Removing Hard Water Spots?

[Scott-n-Houston]

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?

 

[Julien]

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.

 

[Scott-n-Houston]

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.

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.

 

[ZipZap]

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.

Dont tell people how to remove the coating. That's just irresponsible. OP, take it to Apple,

 

[Scott-n-Houston]

Dont tell people how to remove the coating. That's just irresponsible. OP, take it to Apple,

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.

 

[Dodgeman]

Dont tell people how to remove the coating. That's just irresponsible. OP, take it to Apple,

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?

 

[44267547]

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?

I can't speak for Windex cleaner. But I would stick to simple cleaning methods before using anything other than what is specified.

 

[Newtons Apple]

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.

 

[Julien]

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.

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 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).

 

[Dodgeman]

I can't speak for Windex cleaner. But I would stick to simple cleaning methods before using anything other than what is specified.

I'll use water, but those wipes are made for electronics.

 

[Julien]

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!...

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.

 

[44267547]

I'll use water, but those wipes are made for electronics.

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.

 

[Brandon Hobart]

Try cleaning it with a deodorant, perfume or an alcohol... Perfumes wipes off every type of spots from the mobile screens...

 

[jamin00]

I have a cleaning product for my car which is safe to use on touch screens in cars etc as this is what it was designed for. So I would use this if I had trouble using the recommended methods by Apple.

https://liquidelementsuk.co.uk/products/krystal-klear-glass-cleaner-mint-choc

 

[BarracksSi]

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.

 

[44267547]

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.

Especially you have hard water or using tap water, those spots would be more difficult to clean off.

 

[Gabrielanicolao]

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.