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How can I remove hard water from car paint?

How can I remove hard water from car paint? I live in a city that rains for a few consecutive months during the year. Yesterday when I parked my car in an indoor parking lot, I noticed these hard water spots.

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Phoebe Mah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Hard water contains many minerals that, when dry, leaves behind traces of calcium and magnesium. If you can wipe your car before the rain dries to the paint, you won’t have stains.
Drying your car isn’t always an option, so don’t worry; there is a way to remove hard water from your car’s paint by doing the following:
  • Wash your car with a bucket of warm soapy water, another bucket with clean water, a soft washing mitt, a hose, and a microfiber cloth to dry.
  • Pour one part vinegar and one part distilled water into a spray bottle. Gently shake to mix the solution.
  • Spray the car surface with the solution. Try to fully saturate the vehicle with this mixture.
  • Pour any remaining solution from the bottle into a bucket. If there’s very little solution left, add more of that 50/50 mixture into the bucket. Immerse a towel into the bucket.
  • Lay the towel over the targeted areas. Let this rest for two minutes. Then use the same towel to scrub the stain.
  • Use the hose to rinse the area you scrubbed.
Now your vehicle’s paint is restored!
To prevent future water spots, if possible, try to park your vehicle in a garage or covered parking. In addition, apply a protective sealant or wax over your car.
Your vehicle may have hard water stains, but you know what’s not hard? Getting your car insurance from
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