Can rust be removed from glass?

[SteveH aka shetc]

Hi Guys,

As you can see from the attached image, I let a sprinkler spray a window too much. The local ground has lots of rust. Is it possible to remove rust stains from glass?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[grampamark]

Try something like Barkeeper’s Friend or CLR (calcium, lime, rust) remover.

 

[bruce_the_loon]

Rub it with vinegar and salt. Takes a bit of elbow grease though.

 

[SteveH aka shetc]

This is after dish washing liquid, very fine steel wool and elbow grease. The discoloration is gone but there is still a speckled effect. Yeah, Barkeeper's Friend came to mind as well. Have to go out and get some but will wait until I really need to go to the grocery store. Thanks guys!

 

[passedpawn]

I'd use CLR also. The R is for Rust.

I'd also consider trisodiumphosphate (TSP). Paint dept, home depot etc. I used to use this to clean windows (it's what the pros use). Mix properly, at high concentrations it can probably etch your glass and remove paint.

 

[passedpawn]

... I see that sprinkler head in the reflection. It's iron, you've got a shallow well apparently. What you need is a deep aquifer well. Quite expensive to put in, but water is clear. Are your sidewalks / driveway orange?

 

[SteveH aka shetc]

... I see that sprinkler head in the reflection. It's iron, you've got a shallow well apparently. What you need is a deep aquifer well. Quite expensive to put in, but water is clear. Are your sidewalks / driveway orange?

This is South Florida where everything is covered in sprinkler rust Doesn't take much to get into the ground water. The real issue is the need to shift that sprinkler. Thanks!

 

[SteveH aka shetc]

I'd use CLR also. The R is for Rust.

I'd also consider trisodiumphosphate (TSP). Paint dept, home depot etc. I used to use this to clean windows (it's what the pros use). Mix properly, at high concentrations it can probably etch your glass and remove paint.

I have Jalisco TSP substitute - will that work?

 

[SteveH aka shetc]

Rub it with vinegar and salt. Takes a bit of elbow grease though.

I just tried the salt and vinegar, which I have used to clean copper before. I think the dishwashing liquid required less effort. Thanks!

 

[passedpawn]

I have Jalisco TSP substitute - will that work?

Dunno, but usually the TSP subs don't have the P(hosphate), for environmental concerns. I think it's a state thing - Florida is just fine with it.

[edit: woops, I see you're in FL too]

 

[passedpawn]

This is South Florida where everything is covered in sprinkler rust Doesn't take much to get into the ground water. The real issue is the need to shift that sprinkler. Thanks!

City water won't do that. Neither will a deep well. It's the water 30'-40' down where you find the minerals like iron.

 

[smata67]

The phosphate-free TSP products such as Savogran TSP-PF contain sodium metasilicate pentahydrate, which can remove rust. This is the main ingredient in a product called Red Clay Stain Remover made by Krud Kutter. It is available as a spray bottle, though it is hard to find. There are also a plethora of products geared towards cleaning up iron stains on plumbing fixtures. All of these rust removers should be spot tested on glass ahead of time and used with eye protection and gloves. They can etch glass so quickly rinse off after applying.