Getting Rid of Hard Scaling on Windows

Hard scaling occurs when water droplets contain minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, metal particles, and sulfates. Also called “hard water” or “lime scale”, when these droplets dry on your windows, they leave behind a filmy residue. This residue, which typically forms an unsightly white glaze, can be hard to remove. This is especially true the longer it sits; the sun can further bake these residues into the surface of your glass. Because glass is porous, these contaminants can cause corrosion and irreparable damages if not cleaned.

Cleaning

Hard scaling is not unique to your home’s windows. It can occur on bathroom and kitchen surfaces, as well as your car’s windows. The great news is that, if caught early, cleaning technique #1 outlined below can be used on any surface.

• Water & Vinegar: The water and white vinegar cleaning technique is a tried and true method of hard scaling removal. While it can remove stuck on, older spots, it works best on relatively new scaling. Typically, recent water scaling will need a half-and-half mixture of water and vinegar. If your stains are a bit tougher, use a mixture of 1/3 water and 2/3 vinegar. Mix your water and vinegar in a spray bottle and thoroughly coat your stains with the solution. Allow this solution to sit on the stains for at least one minute. Using a towel, wipe off the cleaning solution. If any stains remain, repeat the process until gone. (Note: You can also soak the towel in the vinegar water mixture and let it sit on the glass surface instead of spray-soaking it.)
• Lemons: Like vinegar, lemons have an acidic quality that makes for a great cleaning agent. Keep in mind, fresh lemons tend to contain more acid than bottled lemon juice. To use, purchase a lemon and roll it on a hard surface to make it easier to juice. Cut the lemon in half. Using half of the lemon, rub it against the glass. Let the juice from the lemon soak for a bit before removing with water.
• Scraper: Some hard water scaling may be too hard to remove with a simple cleaning solution. Using a professional-grade glass scraper equipped with a new blade, scrape away any hard water build up. Once you remove the scaling, spritz a water and vinegar solution over the area and wipe clean.