PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
How do I remove tough water spots from car windows?
What’s the best way to get stubborn water spots off car windows? Even though I took my car to a car wash, they’re still there. Any advice?
Hana Sabah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Ah, water spots tend to be difficult at times. Your best bet to remove tough water spots from car windows is to use a homemade solution.
Try one of the following—you likely already have the ingredients on hand!
Vinegar solution: The acid in vinegar can help neutralize water spots, which are usually alkaline.
- Mix equal parts water and white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Spray the affected spots with the solution and allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes.
- Wipe with a clean cloth until spots are removed.
- Repeat the process as needed.
Lemon juice solution: Just like vinegar, lemon juice also has the acidity needed to remove those pesky spots.
- Begin by squeezing a fresh lemon onto your window or a moist cloth.
- If fresh lemon isn’t available, the bottled variety can be poured on a cloth instead.
- Let it sit for at least 10 minutes, then wipe away.
- Repeat the process as needed.
Essential oils solution: Due to their potency, essential oils can also work well on water spots.
- Apply a few drops of orange or lemon essential oil to the glass using a towel or sponge.
- Allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes.
- Repeat the process as needed.
If you’d rather not mix your own solution, you can purchase specialized products for water spots online or at your local hardware or auto parts store.
But prevention is your best bet when it comes to this issue. That said:
- Park in a garage or carport whenever possible.
- Make sure your paint is in excellent condition. Consider professional detailing to restore the luster to your car’s finish. This will prevent any future water spots from sticking.
- Treat your windshield and paint regularly with water-repellant products, such as Rain-X Complete Surface Protectant and Armor All Extreme Shine.
- Treat your car to a wax job at a full-service car wash.
Finally, while you are taking care of your car, make sure your insurance policy is taking care of you! This is where the [Jerry] app can help. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding the cheapest quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance.”
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies