?

 

Polish them away.

 

Try and clay it...

 

I had hard water spots on the windows and never could come up with a way to get rid of them. I finally heard of a product called "The Bartenders Friend' sold in Walmart or Kmart. Used it with a buffer and little elbow grease and the spots were gone.

 

On the stripes, try a cleaner wax like Banana Gloss.

 

Any home improvement center will carry it...but in concentration this stuff is nasty! Definitely dilute it and DEFINITELY wear gloves and eye protection when handling it.

I agree with BMont and say try a clay bar first. Although, clay barring might slightly dull their finish if they're glossy. For years, I've been using Klasse All-in-One on almost every surface with great success.

 

Just go straight to an orbital or random orbital polisher with a mild polish. I've had to do this to my stripes and it's the best way to blast away crap that has dug down deep in the vinyl.

I would never put any type of acid, no matter how dilluted, near my car finish. You could make a very expensive mistake.

 

Could I just use a wax or vinyl shine treatment on it afterwards to keep it glossy?

 

Go to almost any store and get brown apple vinegar pour about one inch in a spray bottle and the rest with water spray it over the water spots and wipe dry they should be gone

 

DO NOT USE MURATIC ACID. The official name is hydrochloric acid. The chloride ion in particular is very corrosive (like sodium chloride in salt is) not to mention the fact its acidic as well.

Now water spots are typically calcium and magnesium carbonates (water hardness). An acid will help dissolve them so if you feel the need to be that extreme I'd recommend a dilute solution of distilled white vinegar (which is also an acid, acetic acid) and distilled water. (Why do you think coffee makers recommend cleaning with vinegar?) I struggle with any acid on those basically thin plastic stripes.

It is also a great glass cleaner. Honda recommended it for glass in my CR-V manual. 10 parts distilled water and one part distilled white vinegar. I usually buy a gallon of distilled water pour about a cup and a half or a cup and 3/4th out and then fill it back up with pure distilled white vinegar. Its a particularly good cleaner for those inside windows that seem to get that hazy smudge on them over time. But I would not use a spray bottle on the inside, it is an acid and you don't want it dripping down on your dash or other parts. Wet a rag with it, wipe the window then dry. When you use it on the exterior windows take caution to avoid metal and plastic parts. If you get it on them, rinse with copious amounts of water.

And yes, I am a chemist.