Professional window cleaners like
Mix a simple solution of vinegar (white distilled) and water, and using a spray bottle, spray the solution to trouble spots on your windows. Let the vinegar solution sit for 2-3 minutes before cleaning off with a cloth.
Vinegar and water
Spray the glass with a solution of equal parts water and white distilled vinegar. Be sure to thoroughly saturate the areas with the most prominent buildup. Allow the solution to sit for a minute or two, re-spraying the glass as it dries.
Professional window cleaners use a solution made from dish soap and water to achieve a streak-free clean. The key is to use a small amount of soap and distilled water. Some professionals add ammonia to the water for increased cleaning power.
Professional window cleaners keep it simple, using soapy water and a bucket, scrubber, and squeegee. Store-bought window cleaning products don't guarantee a streak-free result. Soap and water or a homemade solution leave less residue.
Simply mix equal parts of water and vinegar, spray the glass surface, and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean. For an extra boost, you can add baking soda to combine with the vinegar to make a paste. Smear the paste on the glass, allow it to settle in for 15 minutes, and scrub it clean with water.
Soak a small rag or dish towel in vinegar, then rub a portion of the glass with the rag. A glass that's milky from hard water buildup should become clearer with each wipe.
Unfortunately, not every hard water stain can be removed. If that is the case, the window will need to be replaced. Replacing a window, mirror, or piece of glass can be extremely expensive, so if you see a potential problem with hard water, act quickly!
Use an acidic cleaner for best results.
Because hard water stains are alkaline, it's best to remove them with a powerful acid. Look for a cleaning product that contains either phosphoric, sulfuric, or hydrochloric acid, as these acids should be able to effectively break down the stains.
Use Dawn and some hot water and a cloth or sponge to get into those nooks and crannies where grime and scale tend to build up. You can also combine Dawn with vinegar for stronger cleaning power, especially when tackling hard water stains.
For really tough hard water stains, try scrubbing with some hydrogen peroxide. Yep, the same stuff you have in your first aid kit. Hydrogen peroxide plus some elbow grease should banish even the most stubborn of hard water spots from your metal fixtures.
Using WD-40®: WD-40® Multi-Use Product is great when it comes to mirror cleaning and water spot removal. It is easy to use and all you have to do is spray the liquid on to the affected area and wipe it clean with a clean cloth. It will leave your glass windows and mirrors sparkling clean and as good as new.
Regular glass cleaner won't help at all. We tried both Windex-style ammonia-based window cleaner, and also vinegar-based auto glass cleaner and found that neither has any effect on the stains.
No, Magic Erasers do not scratch glass. A magic eraser is made up of Melamine foam which is not abrasive but only agitates more embedded surfaces very effectively. We use magic erasers to remove spots on windows and other surfaces without scratching.
Mix up your window-cleaning solution: In a plastic spray bottle, mix together 2 cups of warm water with 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of Dawn. Sweep away dirt: Using a broom, sweep away the cobwebs and debris from the windows and sills.
A big problem is the evaporation rate. If you're cleaning your windows on a warm sunny day, the liquid part of the solution evaporates quickly and leaves behind a residue that appears as streaks. On the other hand, if you don't entirely remove the liquid you can also be left with a streaky window.
In a spray bottle, combine ¼ cup of white vinegar with ½ teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Dilute the solution with 2 cups of water, then shake the bottle vigorously to mix the components. If you don't have white vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with lemon juice.