I have some pretty tenacious hard water spots on my windows and mirrors. Anyone have tricks for removing them?
Removing Hard Water Spots
- Thread starter DirtyDog
- Start date
Darryla
Senior Member
A few years ago I bought a car that had that problem. I used "Gel-Gloss". Its a Fiberglass, Marble, Acrylic cleaner polish. You can get it at Home Depot. It comes in a pink and blue can. The label on the can says you can use it on shower doors. May be it will work for you. I use white vinegar on the shower door.
Good luck.
Darryl
Good luck.
Darryl
billharr
Senior Member
I have some pretty tenacious hard water spots on my windows and mirrors. Anyone have tricks for removing them?
If it is glass you can use BonAmi cleaner it will not scratch. Old stand by my dad used over 50 years ago and still is what I use to get the car and truck windshield spotless before I use the RainX.
Bill
If it is glass you can use BonAmi cleaner it will not scratch. Old stand by my dad used over 50 years ago and still is what I use to get the car and truck windshield spotless before I use the RainX.
Bill
mtn-high
Campground Host- FUNKYTOWN
Are you sure it isn't beer? (hic)
Try Gin. ya probably have some handy! LOL.
Mr. Green
Try Gin. ya probably have some handy! LOL.
Mr. Green
RJones
Contributors
I have some pretty tenacious hard water spots on my windows and mirrors. Anyone have tricks for removing them?
DD, Here is a article that was found on Toyota Nation for your problem. Claying seems to remove alot of problems with paint.
Water Spots
The same water you use to clean your vehicle can also damage your vehicle paint. The spots and damage are caused by the minerals in the water. When water evaporates off of your vehicle paint, it leaves behind the trace elements it contains. Calcium and metals are the most damaging elements found in your tap water, whereas rainwater may contain damaging acids from air pollutants.
Avoiding water spots is easy if you chase after them. The best solution is to use a quick detailing spray after you wash, or as soon as you discover the spots.
You can first try Claying, but sometimes even clay won't do the job.
If the spots are allowed to dry and bake on, they will attach to and harden on your paint. When this happens, you need to use a mild acid to get them loose. Believe it or not, the best acid is also the least expensive and most available: a gallon jug of distilled white vinegar.
Expert car detailers have known this secret for years. If you take your car to a pro, they will tell you about the "magic acid bath" and charge you $60 or more for the pleasure of smelling like a pickle. Save the $60, put on some gloves, and do it yourself. Just get the cheap vinegar. No need to get the scented kind.
To give your vehicle the magic acid bath, first wash your Taco with your normal car shampoo, rinse, then use the distilled vinegar. Just wipe it on with a sponge, and rub it in. Do one section at a time, let it sit 30 to 60 seconds, then rinse. When you're done, wash the car again with shampoo and rinse. By the way, vinegar will remove your wax. So, be prepared to re-wax your car after the vinegar treatment.
If water spots are allowed to stay for more than a week or so, the minerals can etch the paint. In this case, using vinegar will remove the mineral spots, but the paint will have etched spots (dimples). In this case, it is necessary to use a medium cut polish (if you have a polisher) or a fine cut polishing compound (for use by hand) to restore the paint surface.
DD, Here is a article that was found on Toyota Nation for your problem. Claying seems to remove alot of problems with paint.
Water Spots
The same water you use to clean your vehicle can also damage your vehicle paint. The spots and damage are caused by the minerals in the water. When water evaporates off of your vehicle paint, it leaves behind the trace elements it contains. Calcium and metals are the most damaging elements found in your tap water, whereas rainwater may contain damaging acids from air pollutants.
Avoiding water spots is easy if you chase after them. The best solution is to use a quick detailing spray after you wash, or as soon as you discover the spots.
You can first try Claying, but sometimes even clay won't do the job.
If the spots are allowed to dry and bake on, they will attach to and harden on your paint. When this happens, you need to use a mild acid to get them loose. Believe it or not, the best acid is also the least expensive and most available: a gallon jug of distilled white vinegar.
Expert car detailers have known this secret for years. If you take your car to a pro, they will tell you about the "magic acid bath" and charge you $60 or more for the pleasure of smelling like a pickle. Save the $60, put on some gloves, and do it yourself. Just get the cheap vinegar. No need to get the scented kind.
To give your vehicle the magic acid bath, first wash your Taco with your normal car shampoo, rinse, then use the distilled vinegar. Just wipe it on with a sponge, and rub it in. Do one section at a time, let it sit 30 to 60 seconds, then rinse. When you're done, wash the car again with shampoo and rinse. By the way, vinegar will remove your wax. So, be prepared to re-wax your car after the vinegar treatment.
If water spots are allowed to stay for more than a week or so, the minerals can etch the paint. In this case, using vinegar will remove the mineral spots, but the paint will have etched spots (dimples). In this case, it is necessary to use a medium cut polish (if you have a polisher) or a fine cut polishing compound (for use by hand) to restore the paint surface.
ScottBailey
Senior Member
Vinegar.
chnlisle
Post Master
I have some pretty tenacious hard water spots on my windows and mirrors. Anyone have tricks for removing them?
Sure fire quick and easy method. Lubricate the window with Windex or similar and use a single side razor blade to take them off. Be careful not to scratch and don't do while drunk.
Sure fire quick and easy method. Lubricate the window with Windex or similar and use a single side razor blade to take them off. Be careful not to scratch and don't do while drunk.
craig333
Riley's Human
Did you learn that the hard way?
BSS
Contributors
Vinegar works pretty good unless the glass is etched. If it is, 0000 steel wool can do a pretty good job taking care of it but in some cases might not fix it all depending on how bad it is.
OP
OP
Thanks for all the input guys. I'll start with vinegar since I have that in the kitchen.
marty
A Great Guy
DD, Bon-Ami is my vote also. You can get it at safeway, albertsons ect. mix it into a thin mud and have fun. lot's of elbow grease or use a buffer. Don't let it get too warm if you use the buffer. Marty
OP
OP
Vinegar didn't work and I never really addressed the problem until now (lazy I know.....). Anyway when I was getting my steps at the RV dealer I asked them what product they recommended and I left with this water stain remover from Watkins of Sacramento. Worked perfectly.
Lighthawk
Weekend warrior
My local Grass Valley (just up the hill from Sac) paint shop has been selling this stuff for years. It's true, 'Nothin's Better'.
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