Getting Hard Water Off Of Windows

Hard water spots can make any glass surface look filthy. Even worse, they do not simply wipe away like dirt and grim. Below is a step-by-step guide to removing hard water spots from your windows.

• Preparations:

Before you start, make sure you have the right tools. You will need a squirt bottle, stiff bristle brush, bucket, squeegee and microfiber cloth. You will also need to prepare a cleaning solution. While you can buy products in stores, you can also make one from simple household items.

• Vinegar is an effective cleaner for many surfaces in your home. It is also safe for kids, pets and plants. Fill a squirt bottle halfway with vinegar. Fill the next quarter of the bottle with dish soap. Add lemon juice for the remaining quarter. (Some experts claim a half-and-half mixture of vinegar and water will work as well.)

• Removal:

1. Coat your window with your cleaning solution. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
2. After allowing the mixture to sit, dip your stiff bristle brush into a bucket of water and start to scrub.
3. Use your squeegee to remove any water from the surface once you believe you are done. Check for any stains that may remain and reapply your cleaning solution as needed. For tough, stuck on spots, you may need to spray and scrub more than once. If you need to re-scrub your glass, be sure to squeegee off the excess water and residue when done.
4. Once your windows are clear and clean, remove any remaining water from your window seals with your microfiber cloth. Water that is left will only accumulate dirt and dust faster.

• Tips:

It is best to clean your windows when the sun is not beating directly down on them. The sun can dry your cleaning agents too quickly. If this happens, you will need to clean more than just hard water spots!

This method can be used both inside and outside. Many people make the mistake of using rags, paper towels or crumpled newspaper to clean their windows. These items only work to push dirt around on the glass and do not actually clean it. Furthermore, they create static charges on your glass surfaces. This charge will only serve to attract more dirt and dust faster. Which means you will need to clean your glass more often to maintain that beautiful clear view.