Water Spot Removal (YES, Heavy Stains!)

[@LouieMiLLz]

This is the best video i watched on removing water spots!!!!

[@highlandsautodetailing]

I really appreciate the feedback, Im glad you liked it!

[@user-ok8ws1ls5b]

This is great info sir ty Ty.. can I use Simple green as a cleaner before the wheel cleaner/ acid ?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

@@user-ok8ws1ls5b I guess you could, however I doubt it would do much on mineral deposits. I wouldn’t personally reach for or recommend it for exteriors over other options.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Replacement recommendation for discontinued Meguiars wheel brightener to have similar results is “wire wheel cleaner” by superior products. Distributed by oreilly’s. Thanks for watching!

[@davidchang5230]

thank you

[@samueladams584]

As an amateur I'm guessing the turtle wax hybrid solutions wheel cleaner and iron remover is not as strong as Superior ? I only sprayed the Turtle wax cleaner on a panel and didn't try to agitate it. I used some Sonax perfect finish w Griot's orange correcting pad and I still have these little water spots but the paint is a lot smoother 🤔

[@highlandsautodetailing]

@@samueladams584 ​​⁠ I apologize for the late response. Iron removal wheel cleaners are great at removing brake dust or other metal particles, however the wheel acid is good at removing all of the same things but also minerals in hard tap water. It’s the most powerful cleaner when nothing else works. Polishing before removing the minerals from the surface is ineffective at permanently removing the spots unfortunately.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

@@davidchang5230 You’re welcome!

[@BarretKruse]

Thank you for covering basics on your channel. Obviously I have washed a car before, but I do it my way or the way I was taught by well intentioned people who were not professionals. I am discovering a lot od things I didn't know and many things I just plain out missed. This video is a good example of both! It is never presented in a "well, you should know that' way, not talking over our heads, and if it is something I know, I understand why the material is put there. Good stuff, thanks!

[@highlandsautodetailing]

You are very welcome! Im grateful for the thoughtful feedback, it means a lot! Im glad you see value in the content I’m providing. Thanks for watching!

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Dilution Recommendation: Start at 1 part cleaner, 10 parts water on a test spot if you want to be cautious but the most effective will start at 1:4. If your feeling brave and 1:4 is not working, You can test a spot at 1:1. It is technically designed to be used on clear coated wheels at full strength as it says dilute-able up to 1:4 on the bottle. Just be careful and always start least aggressive!

[@Greg_P611]

Great video. I’m a detailer also. I use acid but have a little trick I use when ever applying acid around trim. I take my dark fury and soak a towel with it. I apply the acid in a controlled way like you did but immediately take the high alkaline dark fury towel and neutralize the acid that got on the trim. I’ve ruined trim using acid 1:10 before so I learned the hard way

[@highlandsautodetailing]

I appreciate you sharing your feedback, experience & tips. Soaking a towel in the solution is one of my favorite tricks as well to control overspray and be more efficient. Take care and thanks for watching!

[@mrBDeye]

One way to not get water spots on clear coat paint is to not wash your vehicle if you are on well water. Water spots can be removed using CLR, a product available at any hardware store. Im very fortunate that my village has good quality city water.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Absolutely, I appreciate your perspective, feedback and suggestions!

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

Father of 4 sons too here and I detail as a side job on weekends. Happy Father's Day! Great video!

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Hey, thank you! Happy Father’s Day to you too! It's great to hear you have four kids as well. I think we've earned a wonderful day tomorrow 😁. This can definitely become a great part-time business with lots of flexibility if played right. Thanks for being part of the community if you subscribed already and for the kind words about the video!

[@Finetouchautopros]

That’s good I got a big job coming up like this on a smaller vehicle. I was going to go right into polishing but man I have to just get the job done and get the superior product

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Ya it’s a good idea to do this step first before polishing or the spots can come back after polishing. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@Finetouchautopros]

@@highlandsautodetailing what’s the dilution for the wheel brightener?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Start at 4:1

[@rojoeclipse94]

@@highlandsautodetailingwhat could be a reason the spots show back up after polishing?

