So you have noticed the water spots on your car glass. They are annoying sights that affect the look of your car and might affect your driving when they appear on the windshield.
But if you wish to make the cleaning job easy and effective, here is a DIY guide on how to remove water spots from car windows using several cleaning products.
Table of Contents
How to Clean Water Spots Off Car Windows
In removing water stains on car windows, you have several options. Go with the method that works best for you.
Option 1: Using commercial water spot removal product
What to prepare:
- Commercial water spot removal cleaner (glass polish compound)
- Glass polishing pads
- Masking Tape
- Glass cleaner
- Detailing clay (optional)
- Spray detailer
- Waxing product
- Microfiber towel
Step 1: Tape the window corners and edges to prevent water and cleaning compounds from entering your car interior.
Step 2: Clean the glass with your glass cleaner first. Spray the agent onto a cloth or a sponge to clean the area of your car window. Then, turn the cloth’s dry area to start wiping the window clean.
Step 3: (optional) If your window shows some stubborn marks even after using the glass cleaner, you can use the detailing product with a microfiber cloth.
Step 4: Bring out the glass polish and polishing pads as your windshield water spot remover kit. Pour the polish onto the pad, then dab it onto the glass window.
Now, start scrubbing the piece thoroughly all over the glass with various motions, up and down, left to right. Make sure you cover every inch of the glass window.
Step 5: Wipe down other parts of your car that might have been exposed to rain or snow at some point during the day (such as the roof).
Use a microfiber cloth or paper towel to remove any streaks left on the car window water spot remover.
Step 6: Gently rinse the surface with warm water. Let it air dry completely before applying any wax. Then, remove the masking tape.
Option 2: Using water with vinegar
What to prepare:
- Warm water
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Soft cloth
Water spots are a common problem that plagues cars, but you can get water spots off car windows with these few simple steps.
Step 1: Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water (1:1 ratio) in a spray bottle for easy application.
Step 2: Spray the mixture onto your (closed) car window where you see the water spot.
Step 3: Let the mixture sit for 5 – 10 minutes, longer for stubborn stains, before rinsing it off with plain water.
Step 4: Dry the window with a soft cloth.
Step 5: Repeat Steps 1 through 3 until you remove hard water stains.
Option 3: Using wd40
What to prepare:
- WD40 for hard water stains on windows
- Cotton swab
- Dry cloth
- Paper towel (optional)
Step 1: Pour some WD40 on a cotton swab or paper towel and rub it around the window where you see the water spots.
Step 2: Wait 30 seconds, then wipe off any excess liquid with a dry cloth. You’ll want to repeat this step for each spot you notice.
(This will help loosen up any water spots stuck from auto glass and make it easier to wipe them away with your cloth or paper towel.)
Option 4: Using a glass scraper
What to prepare:
- Scraper
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- Dry and clean towel
- Amonia-free glass cleaner
Still, if all water spots on car windows won’t come off after trying all the options mentioned earlier, don’t worry, as we still have another shot. This method is also known to remove limescale.
Step 1. Apply some ammonia-free glass cleaner onto your glass first to make sure you do not damage its surface with the scaper later.
Step 2: Using a scraper, scrape the water spots off with the grain of the glass. (This will give you the best chance of removing them completely.)
Step 3: Apply a small amount of dish soap to the area where you’ve scraped off some of the spots and rub it gently with your fingers until it has been entirely rubbed away (don’t use too much soap).
Step 4: Then rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towels before applying your window tinting film again.
Note: Do not use sandpaper as it will leave scratches in your car’s glass windows.
Option 5: Using Lemon
What to prepare:
- Piece of lemon
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Cloth
Just like vinegar, lemon has acid that can help remove water spots from your car windows and windshield.
Step 1: Cut the lemon in half and choose whether to put its juice in a spray bottle and spray on the affected areas or use a cloth to rub on your window where water spots are sitting.
You can also directly scrub the lemon on your car window and let it sit for 5 – 10 minutes. (Let the acid do the job).
Step 2: Rinse it with water and remove all the acid residue on your window.
What Causes Water Spots on Your Car’s Exterior Windows?
Condensation, mineral deposits, and dirt cause water spots on car windows. The moisture in the air condenses on the car’s windows, which then falls to the ground.
The particles that make up these deposits vary depending on the surface you have on your car’s windows. Still, they are often composed of dried mud, salt, and sand whipped up by the wind or rain.
If you live in a humid climate, your car windows will collect more moisture than in an area where it rains less frequently. Therefore, consider washing your windows more often to avoid water spots.
Other Things That Can Cause Water Spots on Your Car’s Window
You should also look out for certain situations that might leave unsightly water spots on your car windows:
- Windshield wipers that aren’t working correctly (or at all)
- Rainwater running down the windshield or acid rains
- Debris that has been left on the windshield or window
- Bird droppings
- Car washing under the hot sunlight
- Car wash service that is not thorough
Ways to Prevent Hard Water Spots on Car Windows
Water spots are a common problem for car owners. Indeed, hard water can cause the surface of a car window to become discolored and difficult to clean. It can lead to unsightly streaks on your car’s windows, which can create issues with visibility and safety.
So to avoid permanent water spots on your car windows, you can take several steps to prevent water spots from happening again.
- Using distilled water for your car cleaning solutions
- Keeping your car’s windshield wipers clean
- Using only soft cloths to wipe down your windshield and windows
- Immediately drying your car after washing
- Rinsing your vehicle with fresh water after being in the rain and then dry
- Always parking in a covered garage to avoid water rain
- Regularly applying wax or polish from car windows and paint
- Treating your water spots windshield with (glass window) water-repellant
Related: Step by step to Clean Car Windows Without Streaks.
Conclusion
Finally, you must be willing to invest in how to remove water spots from car windows, as it takes effort and patience.
You may need to buy different cleaning solutions, then try to rub them into place over your entire windshield.
It takes time to fix, and you must be willing to keep up with it, but you will be rewarded with the clean window you always wanted.
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