How to Remove Hard Water Spots From Windows

Have you ever noticed spots on your windows that seem like they might never come off? Those are hard water spots, and if you live in an area with hard water, you'll probably see them pretty frequently. Hard water has high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium that can leave behind unsightly white streaks when the water evaporates. This guide will go over how to remove hard water spots from windows.

Fill a bucket with distilled white vinegar.

You'll want to use distilled white vinegar, which is free of dyes and additives that can stain. This will give you the best results with minimal effort. You should also avoid using any kind of vinegar that has lemon juice or essential oils in it because these ingredients can leave a residue behind on your windows.

For maximum effectiveness, make sure your vinegar is new and fresh (it shouldn't have an "expiration date" printed on it). If you don't have any distilled white vinegar handy at home, you can pick up some at the grocery store on your way over.

Soak and wring microfiber cloth.

Soak a microfiber cloth in the vinegar, then wring it out so it's not dripping wet. You want to make sure there is no excess water on the surface of your window after you clean it. The more water you have, the longer it will take for your windows to dry and the harder they will be to clean in the future.

After wringing out excess vinegar, wipe down your window with a circular motion in one direction only, starting at the top and working down toward the bottom of each pane of glass.

Scrub with cloth

Once you've removed the majority of the hard water spots, you can use a microfiber cloth to scrub any remaining spots. Press firmly on the spots to release them from the glass—but don't be too rough! Don't use too much pressure and don't rub too hard. If your rag is too rough, it may scratch or leave more streaks than before.

Rinse any leftover residue off the window with cool water.

If you didn't get all of the residue off, it's okay—just rinse with cool water and dry. It's also important to clean any leftover residue so that you don't leave marks on your window or get little unsightly streaks in the future.

Dry Windows With Paper Towels or a Squeegee

Once you've thoroughly washed your windows, use a squeegee to remove excess water from the surface. Be sure to dry the edges of each pane with a paper towel so they don't collect dirt and mold.

Next, dry the window sill and frame using another paper towel. The areas between the glass may be tough to reach with a squeegee so this is an important step for ensuring there's no moisture left behind that can cause future mold or mildew growth.

Finally, dry off any handles or latches on your windows before you leave them alone for too long!

If you’re still feeling skeptical, just give it a try. The vinegar solution is the quickest, easiest way to remove hard water spots from your windows—and it won’t leave behind any residue or streaks. Once you get rid of all the spots on your windows, you can even use this method to clean them regularly! You’ll be amazed by how much brighter and cleaner they look once they're free from hard water stains.

Don't have time to clean the interior and exterior of all your windows? Don't feel safe cleaning your windows? Fear of making your windows look worse? Hire a professional like American Exteriors. We can handle any size window, no matter how high or difficult to reach, and we will make it look brand new too! Call now at 704-964-2592 to receive your free estimate!