How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Windows

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Can’t see out your window because of all the hard water spots? Here’s how to clean hard water stains from windows with vinegar.

We have a window in our shower. It should come as no surprise that it’s covered in those annoying white fleck marks of dried water spots that never seem to want to go away, at least not easily. It means I can’t see through the window to the big grass field behind our home much at all.

If you have hard-water stains on your windows (or shower doors) I found that this is an effective way to get the glass beautifully clear again.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Windows

Materials Need to Clean Hard Water Stains from Windows

Vinegar in a spray bottle (I prefer Four Monks cleaning vinegar)
Scrub cleaning pad or textured sponge
Dry microfiber cloth
Rain-X (Optional)

Instructions on How to Clean Hard Water Stains from Glass

1. The first thing you want to do is liberally spray the entire window with vinegar. Get it dripping wet and soaking.

2. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. Turn on a fan or open the window to allow for ventilation if the smell of vinegar drives you crazy.

3. Spray window again to re-wet.

4. Use a gentle scrub pad (like this one) and scrub away the hard water spots. (I used a scour pad the first time and scrubbed too hard and it left light scratches in my window. Use a softer washcloth or scrubbie that won’t scratch your window!)

5. Wipe it dry and clean with a microfiber cloth (or paper towel).

6. Respray and dry with either a glass cleaner or the vinegar to make sure it is really clean.

7. To prevent future hard water spots and buildup on your window and shower glass, you can apply Rain-X! Spray and wipe according to package instructions and be sure to buff it really well and use with ventilation. This can help keep your shower clean for up to 6 months.

And you’re done! You should be able to see out your window again! Be sure to clean the outside of the window too (if you can – I can’t as I don’t have a ladder!) and you’ll be marveling at the new view!
Here’s a video I did for Hometalk showing how to clean the shower head (and a few other things in the bathroom)!