This all depends on how long the water spots have been left to dwell on the vehicles surface for. If addressed in a timely manner, water spots can often be removed simply by washing the vehicle with either a normal PH neutral car wash such as Nv Snow or a slightly stronger acidic wash such as Carpro Descale which is specially formulated to remove mineral deposits. However, keep in mind that these stronger car washes can strip or harm waxes and/or temporary sealants that are currently on the car.

There are specially formulated products known as water spot removers or limescale removers. These products can help remove stubborn water spots or limescale by chemically neutralizing and breaking down these minerals.

If you have performed a wash and used a specific water spot or limescale remover and still noticing the water spots in the surface of the paint then unfortunately the water spots have most likely started etching or have already etched into the surface. Once the water spots have penetrated the paint or surface to progress to a water etching, it can no longer be removed with a chemical or wash and needs to be either polished, compounded or even sanded to remove it, depending on the severity of the etching.

Preventing water spots and limescale is all about stopping minerals from drying on your car’s surface. The easiest way to do this is by drying your vehicle properly after every wash using a microfibre towel or drying cloth. Avoid letting water air-dry, especially in sunny or hard water environments. Storing your car in a garage or shaded area also reduces exposure to rainwater and sprinklers, which often cause these marks.

You can also apply a limescale remover like CARPRO Spotless after your wash. This step helps eliminate any mineral residue that may remain and reduces the risk of etching. Regular washing, proper drying, and routine use of a water spot remover for cars will go a long way toward keeping your paint and glass clear of mineral stains.

If a wash or chemical water spot remover doesn’t work, that usually means the minerals have etched into the clear coat or glass. At this point, you're dealing with a physical defect, not just surface staining. These types of water spots cannot be removed with cleaners and need to be corrected the same way you would treat scratches or swirls.

Using a buffing machine and an appropriate cutting compound, you can polish the surface to remove the etched layer. The severity of the etching will determine whether a light polish is enough or if you need to step up to more aggressive correction. If you’re not confident doing this yourself, we recommend reaching out to a professional detailer.