How to Remove Mineral Stains on Glass
Sometimes known as limescale, the milky-white streaks and stains left behind on glass surfaces like shower doors are often a complete eyesore for homeowners. If you have a business with wet areas or full bathrooms, such as hotels and other hospitality ventures, mineral deposits like this can be a hassle. Luckily, removing mineral stains on glass fixtures is far easier than it might seem.
Mineral deposit removal simply requires an acidic cleaner that counteracts the alkaline pH levels of the limescale. Some of the best cleaners on the market make use of powerful acids like:
- sulfuric acid
- phosphoric acid
- hydrochloric acid
When handling these cleaners, make sure to use proper safety precautions and to dilute the cleaner as instructed by the manufacturer. For simple, effective glass cleaning, we recommend Unger RubOut. Its formula has been developed to provide the highest levels of clean without harming the glass surface.
Do DIY Solutions Work?
As with most problems, there are plenty of online resources proclaiming that DIY, homegrown solutions can fix mineral deposits, stains, and streaking on glass surfaces. Some of the most common and effective answers include:
- rinsing and scrubbing the surface with saltwater
- using lemon juice and vinegar as a makeshift acidic cleaner
Those solutions can work in the short-term. Salt acts as a mild abrasive, scraping off the minerals that cause the stains. And as we’ve seen above, even professional cleaning solutions make use of acids like those present in vinegar and lemons. However, there’s a reason that professional products were created: they are far more powerful. In our estimation, it’s better and cheaper to invest in a good glass cleaner and mineral remover than to make your own and have to clean the surfaces far more often.
Preventing Future Mineral Deposits and Stains
Another way of ensuring that your glass fixtures remain clean is by performing preventative measures. Limescale and other mineral stains occur when “hard” water that contains minerals evaporates into the air. Those minerals are left behind. Though they are present in extremely small amounts, the buildup will get worse over time.
To help prevent mineral buildup and prolong the time needed between serious cleaning sessions, you may want to use a squeegee like Unger’s WaterWand. Instead of letting the water air-dry after use, run the squeegee over the glass gently, pushing the water to the side. This should help prevent any mineral deposits from forming.
Investing in a water softener is also a good idea. This filtration system will help remove the minerals from the water before it ever reaches your clean glass.