How do I clean water marks off a picture window?

Larry
by Larry

Think maybe marks were caused by chemical use when I had house pressure washed. Seems as though they have been etched.


  9 answers
  • Janice Janice on Jan 09, 2020

    Undiluted liquid TSP is what a professional window cleaner advised me to do to get rid of hard water spots from a sprinkling system. That might work well for you too.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jan 09, 2020

    I'm not sure if it's a mark from a chemical, etched or just dirty, but, here's what I would try. First, I would try cleaning it with vinegar and water. I use a razor scraper to remove anything that is buildup. Then, I would try polishing it out in a small area with white toothpaste and a damp microfiber cloth. I don't power wash windows because I was told it might damage the seal or break a window. Hope you are able to remove the marks.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Jan 09, 2020

    Have you tried a Magic Eraser. If that does not get it off, it may very well have been etched by a chemical used by the power washer.

  • William William on Jan 09, 2020

    I use windshield washer fluid to wash windows. Works on cars. For heavy minerals use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and hot water. If the the marks remain then they were etched by power washing. You can minimize the etching by applying auto paste wax to the window. You will need to reapply.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Jan 09, 2020

    If your fingernail detects they are surface stains, not etched, and the vinegar wash doesn’t work, then you might try a single edge razor blade held at a low angle and gently “shave” it off.

  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Jan 09, 2020

    Sometimes what you think is on the window might be wedged in between the glass. You will want to check out if that is the problem. Sometimes seals can crack or come loose around the window over time and while pressure washing, water could have gotten inside. When that happens, moisture can get in there and there is no way to clean it out. The moisture can look foggy on the window. Check if this is the problem or if it is actually on the outside of the glass. If it is wedged inside, A new window may be your best bet. If on the outside follow all the above tips, they are great:)

  • Dee Dee on Jan 09, 2020

    If your windows were etched the stains can be hidden by using auto compound. No way to fix etching. Like William I use windshield washer fluid on my house windows. Do not use RainX as it puts a plastic like coating on the window.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jan 09, 2020


    Can you find out what was used when your house was pressure washed, meaning any additive to the water under pressure. I would check that out and go from there. Maybe there were impurities in the water container.

    To check if it was etched , slide something over it, a fingernail, credit card, or even the tip of your finger. If you detect a raised area see if you can scrape it off. If an indentation, then damage is present.

    I agree with Dee, Rainex is a product you either like or dislike. I do not use it because it makes a coating I find annoying.