Hard Water and Salt Stains: Tips and Tricks for Getting Windows Clean

We might not be known for rain here in San Diego County, but that doesn’t mean your windows never get wet. If you live near the coast in Encinitas or Carlsbad, you likely wind up with salt on your windows. Inland in San Marcos or Escondido, water from sprinklers or hoses can hit your windows. Either one can leave stains and dull your windows. Water from landscaping is often “hard” water, meaning it’s full of minerals like calcium and magnesium, as well as other metals and compounds. The water evaporates, but those mineral deposits stick around — literally. Though glass appears to be a smooth surface to the naked eye, it’s actually porous. If salt and hard water stains are left in place, they can eventually cause permanent damage to your windows. An ounce of prevention — in this case, cleaning — is definitely worth a pound of cure, since at that point your only resort is replacing your windows.

Of course, you aren’t going to race outside and clean your windows every single time you run your sprinklers (though it doesn’t hurt to make sure that you don’t have any faucets that are directly hitting your house or office building). Regular, professional window cleaning can rid your windows of stains from hard water or salt, removing build-up and giving you a clear view once more. Professional window cleaning crews have the equipment to tackle a variety of mineral deposits, not to mention reach windows in inaccessible places.


If you’ve got hard water spots that you want to try to tackle yourself, just rinsing with normal soap and water isn’t enough. Instead of breaking out the Windex, create a solution that’s half water and half white vinegar. Why vinegar? Its acidity helps to break down the minerals, softening up spots that have adhered to your glass. Though it might feel tempting to scrape at the glass, it’s important to be gentle. Soak a chamois cloth or towel in your water and vinegar solution and pressing it against the spots, then wipe to whisk the deposits away. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get rid of the stains.


This same technique can be used to remove salt buildup. Again, it’s important to use a soft cleaner. For really thick salt, you can use a plastic bristle brush, but don’t push down. Another option for caked-on salt is to use a commercial lime removal spray in lieu of the vinegar solution.


One thing to remember when dealing with hard-to-remove hard water stains, salt buildup, and other window issues: If you wind up using too much elbow grease and scratching, scraping, cracking, or even breaking a window, insurance isn’t likely to help you. In contrast, damage from a licensed contractor — like a window cleaning company — is covered. That said, you’re less likely to wind up with any of those outcomes when you are working with professionals. Professional window washers come across problems like salt and mineral deposits regularly, and are experienced in their safe and thorough removal.


If hard water stains or salt buildup is marring your view, call Freedom Window Cleaning today at 760-598-5510 to learn more about our professional, affordable services. We serve residential and commercial customers throughout San Diego and North County, and we’d love to help improve your view!