DIY: How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Glass
As paradoxical as it may seem, the thing that can leave the most persistent and visible marks on glass is water itself, especially if it is full of hard minerals. You have surely seen stains on your shower walls, windows, wine glasses, your glass table, etc.
As it is an essential material in every home, knowing how to remove hard water stains from glass is essential for keeping a clean home.
This article will cover the best products available for the job, depending on the type of stain. Read on to find out how to remove hard water stains from glass.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Glass: The Best Solutions
1. All-Purpose Limescale Remover
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All-purpose limescale removers are a great choice for hard water stains that have been in your shower for too long. Milder detergents or glass cleaners would probably not be able to remove such stains.
The limescale remover works quickly and efficiently. You only have to apply it and leave it for a few minutes before you start scrubbing. You can use a sponge, but an old toothbrush might be the best choice.
Fortunately, you won’t have to scrub for too long or too hard. The powerful chemicals in the liquid will dissolve the stains quickly, and you will be able to remove them easily.
Remember to always wear gloves when dealing with such strong cleaners. That will protect your skin from the chemicals. Also, make sure you rinse the glass thoroughly with cold water after you are done.
2. Ordinary Window Cleaners
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Most window cleaners are designed to remove grease and hard stains from glass. They can also remove any marks left by insects as well as fingerprints. So, they can be just as effective in cleaning hard water stains, especially those made by rain.
However, it is important to note that window cleaners often aren’t strong enough to remove water stains that have been around for too long. That is why you should try to clean your windows often, at least once every two weeks.
Window cleaners are quite easy to use. You just spray them on the glass and use a dry cloth to remove the excess liquid, making sure you move the cloth in one direction only.
Using a squeegee can make your life much easier, as it helps the glass dry quicker. You can also get a window washer applicator. That, in combination with a squeegee, will ensure your windows are always spotless.
It is vital that you go for trusted brands when it comes to window cleaning equipment. Such brands include Windex, Stoner, Weiman, etc.
3. Super Fine Steel Wool and Soap
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When cleaning any type of glass, it is important that you find something that will remove hard water stains effectively without scratching and damaging the surface itself. That is where super fine steel wool comes in.
You can scrub any glass in your home with this material, and rest assured the glass will remain intact. All you need is some warm water, soap (or any type of detergent), and a piece of steel wool.
Spray the window with a mixture of water and soap and then scrub at the hard water stains using the wool. After you get all the stains out, use a squeegee to remove any excess water. You can also use a cloth to polish the window until it is truly spotless.
Alternatively, you can use vinegar instead of water and soap. Soak your glass in vinegar, and cover it with a towel or a sheet for five minutes. Then, use the steel wool to scrub at the stains. Finally, rinse off the glass.
If there is any residual vinegar smell that you want to get rid of, simply use a glass cleaner and wash the glass once more. Polish it, and it will be as good as new.
4. WD-40
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You might be surprised to find WD-40 on the list of glass cleaning products. After all, it is quite strong and used to remove hard stains from metal. However, it can be just as effective in removing hard water stains that have been around for years.
You can use this cleaner to scrub the glass in your shower or for any glass doors you may have. Of course, if the stains are new, a simple glass cleaner will be a better and more affordable choice. But if the water stains have hardened and nothing else seems to be working, WD-40 is the way to go.
5. A Mildly Abrasive Polisher
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Most mild abrasive polishers will remove hard water stains without leaving any scratches or damaging your glass. You can apply these by hand, but using a rotary polisher or an electric drill will work best and remove the stains quickly.
If you have ever wondered how huge buildings with glass covering their entire surfaces stay so spotless, this product is their secret. By using an abrasive polisher, you can clean your glass like a pro.
However, it might be best to use this solution only if you have a lot of glass to cover in your home. If you only have a few smaller windows and your shower, another option will be more affordable.
6. A DIY Option: Lime and Water
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If you want to create an excellent glass cleaner all by yourself, read on. All you need are water and lime acid. Mix them in equal parts if the stains are particularly old and hardened, or pour in more water if they are new.
Then, spar or pour the mixture over the glass. Use either a cloth or a brush to scrub at the hard water stains. The acid will help dissolve the stains, and your glass will be back to its former glory quickly.
There are two alternatives to lime acid. One is mixing water with baking soda and the other with vinegar.
7. Toilet Bowl Cleaner
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If you want to learn how to remove hard water stains from glass quickly when you have none of the options above at hand, using a toilet bowl cleaner is a good idea. Just make sure you wear gloves and a face mask, and that you properly ventilate the room the glass is in.
Take a sponge or a cloth and apply some of the cleaner to it. Then, scrub at the glass to remove the stains. Toilet bowl cleaners are quite strong, so you will not need a lot to get the stains out.
8. A Permanent Solution: Water Softeners
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Generally speaking, it is much better to prevent a problem than to try and fix it after it has already happened. To that end, you can try tackling the source of hard water stains at its very root: the hard water itself.
You can solve this problem by installing water softeners in your home. These devices will filter the water flowing through your pipes and remove the hard minerals causing you trouble. By doing so, they will ensure your shower and all the glass you wash around the house (glasses and glass dishes included) have no contact with hard water at all.
And just like that, you won’t have to worry about hard water stains ever again!
To Conclude
Knowing how to remove hard water stains from glass is an important skill to have. You can use different types of cleaners depending on the stains themselves, including window cleaners, vinegar, water, a steel wool brush, etc.
In addition, installing a water softener in your home is a permanent way to deal with these stains. Do that, and you’ll be able to say goodbye to hard water stains altogether.
