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Hard Water and Salt Stains: Tips and Tricks for Getting Windows Clean

Jan 16, 2019
We might not be known for rain here in San Diego County, but that doesn’t mean your windows never get wet. If you live near the coast in Encinitas or Carlsbad, you likely wind up with salt on your windows. Inland in San Marcos or Escondido, water from sprinklers or hoses can hit your windows. Either one can leave stains and dull your windows. Water from landscaping is often “hard” water, meaning it’s full of minerals like calcium and magnesium, as well as other metals and compounds. The water evaporates, but those mineral deposits stick around — literally. Though glass appears to be a smooth surface to the naked eye, it’s actually porous. If salt and hard water stains are left in place, they can eventually cause permanent damage to your windows. An ounce of prevention — in this case, cleaning — is definitely worth a pound of cure, since at that point your only resort is replacing your windows.

Of course, you aren’t going to race outside and clean your windows every single time you run your sprinklers (though it doesn’t hurt to make sure that you don’t have any faucets that are directly hitting your house or office building). Regular, professional window cleaning can rid your windows of stains from hard water or salt, removing build-up and giving you a clear view once more. Professional window cleaning crews have the equipment to tackle a variety of mineral deposits, not to mention reach windows in inaccessible places.


If you’ve got hard water spots that you want to try to tackle yourself, just rinsing with normal soap and water isn’t enough. Instead of breaking out the Windex, create a solution that’s half water and half white vinegar. Why vinegar? Its acidity helps to break down the minerals, softening up spots that have adhered to your glass. Though it might feel tempting to scrape at the glass, it’s important to be gentle. Soak a chamois cloth or towel in your water and vinegar solution and pressing it against the spots, then wipe to whisk the deposits away. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get rid of the stains.


This same technique can be used to remove salt buildup. Again, it’s important to use a soft cleaner. For really thick salt, you can use a plastic bristle brush, but don’t push down. Another option for caked-on salt is to use a commercial lime removal spray in lieu of the vinegar solution.


One thing to remember when dealing with hard-to-remove hard water stains, salt buildup, and other window issues: If you wind up using too much elbow grease and scratching, scraping, cracking, or even breaking a window, insurance isn’t likely to help you. In contrast, damage from a licensed contractor — like a window cleaning company — is covered. That said, you’re less likely to wind up with any of those outcomes when you are working with professionals. Professional window washers come across problems like salt and mineral deposits regularly, and are experienced in their safe and thorough removal.


If hard water stains or salt buildup is marring your view, call Freedom Window Cleaning today at 760-598-5510 to learn more about our professional, affordable services. We serve residential and commercial customers throughout San Diego and North County, and we’d love to help improve your view!

Freedom Windows Blog

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional for Your Christmas Light Installation

