How to Clean Hard Water Stains From Windows

Clean windows regularly to prevent hard water stains.

Hard water stains can affect any surface that's repeatedly exposed to hard water. Mineral deposits and other hard water stains leave a film on your windows that makes it hard for you to enjoy the view into your yard. Commercial hard water stain removers aren't meant for cleaning windows so, while they'll remove hard water stains, they end up leaving streaks and cleaner film behind. Make your own cleaner to remove water stains from windows that will leave them clean and streak free.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• White vinegar
• Clean, lint-free cloths
• Bowl
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup ammonia
• 1 cup vinegar
• Spoon
• Gloves
• Squeegee

Instructions

1. 

   A bucket allows you to carry your cleanser around with you.

   Fill a bucket with undiluted white vinegar. Wet a clean, lint-free cloth with the vinegar and wash both sides of your windows to remove the cloudy film, spots or stains left by hard water. Dry with a clean cloth.

2. Combine 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup ammonia and 1 cup white vinegar in a bowl. Stir the ingredients until mixed well.

3. Dip a clean cloth into the window cleanser and use it to remove any mineral deposits, lime and rust that remains on your windows. Scrub the cleanser into the stains and allow it to sit on the window for five minutes.

4. Rinse the cleanser off your windows using a dampened cloth. Flush the cloth frequently to remove the cleaning solution as well as lifted stain material. This prevents you from rubbing mineral deposits back into the glass.

5. Squeegee your windows to remove the liquid. Dry any remaining moisture with a clean cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute crumpled newspaper for cleaning cloths when washing your windows.

• Use your squeegee on your windows after running the sprinkler outside. This will help prevent hard water spots from forming.

• Lemon juice removes hard water stains.

• Always wash windows when direct sunlight isn't shining on them. The sun dries the cleaning fluids too fast, causing a film or streaking.

References

• EPA: Safer Cleaning: Window and Glass Cleaning: Vinegar
• University of Florida: Hazardous Household Substances: Alternatives That Are Relatively Free of Toxic Effects: Relatively Toxic-Free Household Alternatives: Windows and Mirror Cleaners
• University of Florida: Keeping it Clean: Glass- Windows and Mirrors