[@bruceweissman8772]

Great video. Will the Mguires wheel brightner be safe on PPF and ceramic coated vehicles ?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Thanks for the great question! It’s tough for me to answer this in short words. The durability of PPF and ceramic coatings really depends on the quality of both products and whether the coating was applied correctly. While many assume all ceramic coatings offer the same level of protection, only certain professional-grade, permanent coatings are usually designed to handle regular exposure to highly acidic or highly alkaline cleaners. DIY-grade coatings are excellent for most situations, but they’re better suited for mild cleaners. They can tolerate some harsher chemicals, but over time, this can significantly reduce their performance and lifespan. The quality of the PPF is equally important, as not all films are created equal. Some are far more chemical-resistant than others, so researching the specific PPF and coating you’re working with is crucial. If you’re detailing a customer’s vehicle, always ask what PPF or coating is on their car before using aggressive cleaners. This ensures you’re protecting their investment. Thanks for watching!

[@B4r15XSiempreHDS]

good video friend, what is the dilution

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Hey, thank you! You can start at 1 part cleaner, 10 parts water if you want to be cautious but the most effective will start at 1:4. If your feeling brave and 1:4 is not working, You can test a spot at 1:1. It is technically designed to be used on clear coated wheels at full strength as it says dilute-able up to 1:4 on the bottle. Thanks for watching!

[@ericestrada1984]

Not sure it the question has been asked but can I put the chemicals in the window?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Yep you can use it and the same method on the windows! (On the outside part of the windows of course) Find my recent video on removing water spots from car windows. Thanks for watching

[@justinweeks6306]

Thanks for the video. Should you do this before the detail, after, etc? And does it actually protect it for months to come or it will need to be reoccurring?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Your welcome! First you conduct your regular wash, iron decon and dry. Afterwards you inspect the paint and if you notice these spots, follow my video instructions. Thanks for watching!

[@justinweeks6306]

@@highlandsautodetailing got it. Thanks!

[@Los714]

What was the second product you used?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Dark Fury by Superior Products, thanks for watching!

[@Los714]

@ I thought that was the first product you used?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

@@Los714 I first used a rinse-less wash such as P&S Absolute Rinse-less, then Superior Products Dark Fury, then Meguiars Wheel Brightener. Meguiars Wheel Brightener is currently discontinued, and can be substituted with another similar wheel acid such as Superior Products Wire Wheel Cleaner.

[@Los714]

@ thank you

[@SLLLC-904]

Great video and skills!!!… What’s the dilution ration in the video or did you use it straight? Can you use it on glass also??

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Thanks you! 4:1 is what I used in the video with this specific product. The instructions say you can dilute it up to 4:1, which insinuates it can be used at full strength. However, I personally would never go stronger than a 1:1, it’s not necessary, and not worth the risk. And try 10:1 in a test spot if it makes you nervous. And yes, it can be used on glass, same process.

[@SLLLC-904]

@@highlandsautodetailing Awesome! Thanks for the tip… I will try the different ratios. You’re the best!

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Absolutely, you are welcome. Take care!

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

I had my car at the mechanic and when I went to drive to my cousin's home I noticed that he stained my visor and part of the headliner. Since I only had a couple of my microfiber towels and a small bottle of Rinseless for those cases there's some bird poop, I stopped at Auto Zone and bought the Meguiars carpet and upholstery cleaner that is a foam. Sprayed it on the microfiber towel and cleaned all. So I let you know about this fast alternative.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Thanks for sharing your experience and recommendation!

