Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: G & M on February 21, 2009, 07:41:35 pm

Title: vinegar?
Post by: G & M on February 21, 2009, 07:41:35 pm
Does vinegar clean limescale from glass? I clean a house that has a lot of what appears to be acid burn on a few big windows but it might be that lime was used in the rendering and I wonder if vinegar would be any help in removing it. All suggestions greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: vinegar?
Post by: G & M on February 21, 2009, 11:24:02 pm
Hi Stan I agree with you to a point, but wouldn't it be great if we could go that step further and remove these type of stains without much hassle
Title: Re: vinegar?
Post by: Glyn H on February 21, 2009, 11:27:50 pm
Acetic Acid (the componant that gives the odour in Vinegar) will neutralise lime and is used in descalling products. You should dilute it if using neat Acetic acid. Normal household vineger should also work but will probally take longer.
Title: Re: vinegar?
Post by: lovewindows on February 22, 2009, 12:03:58 am
& chips
Title: Re: vinegar?
Post by: pjulk on February 22, 2009, 12:04:46 am
MDR gets rid of limescale also domestos toilet cleaner removes limescale off of glass.
Title: Re: vinegar?
Post by: [GQC] Tim on February 22, 2009, 12:46:31 am
MDR works a treat (Mineral Deposit Remover)
Title: Re: vinegar?
Post by: JSMC on February 22, 2009, 11:52:12 am
i have mdr but neve rgot round to using it. been rolling about a shelf in back of van and instructions worn off lol


what is best way to use it ?
Title: Re: vinegar?
Post by: [GQC] Tim on February 22, 2009, 11:01:17 pm
i have mdr but neve rgot round to using it. been rolling about a shelf in back of van and instructions worn off lol


what is best way to use it ?

Pure, squeeze out a strip on your applicator (an old one preferably) then clean it off with your normal applicator. It's a bit dirty in your bucket though if your use your normal applicator to get it off, so I would use a wet sponge (under custies tap) and then quickly take the MDR off, then clean as normal.
Title: Re: vinegar?
Post by: karlosdaze on February 23, 2009, 01:01:30 pm
Vinegar does work, sometimes better than supermarket cleaners that claim the same removal properties. Best bet is to squirt the vinegar & give it a quick wipe over, then come back later & remove with a scraper. This usually works with light hard water removal.
If this doesn't work, you may have to go the MDR route which is more time consuming. Shower doors & enclosures can also be cleaned with a cut half lemon. Like any chemical removal - let the chemical do its work, 20 minutes or so.
There are quite a few products out there especially formulated for window cleaners. Educating yourself on types of glass & equipment to remove hard water stains goes a long way.
Title: Re: vinegar?
Post by: AJ on February 23, 2009, 03:25:31 pm
Viakal is the best thing, if that doesn't shift it, it is probably etched into the glass.
Title: Re: vinegar?
Post by: karlosdaze on February 24, 2009, 11:24:15 pm
AJ - there are a lot of chemicals out there that can solve this problem. Viakal is the equivalent of expecting a plumber to come with Harpic. Winsol 550 is one chemical that removes most problems - just be wary on tempered glass.
Cerium oxide is another method: 5th video down..
http://robinson-solutions.blogspot.com/2009/02/window-cleaning-videos-for-your.html
Title: Re: vinegar?
Post by: AJ on February 25, 2009, 05:25:02 pm
It works. 'a rose by any other name.....'
Title: Re: vinegar?
Post by: davidfaulkner on February 26, 2009, 08:25:26 pm
AJ - there are a lot of chemicals out there that can solve this problem. Viakal is the equivalent of expecting a plumber to come with Harpic. Winsol 550 is one chemical that removes most problems - just be wary on tempered glass.
Cerium oxide is another method: 5th video down..
http://robinson-solutions.blogspot.com/2009/02/window-cleaning-videos-for-your.html


Karlosdaze, had a big problem using 550 on shower screen, shattered 2/3 weeks later when it took a light knock, is this the type problem your refering to with tempered glass?
regards