Can You Use Shoe Polish On Car Windows?

There are several reasons why you might have shoe polish on your car windows. And the most obvious one is your kids playing around with your shoe polish and ending up testing their creative side on the car windows.

And another reason why you might have it on is that you used the shoe polish to write something on your car window. Then again, kids can do it without you knowing it, which isn’t surprising. Trust me, I have been there many times.

Regardless of how you end up having shoe polish on your car windows or intend to use it, do you know if it is safe? Can you use shoe polish on car windows?

I have answered these questions in this article and added other necessary information that you need to keep in mind. So feel free to check it out so you won’t have to worry about having shoe polish on your car.

Other than the kid’s issue, I have seen many adults using shoe polish of various colors on their car windows. But whatever your purpose is, think twice next time before you do any of that because shoe polish is not suitable for your car’s window glasses.

Why? Here are a few reasons why you should not use shoe polish on your car windows.

Causes Corrosion

Shoe polish contains a sticky wax residue. It begins to cause corrosion problems if left uncleaned for a long time by trapping other impurities and spreading them over time. The same thing happens if you do not clean the shoe polish from the car windows.

Damages Window Films

As shoe wax is challenging to clean, leaving it on the car windows can cause other issues. The window films can get damaged if the polish is left for too long or not washed off properly.

Tough To Remove

Once dried, shoe polish can be very challenging to remove. So it is not uncommon to end up with scratches on the glass while trying to remove the sticky polish.

Makes The Glasses Cloudy

We all know shoe polish is a wax material. That is why it gathers dust, dirt, particles, and other things and traps them over time. So you end up with a cloudy window that makes everything more complicated.

How To Remove Shoe Polish From Car Windows?

But what happens when, intentionally or accidentally, you get shoe polish on your car window? Well, in that case, here are a few solutions that might help remove shoe polish from the car windows.

Hot Water, Soap, And A Towel

If the shoe polish has been on the car window for a day or two, you can try using the hot water and soap method. Hot water helps soften the dried wax, and soap helps clean the window glass. But make sure not to use too hot water and dry the area with a clean towel.

Glass Cleaner Or Windex

You can use glass cleaner or Windex if the previous method does not work out for you. You will find strong Windex in cleaning supply stores, which are pretty effective in removing paints and waxes from car windows.

Acetone

If none of the other options works, you can use acetone to remove shoe polish. Acetone is known for dissolving strong residues effectively and works on almost all objects. However, be careful when using acetone as it can damage your car paint.

Razor

Though I am leaving the option here, it is not the wisest idea to use a razor to remove shoe polish as it leaves scratch marks on the windows. But if that is the choice you are left with, try soaking the polish with water before gently scraping it off.

What Can You Use To Write On Car Windows?

what to Write On Car Windows — *Image Credit: alamy.com*

If you are really looking for an option to draw or write on your car window, it is best if you look for alternatives. Here are a few alternatives that you can use to write on your car window.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paints are easily available and can be found in almost every shop. This paint pen is affordable and works best to paint or write on car windows. However, if you do not want anything permanent, it is best not to choose acrylic paints or any oil-based paint.

Chalk Marker

Chalk markers are not permanent but work best on glasses, mirrors, non-porous surfaces, etc. if you do not want the paint or writing on your car, you can clean it using soap, water, and a microfiber towel.

Glass Paint Marker

There are various glass paint markers or pens available in the market. They allow you two write, draw or paint over car windows without the risk of any damage.

FAQs About Shoe Polish On Car Windows

Can I use shoe polish on car paint?

Using shoe polish on car paint is a terrible idea. You would not want it on your car paint as it often is challenging to remove using DIY methods. And if that happens, you would have to get a professional service, which will cost more.

Does shoe polish remove car scratches?

Some DIY articles will tell you that it is okay to paint over car stretches to remove them. While the method might work for some time, it is not the best solution as the polish wax will trap dirt and particles, making the car look dirtier.

What kind of paint can I use on car windows?

If you want to show off your creative and artistic side by drawing or painting on your car window, I would advise you to use acrylic paints. If the paint is water-based, it will set well, and you can remove it without damaging the window.

Final Words

It is not unusual to get shoe polish on car windows. But can you use shoe polish on car windows? Not if you want to go through hassles when removing them and damage the windows somehow.

That is why it is best to use paints and markers made to be used on car windows and glasses. But if the accident occurs, you can act immediately and use the methods mentioned above to remove the shoe polish.