How to Remove Hard Water Spots on a Car

Remove water spots on a car with white vinegar.

Water left on cars from rain, sprinklers or washing can leave behind hard water spots, which appear as dull white rings on your car's paint or windows. Attempting to remove the spots with a wet sponge proves fruitless, as the water marks require a dissolving agent to loosen the crusty substance. The cleaning solution must have enough power to eliminate the water marks without damaging the paint on your car. With the right tools, you can remove hard water spots that dot your car's surface.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Liquid dish soap
• Garden hose
• Large sponge
• Soft cloths
• Spray bottle
• White vinegar

Instructions

1. Fill a bucket with warm water and 2 tbsp. of liquid dish soap.

2. Wet the car with water from a garden hose. Dip a sponge into the bucket of soapy water and wipe over the hood of the car. Rub vigorously to remove any dirt and grime from the surface.

3. Rinse the soap from the hood of the car. Proceed to the driver's side and wash and rinse it in the same manner. Continue to the trunk and then to the passenger's side, cleaning and rinsing.

4. Dry the entire car with soft cloths.

5. Fill a spray bottle halfway with white vinegar. Finish filling the bottle with cool water.

6. Spray water marks left on the paint or windows with the vinegar solution. Allow the vinegar to penetrate the marks for one minute. Rub the marks from the car with a clean, damp sponge.

7. Wash the car again after removing the hard water spots on the car.

Tips & Warnings

• Wax the car after using the vinegar solution, as it strips prior wax from the paint.

References

• Auto Media: How to Eleminate Water Spots
• Guide to Detailing: Paint Repair Clinic