Getting Rid of Hard Water Stains on Glass

It’s easy to confuse hard water stains with soap residue because of their appearance. The easiest way to tell the difference is by applying regular detergent. If it comes off, it is simply soap scum. If it doesn’t, then you have a mineral stain.

Hard water leaves behind deposits of calcium and magnesium. They make glass look dirtier than they actually are because of hazy looking droplets. These minerals are difficult to remove, making it near impossible to clean them with a simple wash.

What Causes Hard Water Stains?

• Spots of water around the shower that are left to dry.
• Sprinkler systems spraying water all over glass.
• Lime scattering around glass when concrete paths are hosed down.
• Seals leaching silica onto glass.
• Metal fly screens leaching iron onto glass.
• Iron stains from defective roof drain.

Things to Remember before Removing Water Stains

• Choose a small area to do a spot test.
• Do not remove water stains from hot glass or under direct sunlight.
• Thoroughly clean windows before working on the stains.
• Never use abrasive scrubbing pads.
• Scrub the stain in all directions.
• Do not let cleaning solutions dry on glass.
• Be careful when cleaning glass surfaces that come into contact with other materials like metal or stone.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Glass

There are a number of ways to get rid of water spots. Try all of them until you find what works best for you.

1. Dishwashing soap. Liquid dishwashing cleaners can help keep glassware sparkling bright. Make sure to rinse thoroughly before drying.
2. White vinegar. This is the most popular home remedy for removing tough water stains. The acid in vinegar helps loosen mineral deposits from glass.
3. Vinegar mix. You can mix lemon juice with vinegar to create a more effective glass cleaning solution. Mix them in a bottle, shake, and spray onto glass. Another alternative is to mix vinegar with baking soda. Apply the paste on glass and let sit for a couple of minutes before rinsing. If you have a particularly stubborn stain, mix vinegar with hot water and gently scrub it.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Glass Shower Doors

• Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution on all shower doors.
• Wipe the doors with a damp sponge.
• Let the solution sit for at least five minutes.
• Rinse the doors with warm water.
• Dry the glass with a micro fiber cloth.
• Repeat the process if necessary.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Glass Windows

1. Wash the windows. Remove dust and debris, clean with a window washer, and dry with a squeegee.
2. Mix vinegar with baking soda and apply a thin paste to stained areas.
3. Scrub for around three minutes in different directions – up and down, left and right, clockwise and counterclockwise.
4. Wash the windows again. Do not let the cleaning solution sit on window frames.
5. If the stain is still there, repeat the procedure.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Car Windows

1. Wash the car thoroughly in a shaded location – never under direct sunlight.
2. Dry the car completely.
3. Mix a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and distilled water. Avoid regular tap water as it contains minerals.
4. Spray the solution and let it sit for around 10 minutes. Vinegar can help loosen mineral deposits that are embedded in the paint.
5. Wash and dry the car again.

How to Remove Water Spots from Glass Eyewear

Prescription glasses are often coated with UV protection, anti-glare, anti-scratch and other safety features. It is important to clean them correctly so as not to damage the surface. Water spots obstruct your vision and can destroy lenses and frames when left untreated. If you try to wipe away those crystals, you might end up scratching the surface.

The best way to remove saline stains from eyeglasses is to apply a lens cleaning solution. You can buy one from an optical shop or at the optometrist’s office. Eyeglass cleaners contain anti-fogging, anti-static, and dust repelling properties. Simply spray the cleaner on the lenses and dry with a soft micro-fiber cloth.

If you do not have a commercial cleaner on hand, try removing water stains with regular hand soap. Add a few drops of liquid hand soap to a glass of water and wash the lenses.

Never clean eyeglasses with rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or harsh chemicals. These substances do not work well with eyewear and could cause more damage.

Hiring a Pro in Glass Repair, Glass Installation, and Custom Glass in Chandler, AZ

Removing hard water stains from windows, shower doors, and other glass surfaces can be taxing. Sometimes it is more practical to hire a professional cleaner. If you’re based in Chandler, AZ, it’s best to talk to Glass King about your glass concerns. Glass King will make sure the job is done right while saving you time and money. Contact us today!