Expert: Robert Lamb - 6/6/2007

Question
We bought a 50+ year old home, with very large windows in the living room.  They go very low to the ground, and the outside yard sprinkler water had been hitting them for years.  Consequently, there's considerable buildup of cloudy deposits on them - that I can't seem to get off.  I have tried everything on the shelves at the stores, and used the no-scratch kitchen scrub sponges... but the hard water deposits remain.  Have any ideas on how to get that glass clear & shiny again?

Answer
Ellen,

You hit the nail on the head! Sprinkler systems should never be allowed to spray on your windows! The problem is that water is a great solvent. It can dissolve all sorts of minerals and when water is saturated with minerals, not to mention the chemicals that are added to city water, and that water dries on windows (glass is porous!). What is left behind is a very crusty white mineral deposit also known as "Hard Water Spots". Hard water can be a difficult problem and very labor intensive to remove.

The good news is there are a variety of products that will effectively remove these mineral deposits as can be seen at the following link: http://www.colkercompany.com/shop.asp?category=12000

You really have two choices:

1. Hire a professional who is experienced in removing hard water spots.

OR

2. Roll up your sleeves and do it your self.

Option #1 can get a little pricey so shop around and ask for references making sure they do have experience in removing these spots.

Option #2 is less expensive unless you factor in your time because as I already mentioned, it can be very labor intensive!

If you opt for #2, you might want to use the link above and purchase one or more of the products they list. This is a window cleaning web site that sells to professional window cleaners. You will also need a WHITE scrubby pad. 3M makes these and so do other companies, but make sure it is a white pad. These pads are graded by color and white, the least abrasive, will not scratch your windows. Some other colors will!

I personally have used the Sani-Scrub and it does work, but roll up those sleeve and expect a work out!

Funny thing is, I just spoke with one of my route managers in California who raves about SafeRestore. He just used it on some very badly damaged windows and had great success with very little effort.

When you do get the windows restored, you will also need to put a glass barrier on the surface of the damaged windows. An easy one to find is Rain-X. Rain-X can be purchased in your local auto parts store.

Lastly, be sure to redirect your sprinkler system so that the windows do not continue to be damaged.

Let me know how it turns out!

Sincerely,

Robert Lamb
Window Masters
http://www.robscleaningservice.com