[@DanielCValot]

Will this work on windshield and glass in the car, my truck is 30 years old and it feels like oxidized paint and I was going to try mothers aluminum mag wheel cleaner. It’s a very light abrasive, but I’m interested in what you have to suggest here thank you for your video. It’s great

[@highlandsautodetailing]

On the outside yes, I would only do it if you have actual hard mineral spots though. Otherwise, just use something like dark fury as a pretreat, wash with soapy water and a mitt and rinse thoroughly. Then use an aggressive clay bar with proper lubrication and follow up with a machine polish. This is what I would do. Then you should have a way better appearance, potentially crystal clear glass if done thoroughly, properly and if your glass is not severely permanently etched by anything. Also, do not try this acid on the interior glass, it will damage interior surfaces. Thanks for watching, good luck!

[@falsedragon33]

You're after hydrochloric acid. Sold at the hardware store as Muriatic. 9% solution with distilled water is what I have always used. Water things diwn first. With the strong acids, water the concrete or else you may etch it.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Interesting, I appreciate the in depth feedback and suggestions!

[@chrisperrywv]

What about windshields and headlights?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Yes you can, basically anything clear coated including headlights. Glass responds fine with it as well. Just keep it out of direct sunlight and do not let it dry before rinsing. Work small sections like a 1x1 or 2x2 and rinse thoroughly.

[@chrisperrywv]

@@highlandsautodetailing Thank you!

[@user-ok8ws1ls5b]

Should I also dilute wheel acid when I clean my wheels ? Ty

[@highlandsautodetailing]

@@user-ok8ws1ls5b Yes, absolutely. 4:1 ratio 👍

[@recca7]

hey great vid! just wanted some clarification, you were soaking the acid in a clay towel or would a regular towel/shammy do the trick? And I read on another comment that your brand of tire cleaner has been discontinued. There is a Meguiar's Ultimate All Wheel/Rim Cleaner, would this be all right for the job?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Thanks for the feedback! I do not use a clay towel with the acid wash, just a microfiber towel. if it acid then yes, however I am not sure, because I have not tried it. If you are a diy enthusiast then you could try it, however purchasing products retail is not a financially wise choice for business. I recommend an acid from Superior Products for low cost bulk option. They have 2 options, one being “wire wheel cleaner”. Thanks for watching!

[@WowRixter]

Have you ever tried a vinegar and water 50/50 solution?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Yes I have, search my channel for “Does vinegar remove water spots on car”. You will see the video I made testing it on very hard water spots here in Florida.

[@englap8146]

Have you tried using a non acid wheel cleaner ? Well maybe a good test for next video

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Great question. In the video, the 2nd cleaner I used was Dark Fury diluted 4:1, a non acid wheel cleaner that is very strong in comparison(Which removed a lot, but not all of the spots). I should have clarified that in the video. I definitely recommend trying a non acid cleaner first and inspect the results before stepping up your chemical to an acid. I appreciate the feedback!

[@aredd92]

Non-acid wheel cleaner is very alkaline, and so are the mineral deposits from water spots…thus it is very ineffective. You need ACID, and a strong one at that.

[@user-ok8ws1ls5b]

If my car has a sealer already should I leave the shell acid on little longer ?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

I would just do a test spot and start with roughly as long as I did it and adjust the time more if needed. However, keep in mind the acid is likely going to strip your sealant away and you will need to reapply a new sealant afterwards. Thanks for watching!

[@Juicefree]

Have you tried waffle weave drying towels ? I like those a lot better then the fluffy ones

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Not yet a drying towel specifically, however, in my opinion the gauntlet is not an annoyingly fluffy drying towel which you may be referring to. It has a great balanced, and high quality feel that glides super well on the surface when drying and has resulted in ending my search currently for another drying towel. I may try some more in the future, do you have a specific product recommendation? Thanks!

[@Juicefree]

@@highlandsautodetailing just the dry me a river from the rag company that's my go to

[@florinvoicufv]

So what did you use ?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

The chemical in this video is Meguiars Wheel Brightener. However its discontinued, so if you cannot find it, you need to find an alternative acid wheel cleaner(Multiple companies sell). However, check out Superior Products, theirs is called “wire wheel cleaner”.

