Water is not the same everywhere. In some areas the water has a high content of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. This water is called hard water [source: Britannica]. After the water has evaporated from a surface, such as a window, it will leave spots known as calcium deposits or lime scale. At first it's not very noticeable, but after a while the deposits build up and there's a thick whitish glaze. In the early stages, these deposits are easy to get off, but over time as they are baked on by the sun, they become more difficult to remove, giving your windows a rough texture and unpleasant haziness [source: Glass polishing]. Here is a foolproof way to get rid of hard water stains on your windows.
- Prepare a mixture of half water and half vinegar.
- Soak a towel in the solution.
- Press the towel onto the rough spots on the window. Let it sit there for a minute or two. The acidity in the vinegar will soften the mineral deposits making it easier to wipe off. You can also try draping the towel over the window, if it will remain hanging and not fall down.
- Wipe and press the towel on the window until the spots disappear. You may have to repeat the process several times until all the spots are gone.
- Dry the window with a rag. You may want to shine the window with a window spray.
Another tried and true way to remove hard water spots from your windows is by rubbing them with some white wine [source: BBC].
Tips for Removing Mineral Deposits & Hard Water Stains from Glass Exterior Window Glass in Chantilly, VA
HomeUncategorizedTips for Removing Mineral Deposits & Hard Water Stains from Glass Exterior Window Glass in Chantilly, VA
April 20, 2020
Many homes are plagued with hard water. Hard water contains excessive amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and other compounds. Sprinklers are the primary culprit, but even storms can leave dirt and grime deposits on your windows. These hard water stains that splatter all over the windows are due to these deposits. Today, we at Mr Windows Cleaning Service LLC would like to further elaborate on hard water stains on the exterior of your windows.
Mineral Deposits on Window Glass
Though glass looks smooth, at a closer, microscopic inspection, glass has hills and valleys, rivets and creases. As a result, it causes tiny minerals and debris to get trapped and etched into the glass. Getting caught in the glass, mineral deposits in the water dry, leaving behind a problematic layer of hardened grime. Resulting in permanent damage to your windows occurs when you wait too long to remove these stains. Before hard water wreaks havoc on your beautiful windows, its best to prevent and invest in removal. The good news is that you can restore the windows more often than not and potentially avoid having to replace the window.
What Removes Hard Water Stains from Glass
There are a few methods that can effectively remove hard water stains including:
Rubbing Alcohol: Wipe down the window with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. This method is best for
maintenance cleanup as well.
Ammonia: Remove hard water spots from the glass with a towel dampened with mixture of ammonia and water. Be sure to use ammonia with caution it is known to cause skin and eye irritation as well as mucous membranes. It can negatively impact the respiratory and digestive tracts. Be sure to wear protective clothing like rubber gloves and goggles to prevent injuries.
Vinegar: Vinegar is one of the most effective methods can help
prevent damage to the glass. Soak a towel in equal parts water and vinegar. Scrub the down the affected areas and allow it to set for a couple minutes. Vinegar’s acidic content will soften the mineral deposits and make it easier to remove. Wipe the glass down with a solution dampen rag to remove the residual water spots. Repeat as necessary. Use a dry towel to remove the moisture from the glass.
How to Prevent Hard Water Spots on Glass
Minimize hard water spots and to keep your windows sparkling after removing the hard water spots. Adjust its head to avoid the glass if your sprinkler keeps hitting your window. Remove the window screens that are on windows that aren’t used and regularly wash the dirty ones. Also, invest in routinely scheduled window cleaning services to help keep your windows crystal clear.
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Mr Windows Cleaning Service LLC is readily available to provide your D.C., Virginia, Maryland home or business with effective cleaning windows. Our professionals are qualified experts that clean windows free if streaks, fingerprints, and hard water spots. Call Mr Windows Cleaning Service LLC and let us deliver superior window cleaning services with friendly customer service. Whether you need a one time cleaning or want to schedule routine scheduled window cleaning; call us today.