You must have noticed the pesky stains on your glass window or doors. The culprit of these stubborn chalky stains is hard water. This is where window cleaning services Tampa comes in. It happens mostly in places where groundwater is the predominant water source.
What is hard water?
Groundwater which has a higher-than-average concentration of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and lime, is called hard water. These minerals get into the water source and make the water hard. It is called “hard” because it is hard to form a lather with.
What are hard water stains?
The chalky white crust or stains left behind by hard water are called hard water stains. They are insoluble mineral deposits left behind on the surfaces that the hard water comes into contact with. These stains can be tough to remove and require some elbow grease.
They look unsightly, especially on clear glass windows. Trying to get rid of these stubborn stains can be a frustrating experience, and the best course of action would be to hire a residential window cleaning service to do the job for you.
How do hard water stains form?
When mineral-rich water comes to contact with a surface, the insoluble minerals stick to the surface, and when the water dries off, those minerals form a flaky stain. They become hard to remove because the minerals tend to get embedded into the surface. The longer you let these stains sit on your glass surface, the harder it gets to remove.
How to remove hard water stains?
Cleaning these stains yourself is not recommended; instead, hiring a residential window cleaning service in Tampa is the preferred path. But if you want to give it a try and have some time and patience to spare, here are a few methods that could work for you.
1. Acidic cleaners: Most acidic cleaners cut through the hard water stains but are a toxic substance to deal with, so utmost care is required.
2. Vinegar: A non-toxic cleaning solution but is not as powerful as other acidic cleaners.
3. Ammonia: Mixing ammonia with any common glass cleaner will remove the newer, more minor stains.
4. Scrubbing: A sponge or a scrubbing pad paired with a bit of manpower ought to do the job, but the risk of damaging the glass is always high.
5. Toothpaste: This is the ultimate DIY trick. Care is required because this can cause scratches in the glass while rubbing.
6. Commercial paste cleaner: Expertise is required to clean the paste afterwards. Perfect buffing is a must.
Keep in mind dealing with glass windows is a painstaking task, and leaving a slight streak will be enough to make your hard work futile. Safety is also a significant concern. Employing the services of a professional residential window cleaner is the safest and guaranteed way to ensure your glass windows always look flawless.
