Etching or hard water mineral deposits can leave clean glassware looking hazy. Etching can occur over time as soft water erodes the surface, leaving behind small scratches and dings that irreparably damage glassware’s appearance. On the other hand, drinking glasses cleaned in hard water are prone to mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium that cling to surfaces and create a cloudy, milky coating. This kind of build up can usually be removed with the right steps.