Water stains may not be as harmless as you may think. If you leave water on car glass, droplets may form stains and may be hard to remove with ordinary glass cleaners. Hard water spots are due to minerals like calcium and magnesium in water, including chemicals that leave mineral deposits and limescale. Water stains are a mixture of soap, water, acid rain, and sodium, and we have time-tested techniques on how to remove water stains from car glass.
What causes water spots on car windows?
Water spots are due to the following:
- Rainwater
Rainwater settles on your car windows, and oftentimes, we don't have time to remove them unless you give your car a thorough wash. Water stains are not just on the windshield, but also on car windows and on the back windshield guide.
- Regular water
Usually, we use tap water to wash our cars. Tap water has minerals that can remain on the glass and cause water spots. It's best to thoroughly rinse your car, especially the windshield and all glass components, and to wipe everything dry to avoid water spots and marks.
- Soap
Giving your car a thorough wash using soap will remove oil, grease, and dirt. But if you fail to remove all soap from the glass, water and soap stains may settle, and these are very hard to remove. Soap stains also attract more dirt and grime, and thus, you may need to give your car a thorough wash again.
Water stains can affect the efficiency of your front and rear windshield and your car windows. These stains and spots make it difficult to see as these limits your visibility. Water stains may lead to accidents as you cannot properly check traffic or pedestrians near your vehicle. Because of these dangers, you must remove water spots on the car before you hit the road.
Read Next: How Much to Tint Windows of Your Car?
How to remove water stains from car glass
Here are updated ways to remove water stains in the car. These are updated techniques, including the use of hard water spot remover car products as well as traditional ways on how to remove water stains from car windows and paint.
Using vinegar to remove water stains
Vinegar is acid, and this makes it effective in removing stains. This is an effective method in removing spots, especially freshwater spots. For this method, you need white vinegar, preferably distilled vinegar, distilled water, squeegee, spray bottle, paper towels, and dry towels.
- Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle - Shake the bottle for several seconds to completely mix the vinegar-water solution before applying on your car’s glass.
- Spray the solution on the car glass - Spray the solution all over the car glass and soak the affected area very well. Let the solution remain in the area for a few minutes.
- Place a towel with vinegar and water solution to the water stain - Soak the towel with the solution and spread it all over the affected area. Let this remain for 15 minutes.
- Use a dry towel to scrub the stains out - Use a clean and dry towel to scrub off the stain. The water stain will easily come off.
- Reapply as needed - You can reapply the solution on the stain persists.
- Use a squeegee and paper towels - Use paper towels or squeegee to remove all the water from the area. Use a clean cloth or soft towel to buff the glass well.
Lemon water stain remover
Lemon is also acidic and will work on almost all types of glass stains caused by hard water and rain. You need ripe lemons, water, and a spray bottle for this technique.
- Slice a lemon and squeeze out the juice - Roll the lemon on a chopping board first and open it up. Squeeze juice in a dish.
- Mix equal amounts of lemon and water in a spray bottle - Mix lemon and water in a spray bottle. This should be equal amounts of lemon and water.
- Spray the solution on the stain - Shake the solution for a few seconds and spray it on the affected area.
- Let the mixture remain over the stain - The mixture should soak the stain or stains. Let this remain up to 15 minutes.
- Scrub the area lightly using a dry towel - Use a dry towel to lightly scrub the affected area.
- Rinse with distilled water - Rinse the lemon and water solution off the glass. Be sure to remove all of the solutions on the glass as much as you can.
- Use a squeegee to remove excess water - A squeegee can remove excess water. Double up with some paper towels.
- Reapply as needed - Reapply the solution as needed or if the stain remains.
Using fine steel wool
Steel wool is very rough, and it works best for etched stains. You need fine steel wool in grade 0000.
- Apply a mixture of distilled water and alcohol on the stain. Let this soak for a few minutes
- While the area is still wet, use the steel wool. Use a light, but a thorough movement to remove stubborn stains.
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the alcohol on the treated area.
Special glass cleaning products
You may also use glass cleaning products that are available in auto supplies shops, supermarkets, and DIY shops. No matter what ready-made, commercially-available glass cleaning products you use, read, and follow the instructions on the product carefully.
How to prevent water stains on car glass?
You can prevent water stains on car glass by rinsing the glass with distilled water after cleaning and immediately after riding on a rainy day. Never overlook glass stains and remove early stains as soon as you can.
Now that you know how to remove water stains from car glass, you can save money on professional car glass cleaning, which costs so much. But as they, prevention is worth than a pound of cure. Prevent water stains to avoid costly and troublesome glass stain removal.
James is a certified auto technician specializing in commercial vehicles. With 30 years of experience under his belt, James has encountered almost every type of automotive issue there is! Besides his day job at the repair shop, he is also an amateur race car driver.