[@Airborne82]

What was the ratio you used? Ounces of water and ounces of cleaner?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Hey, I don't measure in ounces, I simply do 4 parts water, 1 part cleaner. Thanks for watching!

[@anomalous9448]

Thanks mentioning clear coat as I have a classic single stage paint job and I think this system would not work. With that said, I don’t get water spots because water never touches my car.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Absolutely, you are welcome! Yep, you are right, the clear coat is what makes the modern paint today chemically resistant. So unfortunately not a great idea for single stage paint. Great job, prevention is key 👍 Thanks for watching and providing feedback!

[@ejmobiledetailing6765]

Would this work in windows too?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Yep 👍 I would keep it on the exterior only of-course.

[@ejmobiledetailing6765]

@@highlandsautodetailing Cool Thank you and yes forsure exterior only

[@AllRightsReservd]

Any suggestions for gel coat? (RV)

[@highlandsautodetailing]

I would assume you could use it on gel coat as well, but just google search acid wash for boats and RV’s and you’ll find something designed for it I believe. I do not work on anything but cars, so I would not be the best one to ask. Thanks for watching and good luck!

[@watuzi]

You show very clearly the steps and products to use to remove the stubborn water spots. Too bad I live in freaking California and therefore it is forbidden to get SP wire wheel cleaner.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

I appreciate the feedback! Thats unfortunate though… Sorry! Only option I would say is try Dark Fury Full strength carefully. However, there may be other options I am unaware of. I have not tried everything yet. Eventually I will probably find something and update the community. Good luck!

[@watuzi]

@@highlandsautodetailing Ok, I have Dark Fury and I will try your suggestion. Thank you

[@Los714]

@@highlandsautodetailingI’m in Cali too and can’t find this product 😢

[@Stay_True_-]

If my car is ceramic coated will this weaken or damage the ceramic coat??

[@greenooz843]

it could but its already being weakened and damaged everyday from just being on your car and protecting your paint

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Great question, the durability of a ceramic coating largely depends on its quality and who applied it, as not all coatings or installers are equal, despite common claims. Most DIY or enthusiast-grade coatings can handle mild acidic and alkaline cleaners in the ph range of 3-12. However, they generally cannot withstand consistent exposure to highly acidic or highly alkaline cleaners, like the acid wheel cleaners and Dark Fury shown in this video. These strong chemicals can quickly degrade or even completely strip DIY/enthusiast-grade coatings. On the other hand, coatings that require professional certification for application typically offer greater chemical resistance, often tolerating pH levels in the 1-3 (acidic) and 12-14 (alkaline) ranges. Hope this helps, thanks for watching!

[@kenkelly5079]

Easy solution is buy a bottle of Lucas Oil Spray Detailer. Spray it on and then wipe off with a micro fiber cloth. Water spots disappear no problem.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Hey, thanks for the suggestion! From my experience, most detailing sprays are generally formulated to remove light dust, fingerprints, and enhance gloss. For true hard water spots that have been baked in, they typically require a stronger, more specialized product to be effectively removed.

[@michaelkraus4135]

''BAR KEEPERS '' Seems to be the MOST POPULAR PRODUCT .......PERIOD.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Lol, Im not sure I can agree with that. Im also not sure if this is a joke. However, thanks for watching!

[@implode_]

@@highlandsautodetailing Barkeepers Friend is not a joke. Best thing I've used. I apply it with a damp sponge and work it in like you are waxing, but much less pressure. Just feather touch. Let it sit for a minute or two ( It starts to dry but that's ok ) and rinse it off. I always wax afterwards myself. For glass I apply it with #0000 steel wool, same procedure as with paint, very light pressure. Makes your glass look like a jewel. Completely removes all water spots and it costs less than $3 per bottle. Stuff goes a long way, no need to slather it on, just wasting it that way.

