Many homeowners are meticulous about cleaning the interiors of their windows but may overlook exterior glass. Your windows are constantly exposed to the elements, so it’s only natural that they experience occasional wear and tear. When weather conditions such as snow and rain occur, hard water spots can form on your glass.
Luckily, there are many simple ways to remove water spots from windows using household products and cleaning agents. Help restore the shine to your glass by eliminating water stains as they appear.
What Causes Water Spots on Windows?
Water spots form when hard water containing minerals comes into contact with a surface and gets left behind. The mineral-rich water dries on the windows, leaving behind the minerals that cause white deposits. These chalky spots may look unassuming at first, but after spending time in the sun and wind, it becomes bulkier and more difficult to remove, creating a murky haze over your glass.
How to Get Water Spots Off Windows
You can rid your windows of unsightly hard water stains with one of many easy and affordable cleaning methods. After all, some of the best water spot removers for windows are in your kitchen or medicine cabinet. From natural cleaning agents to commercial products, here are the most effective water spot removal methods you can try on your own:
Vinegar
- Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and distilled white vinegar.
- Adjust the ratio depending on the severity of the water stains.
- Once you create the mixture, spray your exterior glass, focusing on areas with the most noticeable buildup.
- Allow the solution to soak into the deposits for a few minutes before respraying the window to keep the glass wet.
- Apply the vinegar water to a paper towel and wipe down the glass.
- Lastly, dry the window with a cloth or paper towel. If there are any remaining water spots, repeat the process.
Baking Soda
- Mix baking soda and water until it forms a paste.
- Using a cloth, apply the mixture to your window and scrub down the glass with force to break down calcium deposits.
- Next, use water to rinse the paste from the glass, then spray it with a traditional glass cleaner.
- Dry the window completely to remove streaks and prevent water spots from forming again.
Lemon Juice
- Cut a lemon down the middle and vigorously rub one of the halves onto your window.
- Once you finish spreading the lemon across the glass, use a cloth or paper towel to wipe away the juice.
- Finish the process by spraying the window with a standard glass cleaner and drying it.
Toothpaste
- Use a non-gel fluoride toothpaste for easy water spot removal.
- Squeeze some toothpaste on a soft cloth and apply it to the area with water spots.
- Leave the paste for a couple of minutes and wipe it off gently using a sponge or wet towel.
Standard Cleaning Products
There are many commercial cleaning products specifically meant to remove water spots from glass. Be sure to follow the directions on the label to ensure proper use and avoid spraying the cleaner on any surfaces other than the window to prevent damages. For extra protection, you can wear safety goggles to shield your eyes from the harsh chemicals.
How to Prevent Water Spots
While removing water spots on windows is easy, prevention is always better than cure. Keep your windows bright and sparkling with regular cleaning. Most hard water spots come from rain and unfiltered water, so it’s recommended to increase window cleaning frequency.
When cleaning your windows, you can also prevent water spots from forming by boiling or filtering the water used for cleaning to reduce minerals from building up on the glass once the water dries.
Schedule Window Repair and Installation Services
Do your windows need more than cleaning to bring them up to standard? Trust our team at Garrety Glass to provide high-quality residential glass repairs and window replacements at the most affordable prices so your windows can look shiny and new. With over 20 years of experience in the business, you can count on our dedicated team.
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