Buzz
Glass surfaces are prone to hard water stains, but you can easily remove them with a mixture of water and vinegar. Busà Photography / Getty ImagesNot all water is the same. Some regions have water with high mineral content, such as calcium and magnesium, known as hard water [source: Britannica]. When this water evaporates from surfaces like windows, it leaves behind mineral deposits, or lime scale. Initially, these deposits are barely visible, but over time, they accumulate and form a thick, white film. In the beginning, these stains are easy to remove, but as they bake in the sun, they become more difficult to clean, leaving your windows rough and cloudy [source: Glass polishing]. Here’s a surefire method to remove hard water stains from your windows.
- Mix equal parts water and vinegar to create a cleaning solution.
- Soak a towel in the solution.
- Apply the towel to the stained areas of the window and let it sit for a minute or two. The vinegar's acidity will help break down the mineral deposits, making them easier to wipe away. If possible, hang the towel over the window to keep it in place.
- Gently rub and press the towel onto the window until the spots are gone. You may need to repeat this process several times to remove all the stains.
- Dry the window with a clean cloth and consider using a window spray for extra shine.
Another effective method for removing hard water stains from your windows is by wiping them down with white wine [source: BBC].
