I didn't realize the water in sj is so hard. I've got thousands of tiny waterspots on my windshield mirrors and hatchback glass. What are you guys using to get it off? Is the lime calcium remover from Home Depot too harsh? It was mostly my fault for not wiping off the glass after car wash immediately. Thanks!

 

Glass polish.

 

Fine steel wool and a glass cleaner works as well we used this method when I was a detailer at BMW. Then mothers makes a product specifically for water spots on glass.

 

Just get some water spot remover at a auto store

 

razor blade

 

Rubbing compound

 

Vinegar on the windows - and (don't ask me why) black and white newspaper for your wipe down instead of a paper towel.

 

this works awesome, just needs a bit of elbow grease.

make sure to only use #0000 extra fine steel wool

 

Newspaper doesn't streak - part of that is the ink and part of it is the fact that it is super absorbent.

Yes, I was going to suggest vinegar also. It smells for a while, but should work to reduce the spots.

 

nws
https://i.imgur.com/kckhEYS.gif

 

First of all, if you are living in covered san jose areas, keep in mind that san jose uses well water filtration system, so the water is very hard with mineral deposits. I made the mistake of just rinsing my car down a couple of years ago because it was dirty. Left so many white mineral deposit spots on my glass and paint. Looked bad!

Its best to get a water softening system for your home if you intend to do a lot of car washing, or drinking from the faucet. Don't let water dry on your car any where, always wipe dry.


Start from the least aggressive method first.

First I would try clay bar. Depending on the severity, clay car may or may not remove most of the surface contamination. If the glass is etched, it will do very little to help.

I would try chemical solutions only first with no aggressive properties such as Chemical Guys Water Spot Remover. It is a step up from the relatively mild acetic acid vinegar (which is an easily obtainable household product, so I see no harm in trying vinegar first). If you try vinegar, then mix with a 3:1 ratio of vinegar with water. Apply the affected area with a damp terry cloth or rag, let it soak for close to a minute then start to scrub using the cloth/rag in circular motion.


Next I would try a finishing polish with a microfiber towel or terry cloth, or even a foam pad with the proper cell structure if you have access to some. Anything from meguiars finishing polish or those other polishes you can find off the shelf in the store (obviously start with the least aggressive polish and then work your way up from there). If you are focusing on a specialized glass polish, for future use also, then there are many many types out there that have great results and have been formulated to be more aggressive towards glass. Brands such as Zaino, Griots, and Diamondite carry those products, just to name a few.

Taking it a step further in aggressiveness, next option would be #0000 steel wool WITH a lubricant (some type of liquid polishing abrasive). Be very careful when using this method though, for it will scratch the softer glass materials out there depending on the brand/make of the glass whether it is OEM, or has been replaced with a less superior quality glass. You can also try some Bon Ami to help lubricate the steel wool while polishing. I haven't had to use steel wool on any occasion in the past though. So that means with the proper products and procedure, you most likely won't need to either.


Worst case, cerium oxide will help to actually remove the glass etchings. It does have its own drawbacks and you should always research and fully understand the materials that you are using before going any further. This method is not for the casual weekend DIY'ers.


If the affected area is stubborn, then I would try to find a solution by focusing on a small area first to see if you get the finish you desire. Afterwards, replicate the successful solution across all affected areas.


People have used newspaper and have had "amazing" results for cleaning glass. Although the results may be amazing on glass, you have another problem to deal with off the surface, and that is the ink leaking and blotching on your skin. Wear gloves if doing so to reduce the risk of ink pigment sticking to your skin.

 

Dilute it down, 70 polish 30 purified water. Use a detail (yellow lint free) rag.

Done and done, cleaned that damned spot I got on my rear window from the parking garage at SJSU. Basically glass cleaner/polish in a more accessible price range.

 

use a brick

 

I was getting pretty interested into the thread and then read this.

 

I freaking hate those water spot, specially the water sprinklers when they dry up there hella hard to get off.