What is TDS? I’ll share what I’ve read and learned.
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. TDS meters test for inorganic salts, organic matter, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
Here are some numbers –
Distilled Water: 0-5 ppm
Reverse Osmosis Water: 5-30 ppm
Tap water in Flagstaff, Arizona: 100-300 ppm
Tap water in Phoenix, Arizona: 464-716 ppm
That’s some pretty hard water.
Hard water damages windows and glass by leaving mineral deposits that can permanently ruin the surface. If left long enough, especially in the Phoenix climate, chemical bonds form between the minerals and the glass.
Most of the time, using acidic cleaners can be enough the treat the issue, but it only takes about six months for permanent damage to begin to occur.
Here are some more numbers –
0-6 months: Suface deposits
6-12 months: Micro-etching
1-5 years: Permanent damage often requiring either glass polishing or full replacement.
Advice? If I have to…
- Get your windows cleaned anywhere from monthly to every six months. Don’t go longer than six months .
- Adjust and sprinklers that may be hitting your windows, .
- Don’t hose down your windows unless you are going to completely clean them afterward.
Thanks!