Looking for chemical that can clean hard water stain on glass.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for cleaning hard water stains and soap scum from glass surfaces, particularly shower doors. Participants share various cleaning agents and techniques, exploring both commercial products and household solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports difficulty in removing hard water stains and soap scum using common cleaning sprays and household acids like vinegar and lime juice.
  • Another participant suggests using stronger acids such as naval jelly, phosphoric acid, sulfamic acid, and hydrochloric acid, while recommending caution with aluminum edges on the door.
  • A participant expresses reluctance to use strong acids after trying CLR and indicates interest in toilet bowl cleaner as an alternative.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for acids to etch clear safety glass, with a recommendation for Sunny Brite Classic and Sunny Brite II as safer options for cleaning hard water stains.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best cleaning method, with some advocating for stronger acids while others caution against their use, particularly on safety glass.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the effects of hard water and soap on glass integrity, with no definitive conclusions drawn regarding potential etching or damage.

yungman
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I have a very hard time cleaning out the hard water stain and soap scum on the shower door glass. I tried the normal cleaning spray. I tried using Vinegar( acetic acid), Lime juice (citric acid) with no luck at all.

Any suggestion on what I can try?
 
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Naval jelly, phosphoric acid, sulfamic acid and hydrochloric acid. If you have an aluminum edge on the door, I'd stick with the commercially available ones like Lime-A-Way, Sanivac, C-L-R or Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner.
 
chemisttree said:
Naval jelly, phosphoric acid, sulfamic acid and hydrochloric acid. If you have an aluminum edge on the door, I'd stick with the commercially available ones like Lime-A-Way, Sanivac, C-L-R or Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner.

Thanks for the reply, I definitely am not going to go with the strong acid, I tried the CLR lime and hard water already. I'll look into the Toilet bowl cleaner.

Any possibility of the hard water and soap eat into the glass. I don't think so, but just double checking.

Thanks
 
Be careful using acid to clean it if it is clear glass as acid tends to etch safety glass. Sunny Brite Classic is an excellent acid based hard water stain remover (if you, in fact, decide to use acid) and Sunny Brite II is formulated for use on safety glass and does an excellent job. Both are available on Amazon.
 

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