Hard water deposits, also known as a mineral buildup or limescale, make glass look dull and boring. Mineral buildup happens when water containing minerals evaporates, leaving behind the minerals. The minerals such as calcium and magnesium evaporate and leave behind stains.
Hard water stains leave cloudy spots on the glass, which are challenging to remove. Regular glass cleaning products may not work, but these natural home remedies might do the trick.
What causes hard water stains on glass surfaces?
Knowing how limescale develops will help you understand how to prevent it from happening and clean the stains.
- Leaving water to dry on glass surfaces
It is not possible to always keep glass surfaces dry. Your shower will get wet when you take a bath. However, leaving the water to dry on the glass gives the minerals time to dissolve in the glass, which causes the stains.
- Water from sprinklers
Most homes use water sprinklers to water their grass. This water can splash on the doors and windows and cause hard water stains. If you cannot avoid sprinklers near the doors or windows, add water softeners or install water filters so that the water does not contain minerals.
- Silicon leaches into the glass
Framed glass doors trap water, which erodes the glass. Silicone halogens in water are very corrosive. When silicone remains in the seals for a long time, it forms stains and corrodes the shower doors. Frameless shower doors help prevent corrosion from water stains.
- Flyscreen doors
Flyscreens prevent insects and pollutants from entering the house. A metal fly screen can cause mineral buildup on the glass door. Iron flyscreen doors cause stains when they interact with wet glass. Oxidation of iron ions results in insoluble stains that are hard to remove. Using reagents that prevent iron corrosion or galvanized iron for the fly screen doors will prevent staining.
- Leaking roof drains
Ineffective roof drains damage the foundation of your house and stain glass doors and windows. Your glass furniture can get damaged by leaking roofs.
Roof tiles have limestone, which contains calcium and magnesium. Water flowing from the roof has dissolved these minerals, which can cause stains if it comes into contact with glass doors, windows, or furniture. Calcium and magnesium dissolve in the glass, causing hard water stains.
Maintain and repair your roof at least every two years in old homes or five years in new homes. Roofs that do not leak will help prevent glass doors, windows, and furniture from getting stains.
Easy ways to remove limescale from glass surfaces
Stained glass doors, windows, and furniture o not look good and make the glass lose its shine. You want your glass surfaces to maintain their clarity and sparkle. Here are some ways to remove those stubborn hard water stains.
- Use liquid cleaners
- Acidic cleaners
Hard water stains are a result of alkaline salts. Acid-based cleaners will neutralize and break down the alkaline stains. Use glass cleaners that contain hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, or sulphuric acid.
Read the instructions on how to use the glass cleaners. Since glass cleaners contain acids that could be corrosive on other surfaces, so do not make assumptions. It is safer to try it on a small part first and observe if it damages the glass. If the cleaner does not corrode the glass, it is safe to use.
Wearing protective gear like gloves and safety goggles will keep you safe from the toxic effects of the cleaner. Cover food and other surrounding surfaces.
- Salt and water
A solution of water and salt is the most straightforward cleaner to remove hard water stains on glass. Salt particles scrub the stains; therefore, the mixture should be a paste. Use a soft toothbrush and the paste to scrub until the stain comes off. Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe away the residue.
- White vinegar solution
Vinegar is an acidic solution that is less concentrated than hydrochloric acid. It is a better alternative since it is non-corrosive, non-toxic, so you do not need protective gear while using it.
You can add lemon juice and warm it to make it more effective. Lemon is acidic and will also give a refreshing scent.
Mix lemon juice and vinegar and warm it for 30 seconds in a microwave. Make sure that the bottle is open when heating the solution so that it does not explode. Spritz the glass surface with the mixture, let it soak for a few minutes, and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth.
- Add ammonia to regular cleaning products
Adding ammonia to your cleaning products will increase their effectiveness. Ammonia is also able to break down the limescale.
- non-liquid solutions
- cleaning pads
Cleaning pads are softer to the surface and will remove the stains without scratching the glass.
- Toothpaste
Toothpaste is an essential product that will remove undissolved salts on the glass. Using a lint-free towel apply a small amount of toothpaste and rub the stains in circular motions. Rinse with vinegar and water solution.
- Baking soda
Make a paste using baking soda and water and use it to clean the stains. It is more effective on smaller stains that are not stubborn. Use a soft brush that will not scratch the glass.
How to prevent the glass from getting stains
- Clean your glass surfaces regularly. Wipe away water as soon as possible from glass surfaces to prevent a buildup of minerals that cause stains.
- Prevent water from causing stains by modifying its PH. You can use water softeners or water filters to remove minerals from the water.
- Laminate your glass to protect it from hard water stains.
Conclusion
Glass doors, windows, and furniture add elegance to your home. However, if they are stained, they lose their aesthetic appeal and appear dull. You need to know how to prevent the glass from getting hard water stains. Ensure that you keep glass surfaces dry, install frameless shower doors, fix and maintain your roof, and use water filters and softeners.
If you still find stains on your glass, you can use acid-based cleaners, toothpaste, salt, baking soda, or a vinegar solution to clean off the stain. You can add ammonia to regular cleaning products to make them more effective. Be careful to use soft brushes, cleaners, and lint-free fabrics when cleaning your glass to avoid scratches.
At Glassuply.com, we supply glass and mirrors of the highest quality. We also supply frameless shower doors and customize glass to your specification. Contact us any time for all your glass needs, and we will gladly help you.