28 Oct, 2024
As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of Christmas begins to light up with festive decorations and twinkling lights. While many homeowners take pride in decorating their homes, installing Christmas lights can be daunting, time-consuming, and even hazardous. Hiring a professional for your Christmas light installation not only alleviates these concerns but also brings numerous benefits that go beyond just safety. Enhanced Safety Safety is among the most compelling reasons to hire a professional for Christmas light installation. Climbing ladders, handling electrical connections, and maneuvering on rooftops can pose significant risks, particularly for those who are not experienced. Professional installers are trained to handle these challenges safely. They use proper safety gear and protocols to avoid accidents, ensuring your holiday season remains merry and injury-free. Expert Design Consultation Professional Christmas light installers bring design expertise that can transform your home into a winter wonderland. They are knowledgeable about the latest trends and technologies in holiday lighting and can offer creative ideas you might not consider. Whether you want a classic, elegant look with white lights lining your roof or a more elaborate display with multi-colored LEDs, professionals can help design a display that beautifully complements your home’s architecture and landscape. High-Quality Lighting Materials When you opt for professional installation, you also benefit from high-quality lights that are durable and energy-efficient. Professionals use commercial-grade lights designed to withstand winter weather and electrical demands, reducing the likelihood of outages and malfunctions. These lights often provide brighter, more consistent illumination and come with better warranties than the typical retail store offerings. Custom Fitting and Installation Every home is unique, which can challenge fitting strings of lights. Professionals custom-fit the lights to your home, ensuring every inch is perfectly covered without gaps or dangling wires. This custom approach extends to the entire installation, including clips and fasteners that won't damage your home’s exterior. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the final product is stunning and securely installed. Timely Installation and Removal Another significant advantage of hiring professionals is timely installation and removal convenience. You can schedule the installation at a time that suits you, and you won't have to worry about finding time to take everything down after the holidays. Professional services handle all aspects of the setup and takedown, leaving you more time to enjoy the season’s festivities without the added stress. Reliability and Efficiency Professional installers are efficient and reliable. They have the experience to quickly troubleshoot any issues that may arise, from electrical problems to structural challenges. This efficiency means your display will run without lengthy disruptions, and any potential issues can be swiftly addressed. Conclusion While DIY projects can be fulfilling, the benefits of hiring a professional for Christmas light installation are clear and considerable. From ensuring safety and offering design expertise to providing high-quality, custom-fitted lights, professional installers make the process seamless and stress-free. This holiday season, consider hiring a professional to enhance the beauty of your home and guarantee a safe, efficient, and dazzling display that you and your neighbors can enjoy.

Hard Water Stains: San Diego's Window Cleaning Nemesis

23 Aug, 2024
San Diego's warm, sunny climate and beautiful landscapes make it a desirable place to live and work. However, the region's water supply, rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, presents a persistent challenge for maintaining clean windows. Hard water stains from these mineral deposits can mar the clarity and appearance of windows across the city. Understanding the nature of these stains and knowing how to remove them effectively is crucial for property owners wanting to preserve their views and property aesthetics. The Challenge of Hard Water Stains Hard water stains form when water with a high mineral content evaporates on glass surfaces, leaving behind residues of calcium and magnesium. Due to San Diego's water hardness, these stains are particularly prevalent. Over time, these chalky, white deposits can etch into the glass, making them even harder to remove and potentially causing permanent damage. Why Regular Cleaning Isn’t Enough While regular window cleaning is essential, it often isn't sufficient to prevent or remove hard water stains. Typical cleaning agents and methods may need to be stronger to dissolve mineral deposits bonded with the glass surface. As a result, a more targeted approach is needed to tackle these stubborn stains effectively. Effective Techniques for Removing Hard Water Stains 1. Vinegar Solution Vinegar, an acid that helps break down mineral deposits, is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, apply it to the stained area, and let it sit for several minutes. Wipe away with a soft cloth or sponge. The solution can be heated slightly to enhance its effectiveness for more stubborn stains. 2. Commercial Cleaners Several commercial cleaners are specifically designed to remove hard water stains. These products often contain stronger acids that are more effective at breaking down mineral deposits. When using commercial cleaners, it’s important to follow the manufacturer's instructions closely and handle them with care, as these substances can be quite potent. 3. Specialty Abrasives A fine-grade steel wool or a glass-safe abrasive pad may be necessary for severe cases, especially where etching has begun. These tools can help physically remove the buildup without scratching the glass if used gently. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the glass is not damaged. 4. Professional Cleaning Services Sometimes, the best course of action is to hire professionals, particularly for high or hard-to-reach windows, or when the staining is extensive. Professional window cleaners have access to high-grade tools and compounds that can safely and effectively remove hard water stains without damaging the glass. 5. Preventative Treatments After cleaning, consider applying a hydrophobic sealant to your windows. These sealants repel water, preventing mineral-rich droplets from drying on the glass and leaving deposits. Regular reapplication of the sealant can help maintain your windows’ clarity over time. Conclusion Hard water stains are a notable nuisance in San Diego, detracting from the beauty of one's property and obscuring otherwise stunning views. Understanding how to tackle these stains with effective techniques can restore and preserve the appearance of your windows. Incorporating these strategies into your regular maintenance routine lets you keep your windows sparkling clean, enhancing your property's overall appeal and value.
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