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Cloudy Windows? Clear the View by Preventing Mineral Deposits
(ARA) – Do your windows appear less than clear, even when you’ve just cleaned them? It’s a problem that’s more common than you may think, especially in communities where hard water is an issue.
Over time, a white, cloud film can cover windows when dissolved minerals in rain or your water supply cling to microscopic crevices in the surface of untreated glass. So what can you do about it? Some hard water stains will yield to scrubbing with white vinegar and a non-scratch pad. Before trying this solution, protect your hands with latex gloves and be prepared to use some elbow grease.
If you find that vinegar is ineffective, then you may be dealing with mineral stains that have chemically bonded to the surface of the glass. Some people report success using a paint-scraper or razor blade to remove bonded stains. Should you choose to try this method, be extremely careful not to scratch or etch the glass. Using a blade also carries the risk of injury and infection. Another possible solution would be to resort to using harsh chemicals like Lime-away or CLR.
Vinegar and scrapers didn’t work for Vicki Lewis of Cottonwood, Calif. The windows nearest Vicki’s sprinklers and pool were white from the mineral content in her water supply. Her concern for the environment dissuaded her from using harsh chemicals. She tried several commercial water-spot remover products that did not work to her satisfaction. When faced with the cost of replacing the glass, Vicki opted to spend that money developing her own safe and simple product to easily remove hard water stains from windows.
Lewis consulted professional cleaners and chemists and found the explanation for why the mineral deposits were so difficult to remove. “Molecules in the minerals fit exactly into microscopic crevices in the glass, almost like in a jigsaw puzzle” says Lewis. “First we figured out how to dissolve the little hooks that hold the minerals to the glass so that we could restore the original clarity to the window. We then figured out how to prevent the minerals from binding to the glass in the first place.”
Twelve years after she started her testing, Lewis found that a combination of powerful detergents, mild jewelers-grade abrasive and oxygen bleach provided the best results without the need for caustic chemicals, harsh odors or hard scrubbing. The formula was also effective against tough organic stains like coffee, berries, mold and mildew and stains caused by alkali, rust, oil and grease. Bring-It-ON Cleaner was introduced to the public in 2007.
Regardless of whether you use a home remedy or a commercial product to remove your hard water spots and stains, apply the solution to a damp sponge or non-abrasive pad and rub gently in a circular motion until the minerals are gone, then rinse. Most products are safe for use on porcelain, ceramic tile, stainless steel, fiberglass and Formica, but you should always test it on an inconspicuous surface before use.
Once the glass is clean, you can prevent mineral deposits by treating the surface with a sealant. A sealant will fill the microscopic crevices in the glass and remove the little hooks that attract the minerals. Lemon or orange oil will provide a temporary coating and a pleasant aroma. For a longer-term seal you can use an automotive or furniture paste wax, or try out Lewis’ homegrown solution -- Pro-Tect Shield. The product is designed to provide a long-lasting seal which prevents the minerals in hard water from attaching to glass and other surfaces in the first place.
Whichever solution you choose, spray it onto your glass or tile surface and buff it off with a soft terry-cloth towel. This coating fills the microscopic pits in the surface to which minerals cling and prevents the stains from setting in. This process requires just a few minutes of time. Repeat frequently to ensure that the coating remains intact, and that should prevent the minerals from accumulating on your windows and clouding your glass. To extend the effectiveness of the sealant, squeegee the glass after each use. Installing a water softener to reduce mineral content in the water will also help.
Water spot problems are not limited to windows. These solutions should work for water and mineral stains on shower doors and on bathroom and kitchen ceramic tile, Formica, Corian, porcelain and fiberglass. Outside the home, they should also be effective on automotive glass, pool tile and outside furniture. Do not use on automobile paint, marble, Plexiglas or soft plastic.
For more information about Bring-It-ON Cleaner and Pro-tect Shield visit www.BringItOnCleaner.com or call (800) 867-2643.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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