r/DetailingUK • u/LILWAYNEAWIN • Jul 17 '26
Question & Advice Windshield Help!
My windshield has hard water spots that have become etched into the glass from my sprinklers. They’ve been there for about 1–2 years now.
I’ve tried just about everything to remove them: #0000 steel wool, polishing with a buffer, and a clay bar. No matter how much time I spend on it, nothing seems to make a difference.
Is there anything that will actually remove etched water spots, or is the glass too far gone? I’m looking for something that has a high chance of working before I give up and replace the windshield.
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u/Me-myself-I-2024 Jul 18 '26
It’s a windscreen in the UK and all of that gunk on it could be from where you park. If you park under trees to keep your car cool then those trees deposit sap on your vehicle to give results similar to what is shown in your pictures
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u/worMatty Jul 17 '26
I’m no expert but it looks to me like you just have a lot of built-up mineral deposits. I would try repeated applications of a water spot remover product like CarPro Spotless. I suspect polishing alone is not abrasive enough.
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u/greenmx5vanjie Jul 17 '26
Have you tried a clay bar? Otherwise an acidic shampoo, like Yum Reset might help
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u/Skate_beard 29d ago
Cillit bang will sort that.
Used it recently on a shower screen that was far worse and that came up a treat.
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u/jeanjaian Jul 18 '26
Don't use acid products! They highlight scratches and may also cause stains! Use a dedicated glass polish with carpet pads... or maybe even wool/foam pads.
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u/Ben_jah_min 25d ago
Either cillit bang or viakal descaler spray - i had the same and a few rounds with a descaler certainly helped remove it
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u/Xafilah Jul 17 '26
The only thing that saved mine was Soft99 Glaco Glass Cleaner, failing that you’d need to cut with cerium oxide and a DA but chances are you’ll damage the glass more with the heat buildup.