How to Remove Hard Water Spots from Glass: DIY Tips & Tricks

Hard water stains appear as white, hazy spots on glass surfaces due to a buildup of minerals in your water. While these stains can be tough, they aren’t permanent, and you can usually remove them with products you already have at home. In this article, we’ll explain all the best ways to remove hard water stains (including using vinegar and baking soda ), as well as what hard water stains are and how to prevent them , all with the help of professional cleaning specialists.

Expert Tips for Removing Hard Water Stains

House cleaning professional Raymond Chiu says to spray the glass with undiluted vinegar and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Scrub the glass with a microfiber cloth, then rinse it with clean water and wipe it dry. For stubborn stains, apply a baking soda paste after the vinegar and repeat the process.

Section 1 of 6:

Removing Hard Water Stains with Vinegar

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1
Spray the glass with a solution of vinegar and water. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly onto the glass, ensuring that the entire surface is thoroughly soaked. The acid in the vinegar will work to break down the mineral deposits in the hard water stains. ^{[1]
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- For the best results, use cleaning vinegar rather than food-grade vinegar.
- Chiu says you can also spray the glass with undiluted vinegar. ^{[2]
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  Raymond Chiu
  House Cleaning Professional
  
  Expert Interview}
- For extra cleaning power, add a bit of lemon juice or dish soap to the mixture.
- This method works for all kinds of glass, including windows and shower doors. If you’re cleaning drinking glasses, soak them in the mixture instead.
- While vinegar is non-toxic, it can dry out your hands, so wear rubber gloves. Consider wearing eye protection, too, in case it splashes, since it can sting the eyes.
Meet the wikiHow Experts

Raymond Chiu is a house cleaning professional and the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, which has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry.

Erik Bakirov is a cleaning specialist at Room413 Cleaning in Los Angeles, California. He specializes in deep, move-in, and move-out cleaning services.

Andrii Gurskyi is a house cleaning professional and the founder and owner of Rainbow Cleaning Service, a New York City cleaning company specializing in apartments, homes, and moving cleanup using non-toxic and artificial fragrance free cleaning solutions.
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Scrub the glass after 15-30 minutes. Allow the vinegar solution to sit on the glass for at least 15 minutes. If the stains are particularly stubborn, it’s better to wait 30 minutes. Then, use a microfiber cloth, a sponge, or a soft-bristled brush to scrub the glass in a circular motion. The hard water stains should begin to lift. ^{[3]
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- To get into small, hard-to-reach areas, use an old toothbrush.
- Rinse your brush or cloth often so you don’t smear the vinegar solution around.
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Rinse and dry the glass. Once you’ve successfully removed the hard water stains, rinse the glass with clean water. Chiu says to use a microfiber cloth or squeegee to dry the glass. ^{[4]
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Expert Source

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional

Expert Interview} Be sure to dry the glass completely to prevent new stains from forming.
- If you’re cleaning a large section of glass, like a window or shower door, using a high-quality shower squeegee is most effective. If you’re cleaning glassware, opt for a microfiber cloth or lint-free towel .

Section 2 of 6:

Removing Hard Water Stains with a Baking Soda Paste

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1
Mix baking soda and water to form a paste. In a bowl, mix baking soda and a small amount of water until it forms a thick paste. The consistency should be similar to toothpaste so that the paste will stick to the glass without running off. The baking soda will act as a gentle abrasive to remove the hard water stains. ^{[5]
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- While this method can be used on its own, it’s often used to remove stubborn stains after attempting the vinegar method. If you prefer, spray the glass with white vinegar and let it sit for 30 minutes before applying the baking soda.
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Scrub the paste into the hard water stains. Use a cloth, sponge, or soft-bristled brush to apply the baking soda directly to the stained areas, focusing on the spots that need the most attention. Use your cloth or brush to scrub the paste into the stains in a circular motion. ^{[6]
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- Use an old toothbrush for small items, like drinking glasses, or to get into hard-to-reach areas.
- If there are stubborn areas, crumple up some parchment paper and gently rub the surface until the stains disappear.
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Rinse the paste off after 10-15 minutes. Allow the baking soda paste to sit for 10-15 minutes so it has time to lift the mineral deposits. Then, rinse the glass with clean water. Make sure you remove all the baking soda residue, as it may leave a white film on the glass. ^{[7]
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- For extra cleaning power, spray the glass with vinegar before rinsing the paste away.
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Dry and polish the glass. Thoroughly dry the glass with a lint-free cloth or a squeegee. If you want your glass to look extra shiny and clean, polish it with a microfiber cloth or newspaper to remove any streaks.

