Finally—Here's How to Get Hard Water Stains off Glass Windows and Doors (original) (raw)

Hard water stains on shower doors, glass doors, and windows have many causes, including minerals in household water, rain, and snow, over-splash from sprinklers, and leftover soap scum. Proper removal of hard water stains is essential to prevent permanent damage. If left untreated for a prolonged time, hard water stains caused by hard-to-remove mineral deposits can etch glass. If caught early, hard water stains can be removed with pantry items including vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda.

Learn how to remove hard water stains on glass with simple steps using these common household items.

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Materials

• Distilled white vinegar
• Distilled water
• Lemon juice
• Baking soda

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

How to Remove Hard Water Stains Using Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar and lemon juice contain acids that will help break the bonds the minerals in hard water have formed with the glass surface.

1. Mix a Cleaning Solution

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
Add one part distilled white vinegar or lemon juice with one part distilled water in a spray bottle.

Use Specific Vinegar

Use cleaning vinegar instead of food-grade distilled white vinegar for a stronger cleaning solution. 2. ### Spray on the Solution
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

• Place an old towel at the bottom of the glass panel to catch drips. Starting at the top of the glass shower door or window, spray the vinegar and water solution across the top of the glass.
• Move down methodically in even rows until every part of the glass is wet.
• Allow the solution to remain on the glass and work for at least 30 minutes.
• Choose a cool day to work so the vinegar solution does not dry too quickly.

1. Scrub and Wipe Away the Mineral Deposits

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• Using a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth, start at the top of the glass panel and wipe away the mineral deposits.
• Work in a circular motion and rinse out your brush or cloth often. Use an old toothbrush to get into corners or around the edges of metal trim.

Warning

While vinegar is non-toxic, it is harsh, so wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection to avoid splatters to the eyes while scrubbing. 4. ### Rinse and Dry
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

• Once the hard water stains have been loosened and removed, rinse the glass with fresh water.
• Starting at the top, use a high-quality shower squeegee to remove most of the water. Finish drying completely with a lint-free microfiber cloth.

How to Remove Stains With Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste

If the hard water stains have built up and vinegar alone did not remove the spots, add a baking soda scrub as a gentle abrasive. This paste works well on windows, shower doors, and water-spotted, cloudy drinking glasses.

1. Spray the glass with vinegar: Use undiluted vinegar in a spray bottle and let it work for at least 30 minutes.
2. Mix a baking soda paste: Mix one part water with three parts baking soda in a small bowl to create a thin paste.
3. Apply the paste: Using a cloth or soft-bristled scrub brush, apply the paste onto the glass in a circular scrubbing motion. Use an old toothbrush for tight corners and small glass items.
4. Let the paste dry and spray more vinegar: Let the paste dry slightly (about 10 minutes), then spritz the glass again with undiluted vinegar.
5. Rinse and dry the glass: When the foaming stops, rinse the glass with clean water and dry it with a squeegee or microfiber cloth.

Before You Start

Before rinsing, try removing stubborn hard water stains with crumpled parchment paper. Gently rub the glass surface with the crumpled paper until you see the stains disappear.

Additional Tips for Preventing Hard Water Stains on Glass

• Distinguish hard water stains from normal dirty spots by noting if a commercial glass cleaner doesn't remove them easily. That's when you know it's time for additional cleaning measures.
• Dry the glass completely after showering or cleaning to prevent hard water spots from forming.
• Use a diluted vinegar solution for weekly cleaning to keep deposits from building up.
• Move sprinklers away from windows to prevent splatters.
• Apply water-repellent products to help water run off quickly from the glass window or door.
• Clean glass doors and windows more frequently if you know you have hard water to prevent excessive build-up and permanent etching. Once etching begins due to the abrasive nature of the minerals, there is no way to restore the glass to its original clarity.

Make It Last

Don't let your hard work go down the drain: Now that your shower glass is clean, keep a squeegee in the shower and make it part of your routine to wipe down the glass before you step out. Now, you won't have to deep clean so often, and hopefully not at all.

FAQ

• Hard water stains are stubborn but not permanent. However, if they are not cleaned properly, the stains leave permanent etching that cannot be removed.
• Vinegar is a natural cleaning solution that breaks down the minerals in stubborn hard water stains when left on for 30 minutes.
• The most effective way to remove calcified hard water stains is a vinegar and water mixture as it breaks down the minerals when it comes into contact with the stained glass. It's also an excellent natural, non-chemical method.
• Yes, a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or any generic melamine sponge can remove hard water stains from glass. A dampened melamine sponge is an abrasive that cuts through hard water stains, as well as soap scum buildup on glass shower doors. However, be cautious if using an abrasive melamine sponge on other surfaces.