When it does come time to get those windows spotlessly clean and clear, sometimes the process can take a little while but overall isn’t too complicated: oftentimes, soap, warm water and a towel will handle the job nicely. But in some environments and conditions, this may simply not be enough. Windows that are constantly sprayed with water from a sprinkler or fountain, or those in homes near the ocean, for instance, often become encrusted with hard water and salt stains, and these can be extremely difficult to remove by conventional methods. There are, however, some clever options available to help you beat these stains.
One easy and classic home remedy for this is to prepare a 50-50 solution of water and vinegar, applying a towel (note that this may make the towel smell like vinegar permanently, so use one specific to chores) in the mixture, and letting the towel sit against the affected parts of the window for a couple of minutes; likewise, you can drape the towel over the entire window if you have an adequate ledge or surface. The natural acidity of vinegar helps break down the minerals left behind by hard water and salt, giving you an easier time to then wipe the towel against the spots to rub them away. Continue this process until the stains are gone, then finish up by drying with a rag and cleaning the window with glass cleaner for a further shine.
There are commercial sprays available which may have more potency should the above method not treat all the stains to your liking, and in some cases a bristle brush can be used to scrape away the toughest buildup; just be careful not to work at it too hard or you may risk cracking or breaking the window entirely.
