Hard Water Deposits on Glass

What is hard water in the first place? Water that iscompletely remove the mineral deposits you know the
classified as "hard water" typically contains calcium orglass has been etched. Etched glass is considered
magnesium and/or bicarbonate alkalinity.damaged glass and usually cannot be repaired.
If hard water is left to dry on the surface of glassPrevent your windows or shower doors from
such as shower doors and windows, minerals will bebecoming damaged by mineral deposit etching. First
left behind. This is typically not a problem if the depositsyou need to start with a new or clean glass surface
are removed immediately using a light acid basethat is free from any debris. Then coat the surface of
cleaner.the glass with a coating such as Rain X. This barrier
Each time hard water comes in contact with the glass,will help keep the minerals from creating that tough
it will build a new layer of mineral deposits. If notchemical bond with the glass.
cleaned off, the layers will build to a white, chalky orWhen you notice that the deposits are starting to build
cloudy looking film. Over time, the deposits slowly startagain clean it off right away with an acid base cleaner.
a process called etching. Etching is when the mineralsRinse, dry and apply a new coat of glass sealer. This
start a chemical bond with the glass. When thisprocess may have to be repeated throughout the
happens you will find that most cleaners are not veryyear depending on how hard the water is and how
effective in the removal process.often it comes in contact with the glass.
When regular acid base cleaners will no longer