Hard water is a term for water with high mineral content such as calcium and magnesium carbonates. To make it safe for drinking, hard water undergoes a softening process that removes most of these minerals through filtering with sodium. But even if hard water has gone through this method, it does not prevent them from causing deposits on windows, leading to hard water stains.
Hard water reacts to the porous glass by depositing minerals inside the structure, causing unsightly stains. This commonly happens in larger cities and areas that are highly industrialized. It has been a growing problem for many households—how, exactly, can you safely and effectively remove these stains on the windows?
Removing Hard Water Stains from Your Windows
If you search for answers online, one of the most popular homemade solutions is using a cleanser from a mixture of water and white vinegar. This quick fix can do the job for newer and more recent hard water stains. However, when it comes to old stains, it most likely won’t work.
Old hard water stains can still be removed by correctly applying chemicals widely available at any store. The process of applying these chemicals to remove hard water stains requires knowledge and expertise, or else you could easily scratch or damage the glass. For this, it is highly recommended to consult and hire trained professionals to do the window cleaning for you. It is best to include this kind of maintenance to keep your windows clean and protected. Doing this can also avoid the total replacement of window glass, thus adding another unexpected expense.
Should you decide to put matters into your own hands, there are some common household items to help you remove hard water stains:
Vinegar
First, as mentioned above, is white vinegar. Erase new spots on your windows by soaking a towel into the vinegar before scrubbing the glass, or you could use a sprayer to apply the white vinegar. The vinegar’s high acidity makes it the first choice in residential cleaning. Remember to wear rubber gloves and goggles to prevent injuries.
Ammonia
A mixture of water and ammonia can remove spots on the glass. Just soak a towel in the mixture and scrub away to achieve that clean window. Take extra precautions in using ammonia since it can irritate the eyes and respiratory and digestive systems. Along with goggles and rubber gloves, it is best to wear long sleeves to prevent skin irritation when exposed to ammonia.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste can clean our teeth and be used as a cleaning agent for different surfaces. Mix it with a bit of water to make a more fluid paste, and use a non-abrasive cleaning pad to avoid scratching your glass. After applying the mixture to the stain, rinse it off with water and wipe the glass with a dry cloth.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is excellent for light maintenance of window glasses. You could directly spray it on the glass and quickly wipe it afterward. It can be used to wipe away mild water spots, but not old and more severe hard water stains. It is also an effective way of sanitizing the window surface.
Conclusion
Hard water stains are difficult to remove using everyday household products, so it is ideal to maintain your window glass through timely cleaning. If you have been neglecting your windows and one day notice a hard water stain, you could resort to stronger chemicals. Unfortunately, not every hard water stain can be removed through DIY solutions, so contacting a cleaning company can help address your window cleaning needs.
Absolute Cleaning Solutions aims to provide you quality service and professional care for your exterior and interior window cleaning in Alabama, as well as gutter cleaning. Call us today, and we will satisfy your window cleaning needs with our highly trained cleaners and effective products, leaving your glass windows crystal clear!