Finally—Here's How to Get Hard Water Stains off Glass Windows and Doors (2024)

Equipment / Tools

Materials

Use Distilled White Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar and lemon juice contain acids that will help break the bonds the minerals in hard water have formed with the glass surface.

1. Mix a Cleaning Solution

   In a spray bottle, combine one part of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice with one part of distilled water.

   Tip

   For a stronger cleaning solution, use cleaning vinegar instead of food-grade distilled white vinegar.

   

2. Spray on the Solution

   Place an old towel at the bottom of the glass panel to catch drips. Starting at the top of the glass shower door or window, spray the vinegar and water solution across the top of the glass.

   Move down methodically in even rows until every part of the glass is wet.

   Allow the solution to remain on the glass and work for at least 30 minutes.

   Choose a cool day to work so the vinegar solution does not dry too quickly.
   

   

3. Scrub and Wipe Away the Mineral Deposits

   Using a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth, start at the top of the glass panel and wipe away the mineral deposits.

   Work in a circular motion and rinse out your brush or cloth often. Use an old toothbrush to get into corners or around the edges of metal trim.

   While vinegar is non-toxic, wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection to avoid splatters to the eyes.
   

   

4. Rinse and Dry

   Once the hard water stains have been loosened and removed, rinse the glass with fresh water.

   Starting at the top, use a good-quality squeegee to remove most of the water. Finish drying completely with a lint-free microfiber cloth.
   

   

Remove Difficult Stains with Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste

If the hard water stains have built up and vinegar alone did not remove the spots, add a baking soda scrub as a gentle abrasive. This paste works well on windows, shower doors, and water-spotted, cloudy drinking glasses.

1. Spray the glass with vinegar: Use undiluted vinegar in a spray bottle and let it work for at least 30 minutes.
2. Mix a baking soda paste: In a small bowl, mix one part of water with three parts of baking soda to create a thin paste.
3. Apply the paste: Using a cloth or soft-bristled scrub brush, apply the paste onto the glass in a circular scrubbing motion. Use an old toothbrush for tight corners and small glass items.
4. Let the paste dry and spray more vinegar: After the paste has dried slightly (about 10 minutes), spritz the glass again with undiluted vinegar.
5. Rinse and dry the glass: When the foaming stops, rinse the glass with clean water and dry it with a squeegee or microfiber cloth.

How to Prevent Hard Water Stains From Building Up on Glass

• You can distinguish hard water stains from normal dirty spots if a commercial glass cleaner doesn't remove them easily. That's when you know you need to take additional cleaning measures.
• After each shower or when cleaning any type of glass, dry the glass completely to prevent hard water spots from forming.
• Use a diluted vinegar solution for weekly cleaning to keep deposits from building up.
• Move sprinklers away from windows to prevent hard water stain splatters.
• Apply water-repellent products to help water sheet off quickly from the glass window or door.
  
• If you know that hard water stains are a problem in your area, clean glass doors and windows more frequently to prevent excessive build-up and permanent etching. Once etching begins due to the abrasive nature of the minerals, there is no way to restore the glass to its original clarity.