Mineral build-up and hard water deposits can stay on the surface of your glass. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind traces of calcium and magnesium. After a while, the minerals dissolve, but you are left with hard water stains on your glass. It can be difficult to remove hard water from windows, shower doors, and other spots. These cloudy spots are stubborn, and it takes more than regular cleaning products to rid your home of these stains. You can easily remove these hard water stains from all your glass surfaces with a little expert advice.
Related: How to Clean the Glass in Your House
What Is Hard Water?
While you may have heard the term “hard water” do you know what it is? Hard water can be tough on your windows. Large cities and industrialized areas are the most common places to find this type of water. However, hard water is present throughout the Dallas and Austin areas. This damaging hard water can rear its ugly head at any time. Hard water has high mineral content. As the water rises through the deposits of chalk and limestone, it will pick up those minerals. Calcium and magnesium carbonates are the most common minerals found in hard water.
If your water has not gone through the softening process, you probably will see hard water stains on the glass. This process removes all those harsh chemicals. Many homes are equipped with softeners that use sodium to filter all the water. While this method can remove all the minerals from your drinking water, it may still contain traces of minerals. Since there are still mineral compounds in the water, you will see hard water stains on your windows.
Related: Five Tips to Get Your Windows Clean
How To Remove Hard Water Stains from a Window
Most homeowners want a safe and effective way to remove stains on their windows. Glass is porous and can be damaged by harsh chemicals. When you notice water stains on the glass, the deposits of minerals are located within its structure. If you want to know how to get hard water stains off the glass, there are a few options for you.
Water and White Vinegar
Vinegar is acidic, but it is not as concentrated as hydrochloric acid. Many Dallas area homeowners will use vinegar and water to loosen those mineral deposits on glass surfaces.
White vinegar does not corrode surfaces, and it is not toxic to children or pets. You might want to add some lemon juice to the solution. However, lemon juice is acidic, so make sure not to add too much to the bottle.
If you are using this mixture to remove a water stain on the glass, warm up the solution. Spray the warm vinegar and lemon juice on the window and let it sit for a few minutes. After a few minutes, wipe the window with a clean, lint-free cloth. In addition to cleaning off the hard water stains, the solution leaves behind a refreshing scent. With this easy step, you now know how to remove hard water stains from glass windows.
Rubbing Alcohol
If you are curious about how to get hard water off windows, you might want to reach for the rubbing alcohol. You can easily mix some water with rubbing alcohol and apply it to the window. This solution is great to help dissolve those mild water spots. It is also a perfect solution to keep up with your window maintenance.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is another tool in your arsenal to clear off those hard water stains. You can squeeze some toothpaste on a non-abrasive pad. Add some water to the solution and lightly apply it to your windows. After a few minutes, make sure to rinse the glass and squeegee off any excess water.
Ammonia
Are you still looking for ways on how to remove hard water stains from windows? Make sure to reach for a bottle of ammonia. However, you want to take caution when using this solution. An ammonia solution can irritate the mucous membranes and eyes. Many people can experience some skin irritation when exposed to this chemical. For that reason, you might want to wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself. Despite all this, it is an effective way to get rid of those hard water stains. You can soak a towel into a mixture of water and ammonia. Apply the solution to all those hard water stains on your glass.
Related: Three Reasons to Hire a Professional
Choose a Professional Option
If you have not kept up with the cleaning of your windows, you might have to turn to a professional solution. In some cases, those old stains are often difficult to remove. Common
solutions from the hardware store might work, but you will need plenty of elbow grease and hand power to remove these stains. Unless you know how to remove water spots from a window, you could easily scratch or damage the glass.
You might be better off contacting a professional team. The standard hard water stain is too set to remove with a solution of vinegar and water. Professional cleaners have all the tools to tackle these hard water deposits on your window. Many cleaning professionals use polishing paste to break down those harsh minerals that cause stains.
If the hard water stain is removable, Shine Window Care can help with these problem areas. However, to prevent these stains in the first place, you want to schedule regular cleaning of your windows. With regular cleaning, you can stop those minerals from building up on your pristine windows. Whether you live in Westlake, Austin, or Highland Park, we have the cleaning solution for you. Shine Window Care is ready to help you keep those windows looking great throughout the year.
Are you looking to remove hard water stains from your Dallas home? Shine Window Care has the solutions to make your glass surfaces look as good as new.
