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how can i remove hard water stains?

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Old Jun 4, 2010 | 12:59 AM
  #1  
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Default how can i remove hard water stains?

i've tried using lime away, but it doesn't work as well as i'd like. still leaves the impressions on the window. does anyone have any other solutions?
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Old Jun 4, 2010 | 01:53 AM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

there is another compound that ive used but u cant think of the name right now.....it has to b used with a buffer tho. when i remember ill update
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Old Jun 4, 2010 | 08:36 AM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

Steel wool. I don't know the number, but it's a superfine one that breaks apart during use. This + some wax or compound will make your windows look like new. I've done it on my 88 Civic with heavy rain spots.

Go easy. Meaning it's not something I would do every year. So do it right.
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Old Jun 4, 2010 | 08:39 AM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

.......
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Old Jun 4, 2010 | 09:18 AM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

Industrial strength rubbing compound
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Old Jun 4, 2010 | 01:47 PM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

theres some stuff called "bring it on" cleaner. check it out, its pretty good and made to clean hard water stains on windows and mirrors. do not get on your car paint. its some powerful stuff.

i cleaned off some paint overspray on my side mirrors with it.
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Old Jun 4, 2010 | 09:56 PM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

replace it.
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Old Jun 4, 2010 | 10:03 PM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

You can use industrial wheel cleaner (you'll need to be VERY careful though - give a good wax job under all glass and be prepared for it to all get stripped right away). Then rinse very well with water.

If that doesn't get it off, it's probably etched.
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Old Jun 4, 2010 | 10:52 PM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

Originally Posted by NOFX
You can use industrial wheel cleaner (you'll need to be VERY careful though - give a good wax job under all glass and be prepared for it to all get stripped right away). Then rinse very well with water.

If that doesn't get it off, it's probably etched.
do i wax before i use the wheel cleaner?

Last edited by SeanK325; Jun 5, 2010 at 10:38 AM.
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Old Jun 4, 2010 | 11:08 PM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

Yes, you wax the paint under the windows to protect the paint.

Honestly, if you're not used to using the product, I'd recommend getting it done professionally. It's not like the wheel cleaner you probably use on your own wheels. If you get it done professionally they will be insured in case they screw up your car.

Oh, and windshields can have coatings that will discolor if you use acids on them. So don't use it there.

You're really going to get more and better advice in the detailing section too.
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Old Jun 4, 2010 | 11:22 PM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

Glass scrb by Glass Science. You can get it at most auto parts store or big box stores. It works like a charm. You apply it like a wax.
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Old Jun 5, 2010 | 10:39 AM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

cool, thanks everyone.
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Old Jun 5, 2010 | 12:09 PM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

I've found glass scrub in Autozone but never had any luck with it. My spots were etched though.
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Old Jun 5, 2010 | 05:52 PM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

i think my passenger's window is etched. my main concern is my windshield. i was just hit last week with sprinklers and lime away wont do it.
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Old Jun 5, 2010 | 05:54 PM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

use clay bar
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Old Jun 5, 2010 | 06:08 PM
  #16  
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

Originally Posted by diversegsr
use clay bar
i thought about that, but didn't know how it would work.
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Old Jun 5, 2010 | 07:49 PM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

This is hilarious, since I'm a professional window cleaner by trade, so I have just the answer for you.

You need a product called Spot-X. You can get it at that link, or at Home Depot. It comes with a non-scratch pad. You don't need gloves, as it's not harsh or toxic like CLR or Lime Away, and has no smell. It's made from a sea creature's shell that is harder than hard water and softer than glass on the Moh's hardness scale. You want to mix the powder with a little water so it's like a thick paste, then rub the heck out of it with the steel wool or non-scratch pad. It might take a little while.

Also, if you use steel wool, as GoLowDrew suggested, look for #0000 Steel Wool, or Extra Fine Bronze Wool. These are the only types that won't scratch your glass.

To prevent this from happening as bad again, try applying some Rain-X after it's clean.
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Old Jun 5, 2010 | 08:53 PM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

If it's from a sprinkler it's definitely not etched.

