Tough water stains

[bluenavey00]

Hello

I have a glass bong that I accidentally left water in for a week or two. Just above where the water line was there is now a misty area of water stains.

I just tried to put lemon juice, water and baking soda in, let it fizz and gave it a shake for a few minutes but there isn't too much of a change.

Any ideas?

 

[just_the_flu]

...vinegar??

 

[Aristosseur]

Try some HCl, then wash with deionized or distilled water

 

[Baron23]

...vinegar??

That being white vinegar.

Might want to look some of these links on the subject:

https://www.google.com/#q=white+vinegar+for+hard+water+stains

 

[bluenavey00]

Try some HCl, then wash with deionized or distilled water

HCl?

 

[Aristosseur]

HCl?

Hydrochloric acid, you should be able to get some around 10% concentration. May also go by the name muriatic acid. Careful not to have it in your eyes and the like, also it'd be best to wear gloves.
I don't know what is available of chemicals in the UK which is a nanny state, if HCl isn't easily obtainable, try searching for sulphuric acid H2SO4, nitric acid HNO3. Those are more dangerous so take extra care handling them. The glass is inert, won't have a problem.

Vinegar is a weak concentration of acetic acid, you can try that too if all else is not available.

 

[JRR22611]

I agree with the rest of the others suggesting white vinegar, your grocery store will likely have a "double strength" white vinegar that is used specifically for cleaning. I've also used cranberry extract to get rid of water stains so stubborn I thought they might be embedded by the glass blower.

 

[Baron23]

HCl?

My strong suggestion: Try white vinegar first...which is acetic acid, before you go all in on stronger acids. Let it sit in there for a while.

And if you do use the stronger acids listed above....please remember, NEVER add water to acid. If you need to dilute, ALWAYS add acid to water.

 

[mrbonsai420]

CLR or PBW?

 

[t-dub]

Good posts here. CLR, PBW, white vinegar, and yes, toilet bowl cleaner all good ideas. Working with the acids suggested takes safety gear, ventilation, and some experience to use them safely.