As a homeowner in the Pacific Northwest, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as throwing open the shades and cracking the window to let some fresh air in on the first really sunny day of Spring. This is soon followed by frustration when you notice how many water spots there are on the window. And you begin to wonder how to get hard water spots off windows.
Hard water spots are a common problem for homeowners, especially in this neck of the woods. They can appear on the outside of windows as unsightly marks that detract from the appearance of one’s home. Removing the water spots means window cleaning, which no one enjoys.
But it has to be done, at least at the start of the season. In reality, it isn’t that difficult to remove hard water stains, it just takes time (and a ladder if you have a two-story home). The important thing to remember is to use a solution that won’t harm the glass and to finish the job quickly. Water left to dry on the windows will just cause more water spots.
Hard water spots are caused by minerals in hard water, such as calcium and magnesium. When water (raindrops, sprinklers, etc.) hits the window and evaporates, those minerals are left behind and cause a crust. Even if the water is “clean,” any dust or dirt on the window that is mixed with water can cause staining, too.
Get Prepared
When cleaning hard water spots, you should take care to use a soft cloth and a gentle cleaning solution. Abrasive cleaners or materials can scratch the glass and cause further damage. It may also be necessary to scrub more vigorously with a special brush or cleaner if the deposits are particularly stubborn.
Fortunately, there are many products on the market that are designed specifically for removing hard water spots from windows. These products often contain formulas of vinegar or citric acid that dissolve mineral deposits quickly and effectively without damaging the glass surface.
How to Get Hard Water Spots off Windows
Cleaning hard water spots off windows can seem like a daunting task, but with the right know-how and supplies, it’s surprisingly easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get rid of those pesky spots:
- Create Cleaning Solution
- Apply Cleaning Solution
- Remove Cleaning Solution Completely
- Rinse/Dry Windows
Create Cleaning Solution
First, create a cleaning mixture using white distilled vinegar and warm water in equal parts. The acidity in the vinegar will help break down the minerals that cause the hard water spots. In addition to a vinegar and water solution, you can also use dish soap. Simply mix together one teaspoon of liquid dish soap with two cups of warm water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Other cleaning solutions include a lemon juice/water or baking soda/water mixture. You can also find traditional glass cleaner products at your local hardware store, but they won’t clean any better or any worse than the above mixtures.
Apply Cleaning Solution
Once your stain remover solution is ready to go, spray the solution onto the window or use a sponge or cloth to apply. Allow it to soak the stains for a few minutes.
Remove Cleaning Solution
After several minutes have passed, use a stiff brush to work on more stubborn spots until they are gone. In most cases, you should be able to use a soft cloth or paper towel to rub the spot away.
Rinse/Dry Windows
Once you’ve removed the water stains from the windows, rinse the area with clean water to wash away any residue. Use a squeegee to remove the water or dry off the window with a cloth or paper towel.
Following these steps will help you get rid of those pesky hard water spots in no time! Making sure to keep up on regular window cleaning can also prevent future build-up of minerals and debris. With just a little bit of maintenance, you can keep your windows looking sparkling clean.
Want to Know How to Get Hard Water Spots Off Windows? Call The Experts!
Heaven’s Best has been cleaning windows in the Vancouver area and beyond for more than two decades. Our experienced technicians specialize in removing tough water spots from windows so that you don’t need to worry about ruining the beautiful view from your home.
With the help of our specialized techniques, we are able to quickly and efficiently remove hard water spots without leaving a trace. We are sure that once you see the results of our work, you’ll be happy that you chose Heaven’s Best to bring brightness and clarity back to your windows!
