[Home Tips] Glass scale is difficult to clean, how to remove it quickly?
💧 Why is glass in Hong Kong particularly prone to scale accumulation?
Hong Kong's tap water is medium to hard (contains high levels of calcium and magnesium ions). When the water evaporates, these minerals remain on the glass surface, forming white or translucent spots and films, known as scale .
Common locations of scale accumulation:
- 🚿Bathroom glass door (water splashes when showering)
- 🪟Window glass (rainwater mixed with air pollutants deposited)
- 🍳Kitchen splash-proof glass (steam and water droplets mixed with oil stains)
💡Editor 's opinion : Hong Kong's humid environment makes it easier for scale to stick to glass surfaces. If left uncleaned for a long time, it will become a stubborn stain that cannot be removed by simply wiping with water.
🧪 The scientific principles of glass scale
The main components of scale: calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) .
These alkaline minerals can be dissolved by weak acids , which is why some acidic cleaners work quickly.
⚠️ Precautions for cleaning glass scale
- Avoid scraping with metal brushes or blades → It is easy to scratch the glass surface
- Choose a cleaner that is not a strong acid (such as hydrochloric acid), as strong acids are too corrosive.
- Rinse with clean water immediately after cleaning to avoid acid residues that may damage the edges or hardware.
🛠️ Editor's recommendation for a quick descaling method (Hong Kong practical version)
1️⃣ White vinegar soaking method (environmentally friendly and gentle)
Suitable for : Mild to moderate limescale
practice :
- Mix 1:1 white vinegar and warm water and pour into a spray bottle.
- Spray evenly on the glass scale and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Wipe gently with a sponge or microfiber cloth.
- Finally, rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a dry cloth.
💡Editor 's tip : You can soak kitchen paper in white vinegar and stick it on the vertical glass to prevent the vinegar from flowing away.
2️⃣ Citric acid powder solution method (efficient and safe)
Suitable for : moderate to stubborn limescale
practice :
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of citric acid powder (available in baking shops) to 500ml of warm water.
- After dissolving, pour into a spray bottle and spray on the scale.
- Wait 15 minutes and scrub with a soft brush or sponge.
- Rinse with clean water and wipe dry.
💡 Advantages: The smell is milder than white vinegar and it is safer for stainless steel and glass.
3️⃣ Baking soda paste scrubbing method (increase friction)
Suitable for : Stubborn and thick scale
practice :
- Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste.
- Use a sponge to apply to the scale.
- Scrub gently in circular motions (you can spray with white vinegar to create a bubbling reaction).
- Rinse with clean water and wipe dry.
💡Editor 's personal tip : Soften the bathroom glass with citric acid first, then brush it with baking soda paste to double the effect.
4️⃣ Professional glass scale cleaner
Suitable for : extremely stubborn dirt accumulation over many years
- Special glass scale removers are available in hardware stores and home goods stores (such as Japantown) in Hong Kong.
- Wear gloves when using, maintain ventilation, and avoid contact with the rubber edge.
- Test on a small area first to ensure that the glass coating will not be damaged.
🛡️ Long-term method to prevent glass scale accumulation
-
Shave after showering every day
- Use a squeegee to remove water droplets and reduce mineral deposits.
-
Regularly spray waterproof coating
- Car glass waterproofing agents are sold in Hong Kong hardware stores. Applying them to bathroom glass can prevent water droplets from sliding off and becoming less likely to adhere.
-
Improve ventilation
- Reduce the time the glass is kept wet and slow down the rate of scale formation.
-
Quick clean once a week
- Wiping it quickly with white vinegar water is 5 times more labor-saving than waiting until it accumulates thickly.
📋 Editor's real cleaning case
The editor helped a friend clean the glass door of the bathroom in Tseung Kwan O:
- Spray the entire door with citric acid powder solution and let it sit for 20 minutes
- Then use baking soda paste to scrub the area more
- Finally, use a glass scraper to dry the water droplets. ✨Result : The originally foggy white glass has restored 90% transparency, the reflective effect is obvious, and the whole bathroom has become brighter!
✅ Editor's Lazy List for Descaling
- Mild scale → Spray with white vinegar and water for 10 minutes and scrub
- Moderate scale → Citric acid powder solution + scraper
- Stubborn scale → Soften with citric acid + scrub with baking soda paste
- Long-lasting protection → Daily wipe + waterproof coating
