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Removing Hard Water Spots?

S

Scott-n-Houston

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Apr 27, 2008
1,023
338
Houston (duh)
I have the black SS, and on the bottom side of the 'glass' (sapphire crystal) I have water spots from hard water.

I've seen ways to remove hard water spots on glass with vinegar, etc, but is that ok for the watch glass?
Has anyone else dealt with this?
 
First sapphire is NOT glass, it is ....well sapphire.;) Second the spots are likely in the oleophobic coating if they will not rub/clean off. The coating can be removed using isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber towel.
 
Julien said:
First sapphire is NOT glass, it is ....well sapphire.;) Second the spots are likely in the oleophobic coating if they will not rub/clean off. The coating can be removed using isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber towel.
Click to expand...

It's crystal... I know. :) But good points.
I'm not sure if they're on the coating or the crystal itself. It's not much different than getting them on your car windows I suspect, but I am concerned about removing that coating I guess. I like the coating, so I may just live with them for now.
They're hard to see unless I'm in the right light and even then, they're not in the center but mostly at the bottom.
 
Julien said:
First sapphire is NOT glass, it is ....well sapphire.;) Second the spots are likely in the oleophobic coating if they will not rub/clean off. The coating can be removed using isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber towel.
Click to expand...

Dont tell people how to remove the coating. That's just irresponsible. OP, take it to Apple,
 
4bc42964-3f9b-42a4-93e1-cf76b8bb1b14_1.2973c61ec822649f88ad9eedb274d63b.jpeg
ZipZap said:
Dont tell people how to remove the coating. That's just irresponsible. OP, take it to Apple,
Click to expand...
Wow. I used alcohol on my last watch tons of times! By doing this I was stopping the coating?
I'll make sure to only use water on my new Watch!
[doublepost=1481684077][/doublepost]
Think the Windex Electronic Wipes will destroy the coating?
 
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Dodgeman said:
4bc42964-3f9b-42a4-93e1-cf76b8bb1b14_1.2973c61ec822649f88ad9eedb274d63b.jpeg

Wow. I used alcohol on my last watch tons of times! By doing this I was stopping the coating?
I'll make sure to only use water on my new Watch!
[doublepost=1481684077][/doublepost]
Think the Windex Electronic Wipes will destroy the coating?
Click to expand...

I can't speak for Windex cleaner. But I would stick to simple cleaning methods before using anything other than what is specified.
 
There was another thread where the AW owner was reporting and even showing what looked like to be bubbles on the surface of the Watch face near the bottom, could be the same here. Hard to tell without images.
 
Scott-n-Houston said:
Good advice. Made me think, "duh".
I was just hoping for some quick fix at home before fighting the Apple Store crowds during this season. :)
Click to expand...
The oleophobic coating wears off in time anyway so it is no big deal. Also it is much softer than sapphire and is the source of most 'scratches' seen on :apple:Watch sapphire crystals. Plus you can easy replace it (and you will 'need' to anyway in time if you think it is important to you).

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+apply+anti-fingerprint+oleophobic+coating/9682

If the spots are mineral deposits (hard water) that will not clean off they they are in fact imbedded in the oleophobic coating. And if actually on the sapphire then the oleophobic coating has already been compromised or removed (at least where the spots are).
 
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Dodgeman said:
Wow. I used alcohol on my last watch tons of times! By doing this I was stopping the coating?
I'll make sure to only use water on my new Watch!...
Click to expand...
If you removed the oleophobic coating and didn't know it then that shows how 'important' it is (NOT). ;) I don't really care for it that much myself. It makes fingerprints look a little too 'greasy' and glossy.
 
Dodgeman said:
I'll use water, but those wipes are made for electronics.
Click to expand...

I have never used electronic wipes, so I can't contest to the usage. I simply resorted to a microfiber cloth, which Has suited me every time with the Watch.
 
Water spots were deposited with water, so they should remove easily with... water.

That's what I've begun thinking over the last few years, anyway. Whatever solvent was depositing the contaminants is just as good at taking the contaminants away.

Wash it again and wipe it dry. Maybe do it a couple times. DON'T LET IT AIR DRY. If you've tried this already, maybe move on to something besides water.
 
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BarracksSi said:
Water spots were deposited with water, so they should remove easily with... water.

That's what I've begun thinking over the last few years, anyway. Whatever solvent was depositing the contaminants is just as good at taking the contaminants away.

Wash it again and wipe it dry. Maybe do it a couple times. DON'T LET IT AIR DRY. If you've tried this already, maybe move on to something besides water.
Click to expand...

Especially you have hard water or using tap water, those spots would be more difficult to clean off.
 
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I think using a simple cleaning method is more reliable then using other way which you have never experienced before. Also I know that using hard water or tap water it take time to get clean.
 
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