In some places, regular tap water can have high amounts of calcium and magnesium. As you use this “hard water” to clean your replacement windows, these minerals can accumulate on the glass, leaving behind calcium deposits or limescale after much of the water has evaporated from your window. You can see this as a thick whitish glaze on the surface of the glass.
They are easy to get off when caught early, but as time passes, they become increasingly more difficult to remove. This is because these mineral deposits can get baked by the heat of the sun, giving your windows a permanently rough texture and ugly haziness. Here are a few tips from our experts at Renewal by Andersen® of Portland on how to get rid of these unsightly spots.
The Conventional Way
Prepare a 50-50 solution of water and white vinegar and soak a gentle towel in this solution. You can use any type of cloth but microfiber rags are best as they will not scratch the glass of your window replacement. Cover the mineral spots with the soaked towel and let it sit for a few minutes. Wipe and press the towel onto the window until the hard spots are gone. You may repeat this as often as needed.
Self-Cleaning Windows
Self-cleaning windows have an extremely thin outer coating of titanium dioxide that is activated by ultraviolet light. When UV light hits the titanium dioxide coating of a self-cleaning window, it makes the water molecules spread out evenly across the glass. When it rains, the water spreads across and wipes down the window neatly and evenly, leaving the glass free of any marks.
Are Self-Cleaning Windows Worth It?
Renewal by Andersen® offers a wide variety of self-cleaning windows that can help you save time and money. They are extremely effective at reducing hard water spots, maintaining the curb appeal of your home for longer.
At Renewal by Andersen® of Portland, we are your leading provider of replacement windows and installation services. Give us a call at (503) 912-2668 or fill out our contact form to schedule your in-home consultation and get a free estimate today. We serve homeowners in Portland and other nearby areas in OR.