[@o1cloud]

@@implode_ i used bar keepers friend and a microfiber cloth on several different spots on my back glass, it appears to have left some smudging that wont go away... i especially see it after glass cleaning the glass then drying it. The blemishes are everywhere i tried to remove a water spot on the glass. i bought a DA polisher to try to get rid of this mess. Sad thing is the car is 3 months old.

[@aredd92]

Although it’s very effective, wheel brightener is simply too harsh and toxic for a wheel cleaner (do not use this stuff without gloves), which is probably why Meguiars discontinued it. Been using it as my dedicated “water spot remover” for many years now, usually diluted 1:3 or 1:4.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

@@aredd92 I agree, I wish it wasn’t so toxic. You gotta wear a respirator and gloves for safety. This is why I also like a small bucket method, dunking my towels into the acid mixture to avoid using a spray bottle that atomizes it into the air.

[@patrickgagnon9662]

They make mineral spot remover for this problem ...spray and dwell and wipe .

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Absolutely, however, it does not always work on really stubborn water spots in my experience.

[@patrickgagnon9662]

@@highlandsautodetailing Yes I found out I am wrong ....the scar from the water spot remains , the minerals are gone but not the scar that has imbedded in the clear .

[@highlandsautodetailing]

This is a true statement if it is not removed by the strongest chemical possible which is in most cases a wheel acid cleaner such as the one in this video. Dark fury is a very strong chemical also for removing minerals and various other contaminants. However, as you see in the video, it did not remove all of it like the wheel acid did. Maybe I will make a video in the future comparing one of those spray and wipe chemicals vs this method.

[@patrickgagnon9662]

@@highlandsautodetailing There has to be another way besides wheel acid ?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

@@patrickgagnon9662 unfortunately not that I know of when it comes to bad water spots like this.

[@wescat2]

Aside from zero PPE using acid why not try waterspot remover before going straight to acid? If you have waterspots on glass depending on which acid you use it's a bad expensive day.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Definitely agree proper ppe is a good idea. Never had an issue with glass, yet. Those water spot removers can work however they are not usually efficient like this method in my experience. If the risk is not worth it to you, just do what works for you. Nothing wrong with that. This is just my method. Thanks for watching!

[@fccquoter19]

What is your go to for water spots on glass?​@highlandsautodetailing

[@highlandsautodetailing]

@@fccquoter19 I use the same chemicals and same process in this video for glass. I start least aggressive first amd work my way up to an acid wash on glass. If it does not work, I will attempt to polish it out with a foam or wool pad with optimum hyper polish.

[@wescat2]

@@fccquoter19 Maniac Line or DIY Detail Waterspot Remover. I also use both to revive coatings. There are tons available, but I know these work well and are materials safe which the older I've gotten is important to me.

[@nedveddev]

Wheel brightener is cool, but have you tried vinegar for this?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Actually no I have not, it is an Acid though so I hear it can work. However, I wouldn’t probably use it personally. 1 reason is It lacks lubrication to prevent marring and scratching to the paint, and it’s doubtful that it has the cleaning punch that is comparable to this wheel acid. Whats your experience with it?

[@aredd92]

YES, vinegar is useless for hard water spots. You need a very strong acid for hard water spots.

[@kevpkins1589]

Great video 👍👍

[@highlandsautodetailing]

I appreciate the feedback, thanks for watching!

[@26-CJ]

@@highlandsautodetailingthanks for the tip. Unfortunately it seems they have discontinued this product. What do we do now.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

@@26-CJ Absolutely, check out wire wheel cleaner by Superior products. It’s a similar acid cleaner you can substitute it with. Oreilly’s is a distributor.

[@26-CJ]

@@highlandsautodetailing thank you. Will this be safe to use on ceramic or even graphene coatings?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

@@26-CJ It depends on the strength of the coating and how good the application and curing process was handled. And if it is good, then it should be able to handle it, just make sure it is diluted properly and use it as one of your last resorts. It can reduce the lifespan of any protection to consistently use heavy cleaners, including coatings.

[@jcap462]

will this work on vinyl wrap?