Section 3 of 6:

Removing Hard Water Stains with Commercial Cleaners

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1
Choose a cleaner formulated for hard water stains. If you can’t seem to remove the hard water stains with natural methods, it may be time to try a commercial hard water stain cleaner . Because hard water stains are alkaline, effective cleaners often include acidic ingredients like hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, or acetic acid. Be careful, however, as these products are toxic and strong. ^{[8]
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- When handling chemical cleaners, always protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves and eye protection. Work in a well-ventilated area, and read the product’s instructions carefully to make sure they’re safe to use.
- Avoid using chemical cleaners if you’re trying to remove stains from drinking glasses or other objects that come into contact with things you consume.
- Note: While commercial cleaners are effective, they’re not the most environmentally-friendly option. We recommend trying natural solutions first.
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Apply the product according to its instructions. Most commercial cleaners come in liquid form, though some may come in the form of a paste. Some cleaners can be applied directly, while others need to be diluted. Follow the product’s instructions to properly apply it to the glass. ^{[9]
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- The main benefit of using a paste over a liquid cleaner is that the paste will not leave its own liquid streaks or water marks. However, pastes can leave behind a foggy haze if they aren’t buffed off the glass properly.
- While many cleaners are powerful enough to remove stains without scrubbing, stubborn stains may need a bit of elbow grease.
3

Rinse and dry the glass. You’ll probably need to rinse the glass with clean water, but check your cleaning product’s instructions to be sure. Leaving residue behind may attract dirt or damage the glass. Then, wipe the glass with a clean, lint-free cloth, and repeat the cleaning process if needed.

Section 4 of 6:

Other Ways to Remove Hard Water Stains

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1
Scrub light stains with a magic eraser. If the hard water stains are small or light, it may be possible to remove them with a bit of elbow grease. Grab a magic eraser or a similar cleaning pad, and moisten it as needed. Then, get to scrubbing! With any luck, the stains will start to come off. ^{[10]
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- If the stains are stubborn or large, you’ll likely need to use a stronger method.
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Try Bar Keepers Friend soft scrub. Cleaning specialist Erik Bakirov recommends applying Bar Keepers Friend soft scrub to the hard water stains. Then, use a zero-grade metal sponge to really scrub the product in. ^{[11]
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Expert Source

Erik Bakirov
Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview} Finish by rinsing the glass with clean water and drying it with a microfiber cloth or towel.
- Bar Keepers Friend soft cleansers can also be used on steel; porcelain; aluminum; and brass, bronze, and copper alloys.
Pour 1 cup of water into a small bowl or container, then add 2-3 tablespoons of salt. Mix well, then apply the mixture to the hard water stains. Use a microfiber cloth to rub the salt into the stain using circular motions. Then, rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue, and dry with a lint-free cloth or towel. ^{[12]
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Clean small stains with toothpaste. Toothpaste contains mild abrasives and fluoride, which can help break down stains. Grab some traditional white toothpaste (not gel) and dab it on the stains. Use a soft, damp cloth to work the toothpaste into the stains using circular motions. Then, rinse the glass with another clean, damp cloth to remove the toothpaste residue. ^{[13]
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- This method works well for small surfaces, like glassware and fixtures. Larger surfaces would require a lot of toothpaste, so it’s usually better to try a different method.
If your glassware has hard water stains, try a rinsing agent, such as Jet-Dry . ^{[14]
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Research source} Fill up the designated area in your dishwasher with the rinsing agent, add your usual dishwashing detergent, and run the dishwasher for clean and clear glasses.
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Wipe the glass with diluted ammonia. Ammonia is a base and can help break down the alkaline deposits in hard water stains. While wearing gloves and eye protection, mix 1 cup of ammonia with 1 gallon of warm water, and soak a towel in the mixture. Use the towel to scrub the stains in a circular motion, then rinse and dry the glass. ^{[15]
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- After checking the ingredients, another option is to add a bit of ammonia to basic (not acidic) cleaning solutions, like all-purpose window or glass cleaner.
- Warning: Never mix ammonia with bleach, as this creates a toxic gas.
- If none of these methods work, house cleaning professional Andrii Gurskyi recommends calling a cleaning professional since they know how to treat the issue without causing further damage. ^{[16]
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  Expert Interview}

Section 5 of 6:

