How to Get Water Spots Off of House Windows

The minerals in water can leave behind unsightly spots on glass windows.

Water spots on your windows can make the appearance of your home unsightly. The water spots also can reduce the clarity of the windows and distort the sunlight. Removing these spots will restore the windows while improving the appearance of your home. After you remove the water spots, take the time to clean your windows regularly to ensure that they remain in good condition.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloths
• 1 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1 gallon warm water
• 1 gallon bucket
• Funnel
• Spray bottle
• Non-abrasive sponge
• Newspapers

Instructions

1. Wipe the windows down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris.

2. Combine 1 cup of white distilled vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water in a large 1 gallon bucket. Place a funnel on a spray bottle, and pour in this solution. Set the bucket off to the side and refill the bottle as needed.

3. Spray the exterior of the windows with the solution.

4. Wash the windows with a non-abrasive sponge from the top down. Continue to apply the diluted vinegar solution to the water stains as necessary.

5. Clean the inside of the windows with the solution from side to side. This will allow you to see if you missed any water spots on the exterior, and it will keep your windows in good condition.

6. Dry the windows with newspapers to leave a streak-free shine.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid cleaning windows in direct sunlight because they will dry fast and leave behind a streak.

References

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Tips for Cleaning Windows
• Earth Easy: Non-toxic Home Cleaning
• Mrs. Clean USA: Removing Hard Water Stains
• "Reader's Digest": Ways to Recycle Newspaper Around the Home