cleaning hard water stains from windshield

[daaw]

I have a new Toyota that my 4 year old loves to wash for me. Problem is I now have these stubborn hard water spots all over the windshield that I can't seem to get off. Anyone have any ideas on how to clean it and keep them from coming back?

 

[eurolarva]

Re: cleaning hard water stains from windshield

CLR or Limaway should take them off. If you have a water softener in the house maybe fill up a pail with that and then let him wash the car with that.

 

[DJ]

Re: cleaning hard water stains from windshield

Distilled water will also remove them.<br /><br />I use Reverse Osmosis water, which is basically the same thing.<br /><br />Be careful with CLR or Limeaway near painted surfaces.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: cleaning hard water stains from windshield

Elbow grease and any old window cleaner. <br /><br />You're probably getting lots of water spots on tile and shower walls as well? If yes, I think you're likely a prime candidate for a water softener...makes life much more pleasant all around...cleaner dishes, cleaner clothes, cleaner cars, cleaner tubs and showers.

 

[daaw]

Re: cleaning hard water stains from windshield

Thanks for the suggestions; I have a water softener but it I don’t think it’s piped for the outside faucets. I thought about CLR but was worried about the painted surfaces.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: cleaning hard water stains from windshield

The greatest way I have to clean a windshield was taught to me by a restoration specialist....<br /><br />Windex and 000 or 0000 steel wool. It will not scratch the glass. Wet the windshield with windex and rub with the steel wool. Now use regular paper towels and windex. This works great and no visible signs of bug guts, water marks and leaves the windshield super clean.

 

[KRS]

Re: cleaning hard water stains from windshield

I believe that Popular Mechanics recently did a little article on this... it was vinegar and wax... the hard water stains are actually etched into the window, and wax is needed to prevent them.

 

[ob]

Re: cleaning hard water stains from windshield

Originally posted by KRS:<br /> I believe that Popular Mechanics recently did a little article on this... it was vinegar and wax... the hard water stains are actually etched into the window, and wax is needed to prevent them.

Bingo!! vinegar is cheap ,avilable ,and does the trick.I used to work downwind of a cement plant and its percipitators dumped liberal amounts of concrete dust on our work vehicles.That coupled with humidity made for a clinging residue.Vinegar was what we used to cut it.Spray or swab it on.Let set for a few minutes and lightly scotch-brite it off.Hard water spots don't stand a chance.

 

[daaw]

Re: cleaning hard water stains from windshield

I like (and now remember hearing about) the vinegar remedy. I will try it this weekend.<br /><br />On a side note, I have been a member of iboats since March 2004. In that time I have made 29 post,(watch out JB) but have read thousands of post that give good informative suggestions. You guys rock!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: cleaning hard water stains from windshield

daaw - glad to see you are pacing yourself! JB watch out!!

 

[KRS]

Re: cleaning hard water stains from windshield

Don't forget to wax! (windshield, not bikini)

 

[LadyFish]

Re: cleaning hard water stains from windshield

I vote for Vinegar or sudsy amonia and a sponge with a weaved scrubber (they use it on teflon).