Cleaning your windows can be a tricky process. There are often streaks and spots left behind that we don’t see until later. Hard water stains are a particular nuisance. Getting hard water stains off of your windows can be a difficult task. But here are a few tips to help you remove hard water stains from glass.
What are hard water stains?
Hard water refers to water that contains high levels of minerals like lime and calcium. It comes from the groundwater in our wells. When hard water touches glass, it can leave a streak of white deposits.
These white spots also attract dust, dirt, and grease which makes them even more difficult to remove. You may find hard water stains on a mirror, your windows, or the walls of your glass shower stall.
Tools You’ll Need
In order to remove hard water stains from glass, you will need a few tools. These include:
- Old towel
- Soft brush
- Old clean toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
- Rubber glove (if needed)
- Small bowl
You can also create a solution with lemon juice, distilled vinegar, and baking soda. If you have distilled water, you can use that too. It won’t contain the same minerals that your tap water does.
If the stains have been there for some time, you may need something soft to scrape at them. Be careful not to use anything that will scratch the glass. A plastic tool with a semi-sharp edge, like a plastic knife, should do the trick.
Use Distilled White Vinegar
One way to make your own hard water stain remover is to add one part of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice with one part of distilled water. Place the solution in a spray bottle for easy use. Spray the cleaning solution onto the glass starting at the top. Let the solution work its magic for 20 to 30 minutes.
If you are spraying a mirror or window that has something underneath, cover the item with your old towel to prevent any staining or fading. Start with a soft microfiber cloth to remove as many of the hard water spots as possible. If some spots still remain, use your old toothbrush or a soft brush to get them off.
Use Distilled White Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste
If this solution didn’t work, try distilled vinegar and baking soda. You can mix a paste with these ingredients to help remove any tough stains or spots. This works for any type of glass.
Additional Tips
Once the glass is cleaned, wipe it down regularly. Like a shower stall, use a squeegee to remove the water droplets instead of letting them dry. For regular cleaning, make sure to use vinegar.
Contact the Pros
For really stubborn stains on the glass, call the experts at Blackout Projects for assistance. Here at Blackout Projects, our team of professionals can clean up any stains on the glass, including concrete, silicone, old stickers, and paint.