How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Glass

How to Remove Hard Water Stains on Glass With Vinegar

The acids in distilled white vinegar or fresh lemon juice will help dissolve the minerals clinging to the glass and leaving white stains.

1. Mix a Cleaning Solution

   • Combine one part of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice with one part of distilled water in a spray bottle to clean windows and glass shower doors.
   • If the hard water stains are heavy, dilute cleaning vinegar instead of food-grade distilled white vinegar. It is 20 percent stronger and will cut through the minerals more quickly.

   To remove hard water stains from drinking glasses, fill a sink with the vinegar and water solution and submerge the glasses. Let them soak for 30 minutes, rinse, and dry immediately with a lint-free microfiber cloth.

2. Spray the Glass

   • To catch drips, especially on windows, place an old towel at the bottom of the glass.
   • Turn on fans or ventilate the room well if you don't like the odor of vinegar.
   • Starting at the top of the window or glass shower door, spray on the vinegar and water solution.
   • Be sure that every part of the glass is covered with the spray.
   • Turn off the ventilation fans and leave the solution to work on the glass for at least 30 minutes.
   • Choose a cool day to work so the vinegar solution does not dry too quickly. A cloudy day is a good time to clean outdoor hard water stains on glass.
     

3. Scrub Away the Stains

   • Mist the glass again with the cleaning solution if it has dried.
   • Starting at the top, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away the mineral deposits.
   • Work in small circles and rinse out your brush in a bucket of plain water.
   • An old, soft toothbrush is great for getting into corners or around the edges of metal door trim.

   Distilled white vinegar is non-toxic, but eye protection will protect your eyes from stinging splatters and rubber gloves will protect your hands.

4. Rinse and Dry the Glass

   • Once the entire piece of glass has been scrubbed, rinse away the loose minerals with fresh water.
   • For a streak-free finish, use a rubber squeegee to remove most of the water. Start at the top and work down. Remember to wipe the squeegee dry after each stroke.
   • Dry the glass with a lint-free microfiber cloth to catch any drips.

Add a Baking Soda Paste for Tough Hard Water Stains

To boost the cleaning power of vinegar, add a baking soda paste if the hard water stains have been ignored and allowed to get heavy.

• Spray on vinegar. After spraying the glass with the vinegar and water solution, let it work for 30 minutes.
• Mix a baking soda paste. Mix one part of water with three parts of baking soda in a small bowl to create a thin paste.
• Apply the paste: Apply the paste onto the glass in a circular scrubbing motion using a soft-bristled scrub brush. Use an old toothbrush for tight corners and small glass items.
• Allow to dry and spray again. Let the paste dry for around 10 minutes, and then spray with undiluted vinegar.
• Scrub away the stains. When the foaming stops, start at the top and scrub the glass to loosen the mineral deposits.
• Rinse and dry. Use fresh water to rinse the glass and dry it with a squeegee and microfiber cloth.

Tips to Help Prevent Hard Water Stains on Glass

• After each shower or when you wash windows, dry the glass immediately to prevent hard water spots from forming.
• Use the diluted vinegar solution weekly on glass shower doors to prevent deposits from building up.
• Move outdoor sprinklers away from windows to prevent hard water stain splatters.
• Apply a water-repellent product like Rain-X or Chemical Guys HydroView to glass doors and windows to help water sheet off quickly.