What to Use for the Removal Of Mineral Deposits on Glass
Your tap water contains minerals that, over time, will build up on cups, shower doors and other glass surfaces. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper and iron will leave a layer of residue on the surface of the glass. This residue -- sometimes referred to as hard water deposits-- will make the glass appear dingy and dull. Does this Spark an idea?
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White Vinegar
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The acidic nature of white vinegar will dissolve the minerals off glass without using harsh and toxic chemicals. Pour undiluted white vinegar in a spray bottle. Liberally spray glass shower doors or windows with the vinegar. Let the vinegar sit on the glass surface for 10 minutes before scrubbing clean with a sponge. Rinse the vinegar residue off the glass with cool water. For glassware, soak the item for 10 minutes in a sink filled with white vinegar and wash with a soft cloth. Rinse the glassware with cool running water and wipe dry with a towel.
Lemon Juice
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Like vinegar, lemon juice is all-natural, acidic and will remove mineral buildup on a variety of surfaces including glass. You can purchase pure lemon juice already removed from the lemons in the produce section of grocery stores. Alternatively, hand-squeeze several lemons to extract the juice. Scrub the glass with a sponge saturated in the lemon juice for several seconds. Let the lemon juice sit on the glass surface for several minutes before rinsing the glass clean with cool water.
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Trisodium Phosphate
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A heavy-duty concentrated cleaner that removes grease and fungus, trisodium phosphate will successfully remove rust and iron deposits on glass. Wash the glass with a mixture of 1 gallon of water with 1/4 cup of trisodium phosphate and rinse clean with water. To prevent possible skin irritation, wear a pair of rubber gloves when cleaning with trisodium phosphate.
Ammonia
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Clear, non-sudsy ammonia mixed with cool water will remove greenish blue buildup commonly caused by an abundance of cooper. Dilute 2 cups of ammonia with 2 cups of water. Pour the diluted ammonia into a clean spray bottle and liberally mist the glass. Gently scrub the glass clean with a sponge and rinse with cool water. Remember, never mix ammonia with bleach or products containing bleach. The fumes that will result in the combination are dangerous.
Cream of Tartar and Hydrogen Peroxide
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Creating a paste with cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide will remove a variety of mineral deposits -- including magnesium -- from glass. Pour 1 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide in a small container. Add just enough cream of tartar until you have a paste. Scoop the paste up with a damp sponge and gently scrub the glass. Leave the paste to sit on the surface for 10 minutes before rising the glass clean with cool water.
Oxygen Bleach
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Safer than chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach will remove a variety of stains and residue from glass without using dangerous chemicals. Dissolve 1 cup of oxygen bleach in 1 gallon of cool water. Dampen a sponge or cloth in the mixture and scrub the mineral residue off the glass. Rinse or wipe the glass clean with cool water.
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References
- Photo Credit Wine glass down on a glass table image by inacio pires from Fotolia.com
