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"Water Spots" - What is the best way to remove that is not abrasive?

2ndAmend

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#1
I have tiny water spots over the entire surface of the car, paint and glass. Washing and waxing does not remove them. I thought they may be calcium and tried vinegar but it does nothing. There is Chemical Guys Water Spot Remover but reviews say it sometimes makes things worse.

My well water is acidic and I add soda ash (sodium carbonate) to neutralize the acidity. I stopped using it a while back and suddenly I had copper pipes leaking. I ended up replacing a bunch of the copper with Pex. I continue to use the soda ash.

I worried the spots might be acid etching the surface but if I scrape the glass with a razor it all comes off meaning it is build-up on the surface and not etching.

So there are 2.5 problems:

1a: How to remove the spots without abrasives? Maybe clay? 1b: Does it hurt to just ignore them?

2: How do I prevent them in the future? Articles say wax, but I have been doing that. And they say ceramic doesn’t help stop it. And I'm not about to spend big $ to filter water for car washes! Remember, I'm cheap!

I would appreciate suggestions from those who have experienced this.

Thanks.

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Linda's Hell Cat

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#2
I would try 50/50 White distilled vinegar and water. Gently try a test area.
It's what we use to get water spots off of everything else we house clean.

I'm sure there is some product, but that would be the cheapest way to try.

If it works then do your normal wash and wax.
 


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2ndAmend

2ndAmend

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Thread Starter #3
I would try 50/50 White distilled vinegar and water. Gently try a test area.
It's what we use to get water spots off of everything else we house clean.

I'm sure there is some product, but that would be the cheapest way to try.

If it works then do your normal wash and wax.
Thanks Linda. vinegar did absolutely nothing... :(
 


Linda's Hell Cat

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#4
I can't tell, are the spots on top of the paint or in the paint/wax?
 


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2ndAmend

2ndAmend

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Thread Starter #5
I can't tell, are the spots on top of the paint or in the paint/wax?
I know it is definitely build up on the glass because I can scrape it off. No idea if it is "on" the wax, or if it etched through. Washing, rubbing and re-waxing doesn't help.
 


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#6
I know it is definitely build up on the glass because I can scrape it off. No idea if it is "on" the wax, or if it etched through. Washing, rubbing and re-waxing doesn't help.
I wonder what mr Clean Magic Eraser would do!
Or alcohol. I'm just thinking cheap and what you might have already.
I'm sure there is some product already good to use. But that is also an answer needed.
 




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