How to remove water stains from car glass

Your car doesn’t look pristine with water spots on its glass. The windshield and other windows are the usual spots where water stains build up. Your car glass is made to comfort you while on a long drive and protect you from the harsh UV light and pollutants. Don’t settle on the unsightly views brought by these water stains.

There are a few ways to remove water stains from car glass. You can use a combination of commercial detailing clay and lubricant from any auto store. Otherwise, you can take a more natural approach, using toothpaste, lemon juice or vinegar.

Detailing clay for stain removal

Most modern windshields are made of laminated safety glass to protect the car occupants from dust, debris, and whatnot. Water spots can look ugly and be distracting. The good thing is, a lump of detailing clay can save your day from those dreaded water stains.

For this method, you will need detailing clay (automotive clay bar), clay lubricant, and a microfiber towel. Make sure you use a smooth towel when rubbing the car glass to avoid abrasions. Also, it is recommended that the clay lubricant be placed in a spray bottle for ease of use and convenience. If clay lubricant is not available, you can use any detailer spray you can find at your local auto store.

Let’s start!

1. Select an area to be prioritized. It is better to start in areas where water stains are closer to each other. You may also want to start with large water stains before dealing with the small ones. It’s up to you and doesn’t really matter where you start.
2. Spray the clay lubricant on the selected area with the water stain. The lubrication process will protect your car glass from scratches and facilitate smooth movement as you roll the detailing clay on your car’s glass.
3. Place the detailing clay on the lubricated, stained area and gently move it from stain to stain. The stains will be transferred to the detailing clay. In addition to water stains, you can also remove stains from the build-up of dust.
4. Continue spraying the lubricant and rolling the detailing clay over the water-stained areas of your car’s glass.
5. As the glass becomes free from water stains, you will notice the build-up of dirt on the detailing clay. You can fold the clay to expose a cleaner layer.
6. When you’re done removing the water stains, gently wipe the car glass with a microfiber towel. 

Removing car stains with home remedies

Before heading to the store to buy cleaning products, you might want to look for a natural water stain remover inside your own home. A couple simple products like toothpaste and lemon juice can help you solve your problem with water stains.

The toothpaste method

Yes, you heard it right. Toothpaste is not only used to clean your teeth, but it can also remove water stains with it. How to do this?

1. In a small dish, put an adequate amount of toothpaste and pour in just a tiny amount of water to thin out the toothpaste’s consistency. You’ll want to achieve consistency of an egg white. Do this by gradually adding water.
2. Apply the mixture to the water stains on your car’s glass.
3. Get a sponge and gently scrub the car glass to spread the toothpaste mixture around.
4. After scrubbing, let the mixture sit on the car glass for at least 3 minutes. While waiting, wash the sponge to remove the toothpaste from its surface. Clean it properly and set aside for later use.
5. After the allotted time has passed, rinse your car glass using the sponge and water to remove the toothpaste.

The lemon juice method

The acidic property of citrus is the key ingredient in successfully removing water stains with this technique. It’s best to use fresh-squeezed lemon juice instead of the bottled lemon juice. Follow these steps to remove stains using this method:

1. Roll the lemon back and forth on a solid surface to facilitate the juice’s release inside. Afterward, cut it horizontally into two.
2. Get the lemon squeezer and extract the lemon juice. If a squeezer is not available, use your hand to squeeze the lemon and collect the liquid in a small container.
3. Transfer the lemon juice into a spray bottle.
4. Spray the lemon juice on the car glass where water stains are evident. Let it sit for a minute or two. Don’t allow the lemon juice to dry.
5. Scrub the surface of the car glass using a clean towel.
6. Then, rinse the car glass with distilled water to wash away the lemon juice.
7. Remove excess water using an absorbent towel or sponge.
8. Make sure the car glass dries.

Common questions about water stains on cars

Can essential oils be used to remove water stains on car glass?

You can use some essential oils to get rid of water stains on your car glass. Just remember that not all essential oils can remove water stains, only those made of citrus formulas such as lemon and orange will be effective.

These essential oils can be an alternative option to any method that uses lemon juice when dealing with water stains on car glass. Dilute the oil with water and rub it on your stained windshield with a sponge. Make sure you properly rinse the oil off when you’re finished.

How can you use vinegar in removing water stains on windshields?

When dealing with water stains on windshields, or your car’s other glass, it is better to use a combination of vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar is composed of acetic acid and is responsible for removing the water stains on the windshield. Baking soda makes the vinegar a more potent stain remover. Here’s how:

1. Create a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda.
2. Apply the mixture on the water stains on your windshield.
3. Scrub it thoroughly using a sponge.
4. Rinse the windshield to remove the mixture.
5. Dry it using a smooth towel.

Is it okay to remove water stains on car glass using non-lubricated cleaners?

When removing water stains on car glass, it is always to no damage the sensitive glass. Therefore, it is not recommended that you use non-lubricated glass cleaners. Lubricant is an essential component of glass cleaners because it prevents scratches on your car’s glass.

The Bottom Line

Water stains can come in any form. There can be soft water stains, hard water stains, or mineral deposition from rainwater. Whatever type of water stain you encounter, the bottom line is to use the appropriate techniques when removing it for optimal results. Remember that your car glass is just as sensitive as any other surfaces. Do not use harsh chemicals and be gentle in eliminating these imperfections.