Expert: Robert Lamb - 9/6/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi Robert.  I live on the east coast of Canada (just north of Maine). I just
bought a house built in the 30s, with aluminum storm windows added at
some point.  I think the storms must be fairly old as the screens are all
aluminum. I'm in the process of taking apart each of the 17 windows and
cleaning them - one at a time. This cleaning obviously hasn't been done in
years - maybe never!  I'm going to get a quote on having all the screens re-
screened with fiberglass. The glass on the lower aluminum sashes are really
difficult to get clean and clear. I've been scrubbing away with a powdered
cleanser called Zud, which seems to help.  (I've also tried vinegar, ammonia,
and Vim, in turn.) This is tedious work, and I already work a 10 hour day at
the office - I want my weekends back!  Is there an easier way than Zud and
endless elbow grease?  Help!!

ANSWER: Congratulations on your 'new' home!

First of all, I agree that the screens must be older ones and it is a good idea to get them re-screened with fiberglass as fiberglass screens will not degrade as the aluminum ones did. And Zud is a good chemical to start with to remove the oxidation you are working on.

If you can afford it, my suggestion would be to look for a window cleaner who has experience in glass restoration. If you want to do it yourself, be forewarned, there is no easy way to do it.

How to remove the oxidation? There are two basic methods. Method #1 is Chemical Action (you have already tried some chemicals). Method #2 is Mechanical Action (you have already done a little of this too when you applied the chemicals although you probably will have to increase your mechanical action next time).

So let's talk about chemical action. Actually you were headed in the right direction with the vinegar. Vinegar is an acid based chemical and this type of stain responds best to acids. (By the way ammonia is the opposite kind of chemical - a base. See http://staff.jccc.net/PDECELL/chemistry/phscale.html)

There are several acid based formulas designed to remove the oxidation you are working with. One that we have used successfully is called SafeRestore http://window-cleaning-supply.com/detail.aspx?ID=2701.

Now about Mechanical Action. Actually, Zud has a mild abrasive in it and I believe this is the reason you had limited success with it. There are other chemical formulas that have mild abrasives and do a better job in my opinion (Bio Clean is one such formula http://window-cleaning-supply.com/detail.aspx?ID=888) But one tool that we have found very effective is triple 0 steel wool. Steel wool comes in several grades and the one marked "000" is very effective in removing the stains you are working with.

You may find the following article I previously wrote to be helpful. The stains were different, but can be treated similarly. http://window-cleaning-supply.com/detail.aspx?ID=888

Another good idea to help you in the future is to put a barrier on your glass after you clean it up especially if you live near the ocean and there is the chance your windows will be sprayed with salt water, or if there is a sprinkler system that will cause stains on your glass. You can find glass barriers at several on line window cleaning suppliers (ABC, J Raceinstein, etc.)

Always follow instructions on the lables. Let me know how your project turns out!

Sincerely,

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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your reply Robert.  Just one problem at this point, and that is the 3rd website you give, where you are referring me to a previous article you wrote. It's actually the same as the 2nd website you mention that goes to the BioClean info. Could you please re-send me the website with your previous article on this topic?  Thanks!
ANSWER: Linda,

So Sorry!

Here's the article I meant to send:
http://www.allexperts.com/expertx.cgi

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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks!  I tried to go to that link, but I get asked for a username and password (as though I'm an expert). Can you send me a different path to get to that article?

Answer
I've reprinted it below:

Subject:  Hard Water Stains on Windows
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