I've tried multiple times to remove my spots, along with brought it to a professional, with no luck.
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Old Jun 5, 2010 | 09:21 PM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

Originally Posted by bluebomber
This is hilarious, since I'm a professional window cleaner by trade, so I have just the answer for you.

You need a product called Spot-X. You can get it at that link, or at Home Depot. It comes with a non-scratch pad. You don't need gloves, as it's not harsh or toxic like CLR or Lime Away, and has no smell. It's made from a sea creature's shell that is harder than hard water and softer than glass on the Moh's hardness scale. You want to mix the powder with a little water so it's like a thick paste, then rub the heck out of it with the steel wool or non-scratch pad. It might take a little while.

Also, if you use steel wool, as GoLowDrew suggested, look for #0000 Steel Wool, or Extra Fine Bronze Wool. These are the only types that won't scratch your glass.

To prevent this from happening as bad again, try applying some Rain-X after it's clean.
this sounds pretty good...but how do you get it from the poor sea creature?
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Old Jun 5, 2010 | 09:33 PM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

Originally Posted by chewyv
this sounds pretty good...but how do you get it from the poor sea creature?
A little Google searching tells me that Spot-X is made from Juglans Regia shell.

This sounds like some sort of exotic shell that must belong to some exotic creature. Then I googled Juglans Regia and found out it's the binomial name for the common walnut.
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Old Jun 5, 2010 | 11:13 PM
  #21  
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

Originally Posted by GoLowDrew
Steel wool. I don't know the number, but it's a superfine one that breaks apart during use. This + some wax or compound will make your windows look like new. I've done it on my 88 Civic with heavy rain spots.

Go easy. Meaning it's not something I would do every year. So do it right.
4 ot?
This is what i always used, and my dads always says to use.

works great.
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Old Jun 6, 2010 | 05:44 AM
  #22  
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

Originally Posted by SeanK325
i thought about that, but didn't know how it would work.
instead of using a quick detailer...use windex ( the enviro friendly one with vinegar ) and do this under shade and the windows not extremely hot
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Old Jun 6, 2010 | 12:41 PM
  #23  
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

Originally Posted by NOFX
If it's from a sprinkler it's definitely not etched.

I've tried multiple times to remove my spots, along with brought it to a professional, with no luck.
that makes me feel a bit better. thanks.

Originally Posted by bluebomber
This is hilarious, since I'm a professional window cleaner by trade, so I have just the answer for you.

You need a product called Spot-X. You can get it at that link, or at Home Depot. It comes with a non-scratch pad. You don't need gloves, as it's not harsh or toxic like CLR or Lime Away, and has no smell. It's made from a sea creature's shell that is harder than hard water and softer than glass on the Moh's hardness scale. You want to mix the powder with a little water so it's like a thick paste, then rub the heck out of it with the steel wool or non-scratch pad. It might take a little while.

Also, if you use steel wool, as GoLowDrew suggested, look for #0000 Steel Wool, or Extra Fine Bronze Wool. These are the only types that won't scratch your glass.

To prevent this from happening as bad again, try applying some Rain-X after it's clean.
i'm gonna have to take your advice. thanks a bunch!
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Old Jun 6, 2010 | 12:44 PM
  #24  
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

I kind of want to try griots garage glass clay bar and see if it will work.

But 0000 steel wool whould be what i reach for, and have always.
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Old Jun 6, 2010 | 10:23 PM
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Default Re: how can i remove hard water stains?

Originally Posted by NOFX
A little Google searching tells me that Spot-X is made from Juglans Regia shell.

This sounds like some sort of exotic shell that must belong to some exotic creature. Then I googled Juglans Regia and found out it's the binomial name for the common walnut.
I called Spot-X and they told me it was from a sea creature, but wouldn't say which one. Perhaps they also use walnut shell in the formula as well. I just know it works very well and doesn't burn my hands or ruin my metal equipment like acids do.
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