Despite our desire for sparkling, crystal-clear windows, the reality is that they are notoriously difficult to keep clean. It is extremely difficult to remove hard water stains once they have built up. No matter what you do, you just can't escape the unpleasant and hard-to-clean water stains which appear on your windows from time to time. You could try a stronger chemical or abrasive cleaner, but chances are that you will scratch the surface of the window, which is even worse than the stains. This is why you should learn how to remove hard water stains off windows using non-abrasive methods. Fortunately, there are a few safe things you can try.
Removing hard water stains with lemon juice
Lemon juice has very strong acidic properties, and this is why it can be very effective when it comes to removing water stains from windows. Some people may not know this, but except for its strong qualities when it comes to killing harmful bacteria in our bodies, lemon juice can also remove all kinds of difficult and unpleasant stains from many surfaces. So why not try it on windows? Turns out it's quite effective, actually.
First, you'll need to cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice out. Once all the juice is out, you can either put it in a spray bottle and apply it on the glass surface or just pour some on a towel and rub the stain with it. The water stain should come right off. And if you're from the lazy type, you can just cut the lemon in half and rub the open area directly onto the glass. Wait for a while until it soaks in, and then remove it with a glass cleaner.
Get hard water stains off windows by using essential oils
Essential oils are a great green alternative to most cleaners, but many people still don't know it. The citrus-based essential oils are probably best for this window cleaning task. The oil is also a water repellent so it will prevent such future issues with your windows. All you have to do is put a few drops of essential oil in some water, dip a sponge or a towel in it, and apply it to the glass. Wait for a while until it soaks, and scrub the stain off. Then just wipe everything clean using your regular detergent.
Apply some toothpaste to the window
It may seem strange to you at first, but the toothpaste is actually great for removing all kinds of build-up from many kinds of surfaces, so it will work well on your hard water stains. First, you'll have to mix the toothpaste with some water, so it can be easier to apply it, and you won't need so much toothpaste for the stain. Then apply the toothpaste on the window glass, and wait for it to work. Then scrub off the stain and wash off the toothpaste with some water. In the end, you can clean the window with some usual glass cleaner and wipe it thoroughly. Make sure the surface is completely dry in the end because otherwise, more hard water stains will form.
Try the baking soda and vinegar paste method
Another easy way to remove hard water stains off windows is to make a paste from baking soda and vinegar and apply it to the window glass. This paste will fizz and bubble at first, but if you wait a minute or so, it will stop. Then you can apply it on the surface and wait for a while. And you know the instructions from there - scrub, wash, dry.
Erase hard water stains with ammonia
Ammonia is a very effective glass cleaner. Use a towel soaked in ammonia and water to remove the spots from the glass. It is important to note, however, that an ammonia solution can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes, especially the respiratory and digestive systems. Wear protective clothing like rubber gloves and goggles when handling an ammonia solution.
Maintain the cleanliness of your windows with rubbing alcohol
You can remove small hard water spots from windows with rubbing alcohol mixed with water and applied to the glass with a soft cloth. After cleaning the window, be sure to dry it. In general, this is a smart measure to take when you first notice small stains on your windows and is considered effective window maintenance overall.
How to prevent hard water stains on windows?
It can be very challenging (and tiresome!) to remove hard water stains once they have set in. If you want to keep your windows in good shape, take as many preventative measures as possible. By being intentional, you can prevent further damage to your windows.
- Routine Cleaning - Make window cleaning part of your annual or biannual home maintenance schedule. By regularly cleaning, hard water stains will not set and become more difficult to remove.
- Awnings - It is possible to protect windows from the elements by adding awnings above them! You should also fix leaky gutters so dirty water isn't dripping onto your windows and staining them.
- Rain Repellent. Windows can be protected by sealing up the pores with glass sealants or polymer coatings. By doing this, you will prevent dirt, hard water minerals, and other particles from adhering to your windows and causing damage. Protective coatings keep dirt and grime on the surface of windows, making them much easier to clean. Furthermore, it prevents water from clinging to the windows, making it roll right off. If glass pores do not hold water, hard water stains will not form!
- Hire Professionals - By opting for a professional window cleaning service, you can ensure that your windows are getting the highest possible care. Also, it will save you time, so you can spend it elsewhere instead of worrying about your windows.
In conclusion:
Hard water spots can be tricky to get rid of, so avoid sprinkling your windows with hard water. The kitchen windows should always be covered with curtains to ensure that they are well protected. Also, be aware of lawn sprinklers. They commonly cause hard water spots on windows. Thank you for reading this article. We hope it helped.