Ever noticed cloudy spots on your shower screen? How about streaks on your bathroom mirror? They don’t budge, do they? That’s the work of hard water. It leaves behind mineral deposits that cling to glass and dull the shine.
It’s a common problem in many Australian homes. Bathroom mirrors, shower doors, and even windows start to look worn out. No matter how often you clean, the stains keep coming back.
Fortunately for you, this guide has all the information on how to remove hard water stains from glass. Read along now, mate!
Minerals on your glass. That’s all they are. But where do they come from? Hard water contains high levels of minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. These minerals don’t dissolve well. Instead, they stick to surfaces after the water dries. The result is those chalky streaks, cloudy marks, or a milky film you start to see over time.
Hard water stains often show up in high-use areas. Indoor and outdoor windows, mirrors in the bathroom, shower doors, and even your everyday glassware. Shower glass is a big one. It gets hit with water and steam every day. Mix that with soap scum, and the stains get even worse. Even sprinklers can cause problems. If they spray tap water onto outdoor windows, the droplets dry and leave mineral marks behind. Rain can sometimes do the same.
You should know how to get watermarks off glass regularly, and here is why. First, they ruin the clean look of your home. No one wants cloudy windows or murky shower doors. Second, long-term build-up can cause etching or permanent marks on the glass. That means you might need to replace the glass if the damage gets too bad.
These supplies will make removing hard water stains from glass much easier.
Always follow a few basic safety tips. Wear gloves if your skin reacts to cleaning products. Keep the room well-ventilated, especially when using stronger cleaners. Don’t mix vinegar with bleach or other chemicals. It creates dangerous fumes and no amount of fresh air will do you any good. Stick with soft cloths and sponges and avoid steel wool or harsh scrubbers. They can scratch the glass and make it harder to clean next time.
Let’s start with everybody’s favourite:
Vinegar is acidic. It dissolves calcium and magnesium build-up without damaging most surfaces.
This is how to get rid of hard water stains with vinegar.
Vinegar works well on many glass surfaces, but each one needs a slightly different approach. Let’s first learn how to remove hard water stains from shower glass. Spray vinegar directly onto the surface. Let it sit for up to 30 minutes to break down the stubborn residue. Use a non-scratch scrubber to lift off the stains, then rinse and dry with a clean towel. Repeat this weekly to keep the glass looking clear.
For window cleaning, timing matters. Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight. Vinegar can dry too fast and leave streaks. After you rinse, wipe with a dry microfiber cloth to get a streak-free shine.
When it comes to bathroom mirrors, use a light mist of vinegar and wipe gently. Avoid the edges, as excess moisture can damage the mirror backing over time. A soft cloth gives the best results here.
For glassware and dishes, soak them in a mix of vinegar and warm water for 10–15 minutes. Rinse everything thoroughly and dry with a clean tea towel. This helps clear away cloudy spots and brings back their sparkle.
Vinegar works well, but it’s still acidic. Don’t use it on stone benchtops or tiles near your glass. It can etch the surface. Always test on a small area first.
Baking soda is slightly gritty, but soft enough to clean without scratching glass. It helps loosen mineral build-up and works well when vinegar alone doesn’t do the job. As long as you use a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge, baking soda won’t damage glass. Don’t scrub too hard. Gentle pressure works best.
This is how to remove hard water stains from glass doors with baking soda.
Baking soda paste needs the right technique for each surface. So, how to get water marks off glass with it? On shower glass, apply the paste to thick stains, especially near the bottom or along the edges where build-up tends to collect. Let it sit for a few minutes. Afterwards, gently scrub. For extra shine, rinse with vinegar and dry with a cloth.
When you clean windows, use only a small amount of paste. Keep it away from the frames. While baking soda is safe for glass, it can leave white marks on aluminium or timber if not rinsed off properly. For more information on how to clean window tracks check our dedicated post.
Mirrors need a gentle touch. Use a fingertip or soft cloth to apply a very thin layer of paste. Stay clear of the edges and backing, and rinse straight away with clean water or a damp cloth to avoid damage.
For glassware and dishes, it’s best to skip this method. Baking soda can leave a powdery residue if not rinsed thoroughly. Vinegar does a better job for kitchen items.
Don’t use this paste on tinted or coated glass. Avoid mixing baking soda with vinegar in one step. It creates foam and loses cleaning power. Baking soda paste works best for spot cleaning. It’s a good backup when vinegar alone doesn’t clear the stain.
The citric acid in lemon juice softens calcium and magnesium stains. It also breaks down oils and soap scum. Plus, it leaves a fresh scent behind. What more can you ask for?
How to use it:
Lemon juice needs a thoughtful approach for each surface. So, how to remove hard water stains from shower glass? Scrub directly with half a lemon to cut through soap scum and light mineral marks. For tougher spots, let the juice sit a bit longer. Rinse afterwards. Steer clear of silicone seals, though. Acid can wear them down over time.
For windows, dilute lemon juice with water in a spray bottle to make it easier to apply. Avoid cleaning in full sun, as the juice can dry too quickly and cause streaks. Always wipe dry with a soft cloth for a clear finish.
Bathroom mirrors respond well to lemon too, but apply it with a damp cloth rather than spraying. Use soft pressure and keep the juice away from the edges to protect the mirror backing from moisture damage.
When it comes to glassware and dishes, soak cloudy items in warm water with lemon juice for 10–15 minutes. Rinse well and towel dry to bring back their sparkle. It works just as well on plates and cutlery, leaving them clean and streak-free.
Lemon juice is acidic. Don’t use it on marble, granite, or stone surfaces near your glass. It can etch them. Also, rinse glass well after cleaning to avoid sticky residue or sun streaks. Lemon juice offers a natural, fresh-smelling way to deal with light to moderate hard water stains. It’s a great option if you want to clean without strong chemical smells.
If home remedies don’t work, commercial hard water stain removers offer a stronger solution. These products are made to break down mineral build-up fast. They include ingredients like sulphamic acid, citric acid or surfactants that cling to the stains and lift them off.
Common options include:
One big advantage is speed. These products work faster than DIY methods. They’re also strong enough to break down thick, stubborn build-up that natural cleaners might struggle with. Some even leave behind a protective coating, which helps slow down future stains and makes the next cleaning easier.
On the flip side, they can cost more than vinegar or baking soda. Many contain strong chemicals, which means you’ll need to take safety precautions. They’re also not always safe for every surface, but that also applies to natural products. Still for…
Always read the label before use. Some cleaners give off fumes, so ventilate the area well. Never mix different commercial products. They can react and release harmful gases.
Removing hard water stains from glass is hard enough. It’s in your best interest to keep them stans at bay for as long as possible after that.
Wipe surfaces dry after use – After a shower or cleaning session, use a squeegee or dry cloth to wipe down the glass. This stops water from drying on the surface. You already know that no water on the surface means no mineral deposits.
Clean glass regularly – Quick weekly cleans with vinegar or a mild glass cleaner help break up early build-up. It’s much easier to deal with fresh marks than hardened stains.
Apply protective coatings – You can buy glass sealants or water-repellent sprays. These make the surface smoother. Water runs off more easily and doesn’t cling to the glass, so fewer stains form.
Improve bathroom ventilation – Steam and poor airflow encourage mineral deposits and soap scum. Use an exhaust fan or open a window after showers to keep things dry.
Use water softening solutions – if possible, install a water softener. These systems remove excess calcium and magnesium from your water, which reduces the chance of stains forming.
Let the pros give you sparkling results without the hassle.
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