Tips to Remove Water Spots from Car Glass
Because it’s so acidic, vinegar can eat right through water spots.
Water spots are a familiar sight; however, many don’t know what they are composed of or why they are a problem. Water spots are a mixture of water and soap, acid rain, or some other type of contaminant. Typically, when the water dries on a surface, what remains are the chemicals. In the case of a windshield, all that’s left behind is lime scale and other mineral deposits, like calcium and sodium. Unfortunately, the stuff left behind is highly concentrated, so it’s hard to see through and even harder to remove.
Even water that seems completely clean, like the stuff that comes out of a hose or the sprinkler system, has contaminants in it that can lead to water spots. So, how can someone remove them and stay safe out on the road?
Vinegar may be the key
Because it’s so acidic, vinegar can eat right through water spots. But since it’s inadvisable to pour full-strength vinegar onto a car, mix it with some distilled or bottled water. That way, there won’t be more minerals on the windshield. Use a 50-50 mix or one with slightly more vinegar than water, depending on how bad the water spots are. Either way, mix the solution in a spray bottle, spray it on the water spots, and wait a few minutes. Once the solution has had time to penetrate the water spots, wipe off the windshield with a soft, lint-free cloth. If the water spots are caked on, it may take a couple of rounds of this process before the windshield is squeaky-clean. So it pays to be patient.
Other solutions if several rounds with vinegar are unsuccessful
If the water spots are severe enough, it may take some elbow grease and steel wood pads to remove the spots. Unlike the soft cloth in previous applications, steel wool is abrasive enough to dig deeper into the spots without being SO abrasive that it damages the auto glass. To be safe, though, stick to fine-grade steel wool. This fine-grade product is marked with “0000” in a local hardware store. Then, rub the windshield in circular motions until the water spots dissolve.
Use a clay bar on a newer windshield
If the windshield is newer and all efforts to clear the water spots have been unsuccessful, try using a clay bar. This product, also known as “detail clay,” is sold at most automotive stores. The clay, rubbed on the windshield, should remove the water spots.
One word of caution, however. Older windshields tend to be pitted, so the clay fills the pits when rubbed across the glass. Detail clay is tough stuff, so once it’s trapped in the windshield pits, it is impossible to remove, meaning a vehicle’s owner will have a much bigger problem than they originally had.
One additional tip—never use a clay bar on the tinted inside part of auto glass. It can strip away the tint!
If all else fails, talk to the experts at a local detail or auto glass shop. They may have special products that can remove the water spots.
Lucid Auto Glass provides mobile windshield repair and replacement in Tacoma, Olympia, Renton, Lakewood, and surrounding areas. Our auto glass services include windshield replacement, rock chip repair, crack repair, and leak repair as well as door window regulator and door window motor repair and replacement. Family owned and operated. Military discounts available.
