How to Remove the Hard Water Stains on your Car

What are hard water stains? Hard water stains are white spots that appear on your car’s mirrors, windows, or body when they come in contact with water containing high mineral content, such as calcium, magnesium and other sulfates. They may appear after heavy rain, showers or use of dirty car wash water. Although these stains are not permanent, they cannot be cleaned with only a simple sponge and shampoo, and can cause irreparable damage to your car. You may even have to replace your car windows as a result. Instead of taking your car to an expensive detailing shop, use the methods outlined below to protect the cars’ exterior, and to get rid of the hard water stains.

Cleaning Hard Water Stains on Auto Paint

(Using car soap and white vinegar)

Things that you will require:

·      Garden hose

·      Bucket

·      Water

·      Car soap/ liquid dishwashing detergent

·      Soft, clean cloths/rags

·      White vinegar

·      Polish

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   Firstly, rinse the car with water using a garden hose.

2.   Grab a bucket, pour a gallon of water in it, and add 3 tablespoons of car soap in it. If car soap is not available, you may add 2 tablespoons of liquid dishwashing detergent to it instead.

3.   Now, take a soft, clean cloth or rag, and dip it into the solution.

4.   Wipe each and every painted surface of your car’s body with the cloth, getting rid of all the dirt on the surface.

5.   When done, rinse the car with water.

6.   To dry the car’s surface, use dry, soft cloths.

7.   Next, pour white vinegar in a bowl.

8.   Dip a clean cloth or a sponge in the bowl, and apply the vinegar to the painted surface. Move from one small section to another, rubbing the stains to get rid of them.

9.   Let the vinegar settle on the stains for about 30 to 60 seconds. When done, rinse the car with water.

10.   If hard water stains remain, apply more vinegar and repeat the above steps.

11.   Now, wash your car with the soapy solution made earlier once again.

12.   Once done, rinse the car with water again.

13.   You must dry the car completely so that new hard water stains do not form. To do so, grab a clean towel, and wipe the cars’ painted surface with it.

14.   To protect your car painted surface from further hard water stains, you can also apply a polish to the painted surface. Polish is easily available at auto parts stores. To do so, wet a clean cloth with polish, and rub the cloth on the painted surface in circular motion.

Tip:

 Do not delay cleaning of hard water stains else they will bake into the surface of the paint, causing damage.

For more methods regarding removal of Hard Water Stains from Car Paint click here

Cleaning Hard Water Stains on Car Mirrors/Windows

(Method One- Using white vinegar)

Things that you will require:

·      Spray bottle

·      Water

·      White vinegar

·      Clean cloths

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   Your first step towards removing hard water stains from car mirrors or windows involves making the cleaning solution. Grab an empty spray bottle, and fill it only half-way with water.

2.   Fill the other half of the spray bottle with white vinegar. If you do not have a spray bottle, you may even make the solution in a bowl, using 1 part water and 1 part vinegar. You can then apply the solution with a clean cloth.

3.   Mix the solution thoroughly.

4.   Spray the cleaning solution on to the hard water stains, and leave it in place for 5 minutes. If using a towel, press the towel on to the stain for a few minutes. The acidic solution will remove the minerals from the mirrors.

5.   Next, soak a clean towel in a bucket of water, and wring it.

6.   Wipe the damp towel on the stained area.

7.   Lastly, dry the mirrors with a clean, dry towel.

Cleaning Hard Water Stains on Car Mirrors/Windows

 (Method Two – Using lemons)

Things that you will require:

·      Lemons

·      Bowl

·      Water

·      Spray bottle

·      Clean cloths

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   Grab a few lemons, and squeeze them out in a bowl. Lemons are similar to white vinegar in terms of acidity, and thus, help remove the minerals from the mirrors.

2.   Add an equal amount of water in the bowl. Mix thoroughly.

3.   If you have an empty spray bottle, pour the solution in the bottle, and spray it on to the stained area. Otherwise, take a clean cloth, dip it in the solution, and apply it on the hard water stains.

4.   Keep rubbing the stains for a few minutes till they disappear.

5.   Once done, dip a clean towel in a bucket of water. Wipe the window with the soaked towel.

6.   Make sure you dry the mirrors completely with a clean, dry towel. Leaving water on them can cause further hard water stains.

Other ingredients that are most commonly used for cleaning hard water stains from mirrors and windows are baking soda, rubbing alcohol, and ammonia.

For more methods regarding removal of Hard Water Stains from Car Mirror/Car Windows click here