How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Windows

Do you long for spotless windows? Hard water from snow and rain can leave behind deposits of calcium and magnesium on your windows’ exteriors. They make glass look dirty, creating hazy-looking droplets. The minerals in hard water are difficult to remove, and a simple wash usually can’t clean them off. 

How To Get Hard Water Stains Off Windows

Thankfully, you can get hard water spots off with the right cleaning solution. Follow these tips and tricks to remove hard water stains from your windows. You deserve to enjoy sparkling-clean windows in your home!

Vinegar Solution

Follow this simple process to remove hard water stains from your windows: 

1. Fill a spray bottle with a mixture that’s half water and half vinegar. 
2. Spritz any hard water stains on your windows, and let the mixture sit for two to three minutes. 
3. Wipe away the mixture with a gentle cloth. Use circular motions to avoid streaks. 

Still see stains? Repeat this process and ensure both the inside and outside surfaces of your window have been cleaned. If the hard water stains still won’t come off, try one of the additional methods below. Some stains may not respond until they’ve been tackled with a few different cleaning mixtures. 

Lemon Solution

You can also use lemon juice to get hard water stains off window glass. To use lemon juice to clean your windows, follow the same process as vinegar and water: 

1. Mix the lemon juice with water in a spray bottle. 
2. Spritz hard water stains with the mixture.
3. Let the solution sit on the stains for a few minutes. 
4. Wipe the lemon juice off your window with a dry, soft cloth. 

Like the vinegar and water method, this solution performs best on recent water stains. 

Baking Soda and Water 

Still struggling to get hard water stains off your window? Backing soda and water is another way to tackle tough stains. To use this method, follow these steps:

1. Mix baking soda and water in a bowl to create a paste. 
2. Apply the paste to hard water spots on your window. 
3. Allow the paste to sit on the window for a while. 
4. Scrub the paste off the window using a dry cloth. 

Be warned that this method is messy! You’ll likely get baking soda paste on the ground outside your house and on your hands during the cleaning process. However it’s worth it to remove pesky stains on your windows. 

Hard Water Stain Remover

Another effective solution for difficult stains is to use a hard water stain remover. 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 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. 

Hire a Professional Service to Clean Outside Windows for You

If your stains simply won’t come off, you can hire a professional 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, hire a professional window cleaner.

Contact Renewal by Andersen for Window Replacements

Is it time to replace your windows? At Renewal by Andersen, we offer full-service window replacement that includes high-quality products, superior customer service and a complete clean-up after your windows are installed. We consider it a privilege to add value and beauty to your home. 

Renewal by Andersen® window glass features a “self-cleaning” Titanium Dioxide exterior coating that helps prevent hard water marks on windows. Although you’ll still have to wash your windows, it will be less often and hard water stains won’t build up as quickly as other windows. 

Renewal by Andersen 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 510-391-5115 to learn more!