How to Get Hard Water Stains Off Windows

Do you long for spotless windows? The glass may be pristine on the interior, but it is likely that rain and snow have left hard water spots on the exterior.  Hard water leaves behind deposits of calcium and magnesium. They make glass look dirtier than they actually are because of hazy-looking droplets. These minerals are difficult to remove, making it near impossible to clean them with a simple wash.

To help you reduce the amount of time spent rubbing out water stains, here are a few tricks and tips on how to remove hard water stains on your windows:

1. Use Vinegar and Water 

A simple vinegar and water solution is ideal for recent hard water stains that haven’t had time to build up. Take equal amounts of water and vinegar (white distilled vinegar works best), and mix them together in a spray bottle. Spray your vinegar and water solution on the windows, and allow the vinegar to rest on the windowpane for two to three minutes. Finally, take a gentle cloth, and wipe away the vinegar cleaning solution, making sure to avoid streaks. 

2. Lemon Solutions to Clean Outside Windows

If you don’t have vinegar on hand, but still want a natural window cleaning solution to remove window spots, swap out the vinegar for lemon juice. Lemon juice has similar acidic properties to vinegar and is also effective at removing hard water stains. Mix the lemon juice with water in a spray bottle, and spray the solution directly onto the window spots. Allow the lemon water to rest on the stains for a few minutes, and then use a dry, soft cloth or paper towel to remove the lemon solution. Like the vinegar and water method, this solution performs best on recent water stains. 

3. Baking Soda and Water 

This method will help you tackle tough stains that don’t respond to vinegar or lemon water. Take baking soda and a little water, and mix them in a small bowl to create a cleaning paste for your windows. Then, use a dry cloth to scrub the hard water stains with the paste. The abrasive quality of the baking soda will help in removing hard water stains from your window. 

4. Use a Hard Water Stain Remover Solution

Another effective solution for difficult stains is to use a hard water stain removal solution. While these solutions are often not 100% natural, they are very effective when it comes to removing stubborn hard water stains and spots on your Fibrex® windows. Visit your local hardware store to pick up a hard water stain remover solution, and follow the instructions when applying it to clean your windows. 

5. Hire a Professional Service to Clean Outside Windows for You

The easiest way to remove hard water stains from your outside windows is to hire a professional window cleaning service. Removing hard water stains on windows can be a very difficult and time-consuming task. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself or don’t have the correct tools, be sure to hire a professional window cleaner.

If you would like to learn more about our methods for how to get hard water stains off windows, give us a call today. Renewal by Andersen® window glass features a “self-cleaning” Titanium Dioxide exterior coating that helps prevent watermarks. 

Renewal by Andersen Midwest offers a full range of window products, from traditional double-hung to custom-built specialty windows, to add efficiency, beauty and value to your home. 

Call us today at 866-609-5033, or fill out our convenient request form to get a free quote on service.