Stubborn hard water stains are common in homes where hard water is prevalent. There are several ways of removing hard water stains from exterior windows, including lemon juice, baking soda, vinegar solution, toothpaste, hard water stain remover, rubbing alcohol, and traditional glass cleaner.
The window cleaning process is easier if done regularly. However, when you use hard water for window cleaning, the buildup of mineral deposits on the exterior of your window glass will result in very tough stains.
If you didn’t know any better, you would probably come to the conclusion that hard water spots are impossible to remove. But you know better, and that’s why you’re reading this.
The ideal window cleaners for the hard water stains on your window depend on how tough the stains are and how long the hard water stains have been on your window. So let’s get into the details on how you can remove hard water spots from your windows or even your glass shower doors.
Vinegar and Water
Vinegar and water solution is an effective cleaning solution for hard water stains that haven’t been on your window for long. To prepare your solution, get a spray bottle, vinegar (preferably white distilled vinegar), and water. Mix half water and half vinegar in the bottle.
Once you’ve mixed the solution, spray it on your window and leave the solution on the windows for at least two minutes. After the recommended wait period, take a soft cloth and wipe your windows while making sure you don’t leave streaks of the solution on your window to dry on its own.
Baking Soda and Water
This water solution is the perfect remedy to get rid of very tough hard water stains that don’t respond to lemon juice or vinegar. To prepare this remedy, you’ll need some baking soda. a small bowl, and a small amount of water. Mix the baking soda with a few drops of water to form a cleaning paste.
For window cleaning, get a dry cloth, dip it in the past, and use it to scrub on hard water spots on your window. The abrasiveness of the paste will help in removing hard water stains from your exterior windows.
Lemon Juice
This natural remedy is the ideal window cleaner to go for when you don’t have vinegar to remove hard water stains on your window. The lemon solution is similar to vinegar in terms of its acidity. To prepare this remedy, get a small amount of water, a spray bottle, and the lemon juice itself.
Mix the water with the juice in a spray bottle and spray the solution directly on the hard water stains on your glass windows. Let the solution sit on the windows for a few minutes, then use a paper towel or gentle cloth to wipe off the lemon solution. This solution is ideal for stubborn stains that have been present for a short time.
Use a Hard Water Stain Remover
This glass cleaner may not be 100% natural, but it’s very effective for window maintenance. It’s readily accessible in the local hardware store closest to you. We recommend following the usage instructions at the back of the bottle to remove hard water stains.
Most times, these commercial cleaners can be dangerous when they come in contact with human skin or eyes. So we recommend you wear rubber gloves and goggles if necessary to avoid skin irritation.
Hiring a Professional Window Cleaning Service
This is the easiest and most convenient way to clean windows. After all, you won’t be the one doing the actual cleaning, your money will be working for you. You can conduct your research to find a highly rated professional team or window cleaning service.
However, this method is also the most expensive method, so we recommend that you only consider this if you have the budget for it.
Orange Essential Oil
If you prefer an oil-based cleaner, this is the ideal solution for you. Aside from its cleansing benefit, using essential oils comes with an extra benefit. Once you’ve cleaned the hard water stains on your windows, the oil on the windows will repel water which will discourage the buildup of water stains on your outside windows.
To use this option, but many drops of this oil into a small bucket of water, use a sponge or paper towels to apply this essential oil on your windows. Leave the oil on your windows for a short while and scrub it gently with the sponge or paper towels to remove stains on your window. Then wipe your glass with a traditional glass cleaner or water.
White Toothpaste
As unconventional as this may seem, using white toothpaste is another effective way to clean hard water spots. Toothpaste, just like baking soda, is known to be an effective stain remover. To use this option, mix some toothpaste with water so the paste is less thick.
Then apply this paste to your windows and leave it for some minutes. Use a sponge or dry towel to gently scrub the paste on your windows. Then use water to wash the toothpaste away from your outside windows. After removing the paste, clean your windows with water.
While at it, ensure you wipe off every bit of moisture to keep your glass dry and to ensure that water spots don’t gather again.
To Sum Up
Hard water stains only occur when there’s water on your windows. So using a glass sealant or an oil-based cleaning solution will protect your windows from moisture, discouraging further build-up of stains on your windows.
Also, the above-mentioned aren’t restricted to home maintenance, you can also use them on your car windows, and you’ll get the same results.