Preventing Future Hard Water Stains

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Use a water softener. The best way to avoid hard water stains is to stop them at the source. Use a water softener to reduce the mineral content in your water. This will also help prevent problems like scale buildup and soap scum, and it will improve the way your hair and skin feel. ^{[17]
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- Remember to check and correct your water’s pH balance , as well.
- If you aren’t sure if you have hard water , Gurskyi recommends calling a plumber so they can test it. ^{[18]
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  Andrii Gurskyi
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- Since hard water can damage your hair and skin , it’s important to soften it as soon as possible.
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Wipe down and clean glass surfaces weekly. If you don’t clean your glass regularly, hard water is more likely to dry and form stains. Clean stains as soon as possible, and aim to clean your glass every week or so to stay ahead of buildup. Use a diluted vinegar solution or your preferred glass cleaner. ^{[19]
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- Dry your shower doors after each use with a lint-free towel or a squeegee to remove all water residue or streaks.
- Clean glass doors and windows more frequently if you know you have hard water to prevent buildup and permanent etching. Once etching begins, there is no way to restore the glass to its original clarity.
3
Apply a water-repellant product. To prevent hard water stains, seal or protect glass surfaces with a water-repellant product . These are especially useful for shower doors and windows in high-exposure areas. Follow the instructions on your product’s label to apply it properly. ^{[20]
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- For glass tables, be sure to use coasters under drinking glasses. They’ll intercept any drips and spills and keep them from leaving ring stains on the table.
- For shower doors, consider applying a wax-based protective coat once or twice a year. The water will run off the wax-treated glass and leave your door clear and clean.

Section 6 of 6:

What are hard water stains?

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Hard water stains are mineral deposits left behind when hard water evaporates. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. ^{[21]
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Research source} When the water dries, these mineral deposits often appear as chalky white residue, though they can also be gray or reddish brown. In addition to glass, hard water can also stain sinks, toilets , faucets, and other surfaces that come into contact with water.
- Gurskyi adds that hard water may also leave behind pink, yellow, or orange residue in your shower . ^{[22]
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  Andrii Gurskyi
  House Cleaning Professional
  
  Expert Interview}
- If you aren’t sure if your glass has hard water stains or regular dirty spots, try cleaning it with a commercial glass cleaner. If the spot doesn’t come away easily, it’s likely a hard water spot.
- Hard water stains are stubborn, but not permanent. However, if they aren’t cleaned properly, they can leave permanent etchings on the glass.

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What do you use to scrub glass?

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional
Raymond Chiu is the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, offering affordable residential and office cleaning services. Since its founding in 2014 in New York City, Maid Sailors has expanded to several cities, including Boston, Chicago, and Austin. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry.

Raymond Chiu

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Try "magic" and "eraser" cleaning pads because they clean without leaving scratches. Make sure you use a non-scratching sponge on glass.

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How do I remove factory cup marks from my glass interior?

Mark Spelman
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Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

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Expert Answer

Elbow grease is the best method for removing marks from the glass. Scrub the area with a firm pressure to remove the residue. If this doesn't work, try one of the cleaners listed above.

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How do I remove hard water stains from my glass shower door?

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional
Raymond Chiu is the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, offering affordable residential and office cleaning services. Since its founding in 2014 in New York City, Maid Sailors has expanded to several cities, including Boston, Chicago, and Austin. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry.

Raymond Chiu

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Spray the door with undiluted vinegar and let the liquid sit for 10-15 minutes. Then use a microfiber cloth or squeegee to wipe. You can also add baking soda to the mixture if the stains are very tough. Repeat the steps if the stains are still present.

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Tips

If your windows get hard water stains, try moving any sprinklers away from them to prevent splatters.

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If you are uncertain of a product, test it in an inconspicuous place to avoid damage.

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Try using cleaning sponges instead of a cloth; they tend to be stronger yet less abrasive.

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Warnings

Always follow the manufacturer's label instructions and wear the appropriate protective gear (gloves, eye protection, a face mask) before using chemical cleaners.

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Never add ammonia to bleach.

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Never use hard-bristle brushes or other abrasive cleaning tools when cleaning glass. These tools can damage the surface of the glass by scratching and/or etching it.

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Expert Source

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional

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Erik Bakirov
Cleaning Specialist

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Andrii Gurskyi
House Cleaning Professional

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How to Remove Hard Water Spots from Glass: DIY Tips & Tricks

Expert Tips for Removing Hard Water Stains

Steps

Removing Hard Water Stains with Vinegar

Removing Hard Water Stains with a Baking Soda Paste

Removing Hard Water Stains with Commercial Cleaners

Other Ways to Remove Hard Water Stains

Preventing Future Hard Water Stains

What are hard water stains?

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

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