If you haven’t gotten your windows cleaned in years, it is possible that you have a few windows with some damage. There are a few types of glass and window damage, the most common form is hard water (mineral) damage. Unfortunately, these types of damage are usually irreparable and can be extremely expensive to replace. But don’t worry, these issues are preventable!
Hard water damage comes from water drying on your window glass. As the water evaporates, minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, are left behind on the window causing mineral build up. As the minerals harden, the glass will begin to corrode and cause water spots that are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to remove. Hard water does not just come from rain, virtually any source of water around your home will have some minerals in it. Often sprinklers, hoses, kitchen sinks, pressure washers, showers, and other water sources can play a large role in creating mineral build-up on your glass.
Are there any solutions?
The good thing about hard water damage is that it is very preventable, it just takes a little bit of your attention and care. The most important thing you can do to prevent damage is to have your windows fully cleaned 1-2 times per year, preferably by a professional company or cleaner. This will ensure that your windows have a reset point each year where all of the mineral build up is removed, helping them to look cleaner and last longer! It is always a good idea to give your windows a quick wipe-down or clean of your own, especially those that might be getting water on them more often than others (kitchen windows, bathroom windows, windows near sprinklers).
If you already have some hard water damage, give these removal solutions a try:
• 50/50 water and vinegar mixture
-Put a 50/50 mixture into an empty spray bottle
-Spray generously onto the window, let sit for about 5-10 seconds before scrubbing the damaged area with a sponge, towel, or light brush (toothbrush) to attempt to remove any build-up
-After, take a window cleaning solution or glass cleaner and apply it on the window. If you have one, squeegee the excess water and solution. Otherwise, you will be fine to buff the window with a microfiber towel or lint-free paper towels
• Steel Wool
-Steel wool will not scratch your windows and can be great for removing tough materials that softer sponges or towels can’t break up.
-Scrub diligently with any glass cleaner, then rinse and squeegee or wipe away any excess water on the window
• Other solutions to try include baking soda, rubbing alcohol, lemon, and toothpaste.
-All of them should be applied and scrubbed into the damage/stained areas
-Let them sit for a short period of time then squeegee or wipe away, all of these are great cleaning agents that may help to break up the hardened minerals
In the beginning stages, hard water damage can be fairly easy to remove using the right cleaning solutions and tactics. However, left for too long and it can turn into an extremely expensive and time-consuming process to repair. Due to this, it’s always best to make sure that your windows are regularly cleaned and checked. Put the preventative work in and your windows will look brand new for a lifetime!