[@highlandsautodetailing]

I would only use wheel acid cleaners on clear coated surfaces, and glass is an exception if carefully used. Vinyl is not as simple to maintain and or correct unfortunately.

[@lagnaf]

Hi Alan, Boy, did the Superior Wire Wheel Cleaner work great! It removed 99% of the water spots on my 2016 Chevy Tahoe. I am happy as a “Pig in Poop ” now. 😬 I finished the vehicle with DIY Detail Red Rotary Jeweling Pad and my Dewalt DWP849X Rotary Polisher, then finished with DIY Ceramic Gloss

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Im so glad it worked for you! It sounds like you did a great job on your Tahoe, which can be a really big job to accomplish. I appreciate the feedback and thanks for watching!

[@garycard1826]

Filming in Landscape mode would be better.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

You are so right, I appreciate the feedback. My recent videos are shot in Landscape mode now. Im aware my videos could use a lot of improvement actually lol.

[@garycard1826]

My new Tesla came with water marks, so this was helpful. Thank you.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Im glad to hear that, you are welcome!

[@christophermackin147]

I don’t see where you say what kind of acid you use for the last step. It’s not listed in your links that I can see.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Its Meguiars Wheel Brightener, however, its discontinued. So I provided an equivalent replacement option in the description. Superior Products “Wire Wheel Cleaner”. I just don’t have a link, simply google search it. Thanks for watching!

[@Gokywildcats11]

Wheel cleaner on paint??

[@Gokywildcats11]

What will thos do to the paint

[@highlandsautodetailing]

@@Gokywildcats11 Both wheels and paint are protected with a layer of clear coat from the factory which is what wheel cleaners are designed to clean. Wheel cleaner just has to usually be more powerful to tackle things like brake dust that collects on the wheels.

[@Kokomo365]

These wheel brighteners contain ammonium hydrogen difluoride (NH⁴HF²) which is deadly toxic and it will etch glass and aluminum. You should've paid attention in science class.

[@Smoknn777]

I'll save you the time from watching a 12 min video, water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. it's that simple. spray it on, wipe it off

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Well it might work to some degree due to being acidic, however, I doubt it has any other additives that provide the lubrication necessary to prevent scratches and marring when touching the paint. Also, will it clean brake dust and other contaminates as good too? I plan to have a comparison video eventually demonstrating multiple other options compared to dedicated wheel acid, including vinegar due to multiple comments I have received on it. Thanks for the feedback and for watching!

[@aredd92]

NOPE. Distilled vinegar, even undiluted, is not even remotely close to being strong enough to remove hard water spots/stains. You need a strong acid, like wheel brightener. Been doing this for many years now. It’s the only thing that works if they haven’t etched the paint. In those instances where they have etched, you must use abrasives/compound.

[@Pcubensis4]

I was going to say. I detail as a side-gig and the whole vinegar thing is actually ridiculous. It can clean the most minor of marks. Even if you let it sit it still wouldn't be close to as effective as a wheel cleaner or as the channel owner was using dark fury.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

@@aredd92 I appreciate your feedback on the vinegar. Common sense tells me vinegar would not be nearly as affective, but I don’t want to be arrogant and says it doesn’t work when I have not personally tried it. So I appreciate you sharing your experience. With that said, Im going to do a video on it compared to wheel acid which I’m assuming will squash the idea of vinegar.

[@highlandsautodetailing]

@@Pcubensis4 I appreciate you sharing your experience and feedback with it. These dedicated wheel acids are difficult to compete with.

[@pedrogsantamaria5271]

❤😊 great video

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Thank you!

[@rgperformance1803]

you cheated...you dried car. let sit in sun like you did to other half. not fair test of product

[@murkyturkey5238]

Jesus Christ man talk a little slower and drag it out longer 😂

[@davidboyce6427]

Very nice job Sir🫡. Yep I subscribed today🫡

[@highlandsautodetailing]

Thank you!