Removing Water Stains on Windows
It’s common to experience water stains on the inside and outside of your window glass. It happens. However, it happens in certain areas of the Twin Cities like Rogers more often than normal since the area has a water hardness rating of 22 grains, which is considered “very hard.”
Hard water contains more minerals than soft water, including calcium and magnesium. The minerals create hard water stains that prove difficult to remove. Most of the most stubborn water stains on windows are also known as hard water spots.
You will know that you have hard water coming into your house if you notice a film on your dishes and hands after you clean them. You may also notice that it takes longer to remove soap film.
Water stains can also develop on your windows for a variety of other reasons. Rain, and especially irrigation, can cause water stains on your exterior windows. You may also get toothpaste, shampoo, or “splash marks” on your windows if a water source is nearby a window. Most minor stains actually come from cleaning. Even clean water can create stains if not dried properly.
In order to get the best results in your effort to remove hard water spots, it’s important to get professional window washing services 1 – 2 times a year. Professionals have the skill and tools to handle even the hardest stains and the most unattainable windows. Ideally, you should schedule a cleaning service during spring and fall if possible. Even if stains are present, they’ll be easier to remove.
In between window cleanings, there are things you can do to clean the water marks off of your windows yourself.
How to Remove Water Spots From Windows
If the water stain is dark and appears to be ingrained in the glass, it’s likely a mineral deposit. These types of stains are caused by hard water and are best removed with a vinegar and baking soda solution.
White vinegar is an acidic substance that will break down the minerals that cause water spots. Some people also use lemon juice in their cleaning solution to remove hard water stains. Simply mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and apply it to the hard water spot with a sponge. Leave it for 5-10 minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth.
Just be sure to rinse the vinegar off completely so that it doesn’t damage your window.
If the stain is lighter in color and sits on the surface of the glass, it’s most likely due to plain old dirt or grime. In this case, you can use soapy water or a commercially available glass cleaner and wipe it off with a paper towel or soft cloth, such as a microfiber cloth.
Be very careful if you use steel wool on your windows! While often used by professionals, you can do more harm than good if you’re not careful. You can also use rubbing alcohol if you don’t have a traditional glass cleaner available. Just be sure to rinse the area well afterward to avoid streaks. With these simple tips, you’ll have your windows looking good as new in no time!
Tips For Cleaning Your Windows
When cleaning windows, remember to clean both the inside and the outside of the windows. Your windows won’t look clean if you only clean the inside but neglect the outside. This is difficult if you have more than one story, and even if the reach is easy, the volume of windows can really add up. This is why most homeowners in the Twin Cities simply opt for hiring a reputable window cleaner.
Window cleaning methods will work on a wide variety of glass surfaces, including windshield auto glass and shower doors.
For tips on how to clean double-windows, read here.
Avoid cleaning myths, such as using soda to clean a glass surface. This not only is ineffective but may also cause problems.
Related Content: See this post for how to remove tape residue from your windows, the right way.
Safety Considerations When Washing Windows
Cleaning windows is a necessary task for any homeowner, but it’s important to take some safety precautions to avoid injury.
First, always use a sturdy ladder or step stool when reaching for high windows. Some windows may be difficult to reach. If you can’t reach a window from the top of a ladder, don’t reach too far. Use a tool to help you reach the window.
It’s also a good idea to wear gloves to protect your hands from detergent and cleaners. Otherwise, you may experience skin irritation. When using a squeegee, start at the top of the window and work your way down in a single stroke.
Be sure to dry the sill afterward so that water doesn’t drip to lower levels, creating more water spots. Finally, never leave cleaning solutions unattended, and be sure to store them out of reach of children and pets. Many cleansers include toxic chemicals.
Avoid falls and get the best results by hiring professional window washing services in Rogers, MN.
While we’re talking about tips, see these safety tips for all of your spring cleaning tasks.
Preventing Water Spots on Windows
When using tap water, be sure to dry the window thoroughly afterward. Properly drying the windows is one of the best ways to ensure that the water spots won’t develop.
Finally, you should make a point to reduce splashing around your windows. While many kitchen faucets offer great coverage, you should be careful not to let the water splash by setting it too high for the task at hand. When you do, wipe it off quickly before it dries.
When it comes to outdoor windows, your irrigation system often causes the most backsplash onto your exterior glass windows. When the water remains on the glass for an extended period, it will produce more prominent and stubborn water stains.
Wash the outside windows right away when you see that they have water on them to reduce water spots later. You may need to adjust your sprinklers if this happens regularly.
Don’t forget to dry windows thoroughly!
Ultimately, the best way to prevent water spots is to get regular window cleaning once or twice a year by a professional.
Getting Professional Window Cleaning To Remove Water Spots
Penguin Window Cleaning is based in Rogers, MN, and we serve the surrounding area such as Plymouth, Medina, Maple Grove, Elk River, and more. We provide professional and dependable window washing services. Your home will look clean all year long, and you won’t have to worry about windows in hard-to-reach places.
We can also handle even the most difficult hard water spots thanks to years of knowledge and the right tools for the job.
Contact Penguin Window Cleaning to schedule your window cleaning today!
