need advice - hard water spot removal

[rons1ne]

anyone have any recommendations/suggestions to remove hard water spots?

currently on teh hood of my truck, washed the car but they did not come out.

hoping someone out there actually used the homemade remedies (vinegar + distilled water) or actual commercial product, and feedback on what works best.

thanks!

[tacomaman06]

Originally Posted by rons1ne

anyone have any recommendations/suggestions to remove hard water spots?

currently on teh hood of my truck, washed the car but they did not come out.

hoping someone out there actually used the homemade remedies (vinegar + distilled water) or actual commercial product, and feedback on what works best.

thanks!

try a claybar,then polish and wax! should do it for ya.

[Red Razor]

Take a look in the detailing forum. There is lots of useful info in there.

I also like this site http://www.autopia-carcare.com/how-to.html.

[Pb]

The detailing sticky has info about removing water spots. I prefer the polishing method, but vinegar usually works too.

[rons1ne]

Used the Maguire's claybar and detail spray.

Worked wonders.

[RedPhoenix]

White Vinegar

I have to give my car another Vinegar bath because i always get hit with sprinklers. but it works great!

[TOYOtacoma07]

+1 on the claybar my truck kept getting water spots bc there was a sprinkler right next to it. and i wasnt able to wash it for a few days. the claybar and detail spray works wonders.

[RedPhoenix]

Originally Posted by TOYOtacoma07

+1 on the claybar my truck kept getting water spots bc there was a sprinkler right next to it. and i wasnt able to wash it for a few days. the claybar and detail spray works wonders.

id recommend this for mild water spots. unfortunatly, i have reclaimed water, its so bad that you can take a finger nail to it and it will chip off.... so vinegar works for that.

[PolishAndWax]

Originally Posted by rons1ne

anyone have any recommendations/suggestions to remove hard water spots?

currently on teh hood of my truck, washed the car but they did not come out.

hoping someone out there actually used the homemade remedies (vinegar + distilled water) or actual commercial product, and feedback on what works best.

thanks!

The best way to approach this, as well as many other paint problems, is to use the least destructive means to get the maximum results.

I've had mixed results with clay, but you should try that first, as it is extremely safe compared to vinegar.

I would be very careful with vinegar, as it is acidic. That's why it works so well.

If I have to, I use three parts water, one part vinegar. Sponge it on and leave it on for about 15 seconds. Rinse it and then wash with soap and water. If it didn't take enough off, try it again (same method). If you're not making much progress, just leave it on longer (maybe 30 seconds).

Straight vinegar may take off all your water stains but may actually remove some clear coat (again we're talking about an acidic solution). If you can remove them with a 3-to-1 water to vinegar mix, you're much better off. I'm not saying that the 3-to-1 solution won't, but it should be safer.

Also note that any areas hit with vinegar will need to be rewaxed, as vinegar will definitely strip the wax off.

Prevention is key. Besides avoiding sprinklers, a good coat of wax will make future problems (like hard water stains) easier to deal with, so 'wax on'!

[chester08]

I've tried the water and vinegar solution - and it works on removing water spots on lexus parts such as hood.. another tip - just keep your car clean and away from harmful elements so as to avoid this kind of problem..