Hard water stains can create a thick, whitish glaze on window glass over time. Obviously, this reduces the clarity and transparency of your windows, and it produces a shabby appearance that can affect your home’s interior design and curb appeal.
These stains usually form when the water has a high content of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. This kind of water is simply referred to as “hard water”, which can leave calcium deposits or lime scale on the surface of a window when it evaporates. These hard water stains or residue can easily be removed if the surface is cleaned immediately. But if they are left for a long time, they get baked on by the sun and become more difficult to remove.
Generally, it’s best to have window professionals deal with the hard water stains on your windows, especially if the buildup has become too much. This way, you can avoid damage to your windows while you’re trying to get rid of the stains.
But to give you an idea of how hard water stains can be removed, this step-by-step guide might be able to help:
Create a mixture of half water and half vinegar.
Soak a towel in the mixture, and press it on the rough spots on your windows.
Leave it on for one to two minutes so that the acidity of the vinegar could soften the mineral deposits and make them easier to wipe off with a towel.
Wipe the towel on the window until the water stains disappear. Make sure to press it on the surface, and repeat the process as many times as you need until the spots are all gone.
Dry your window with a rag. You can also shine it using a window spray.
If you want to make window cleaning easier and never worry too much about hard water stains again, you might want to consider opting for self-cleaning glass when it’s time to finally replace your old windows. Below are some basic details that you should know about self-cleaning windows.
What is self-cleaning glass? Self-cleaning glass is a special type of glass made with a thin outer coating of titanium dioxide, which is a white, powdery titanium compound that gives a dazzling gleam to paint, toothpaste and all kinds of white things.
How does self-cleaning glass work? Titanium dioxide reduces the light passing through the glass by up to 5%. It may seem counterproductive to use this type of glass on windows and glass sliding doors, which you would naturally want to be transparent. But take note that the coating of titanium dioxide on these things is very, very thin — around 10 to 25 nanometers deep on a 4 millimeter (mm) thick glass.
Now, the titanium dioxide coating uses a two-stage process that allows the windows to self-clean: photocatalysis and hydrophilia. This means that electrons are released when the ultraviolet (UV) light shines on the titanium dioxide coating. These electrons then interact with water molecules in the air, breaking up into hydroxyl radicals. The hydroxyl radicals attach to the organic molecules from which dirt is made, disintegrating the chemical bonds and turning them into smaller and harmless substances. The hydroxyl radicals also cause the window glass to be hydrophilic. So, when it rains, water molecules spread evenly across the surface, wiping it clean.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of self-cleaning windows? Self-cleaning windows can save you time and money that would otherwise be spent on window cleaning and maintenance. And since the coating is meant to work for the lifespan of the window, you can benefit from this feature as long as your window is fine. So, even if these windows cost more than the conventional glazing, they might just be able to offer you some long-term savings anyway. It is important to keep in mind that the self-cleaning process doesn’t happen quickly and continuously, so you will still need to perform window cleaning and upkeep on a regular basis. You can, however, expect that self-cleaning windows won’t get as dirty as other windows.
Renewal by Andersen® of Nashville is a locally owned and operated company with a dedicated staff that will ensure the best results for your home. We offer a range of window styles and patio doors to suit various home designs and requirements. Rest assured that our window and door products are made with the highest quality and superior features that will guarantee optimal energy efficiency.
Call us at 866-609-5033, or fill out our contact form to request a free consultation. We serve customers in Nashville, TN, and the surrounding areas.
