[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
mineral residue removal
Bob,
The minerals in "hard water residue" can interact with the glass (silica
compounds) to permanently etch the glass. This happens if the hard water
minerals remain in contact with the glass for long periods in dry form. I
have a tank that was not emptied, but was allowed to evaporate over a
period of months - and then was in storage for years. When I tried to
remove the "hard water stain" it proved impossible. Parts of the tank
appear to have frosted glass. And if you look at it under high
magnification you can see that the surface is pitted and rough. As in your
case, razor blades and vinegar did not help, and muriatic acid straight out
of the bottle had no effect either. The acid test will tell if your
"mineral residue" is permanent or not. If it is just mineral residue the
acid will bubble on contact with the deposit (and remove the deposit). If
there is no reaction to the acid, then the glass is probably permanently
etched.
Any inorganic chemists out there who can comment on the reaction between
the hard water minerals and glass (Calcium and silica)? And how it might
be reversed?
Best fishes,
Matt
Matt Hirvonen, 5801 Taft Street, Middleton WI 53562
---------------
See http://www.aka.org/AKA/subkillietalk.html to unsubscribe