Hard water stains are not only an eyesore causing your bathtub and shower to look stained and your shower glass cloudy, but it can also be clogging your faucets and shower heads. Check out these ways to remove hard water stains with items already found in your home, and simple ways you can prevent a buildup of hard water deposits.
Hard water stains can be stubborn and hard to scrub off. For an easy cleaning solution that’s safe to use on multiple surfaces in your home, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Vinegar is an effective multi-purpose cleaner that works to break down the minerals that create hard water stains. If the stubborn stains are not coming off, try mixing baking soda with vinegar to make a paste and spread onto the surfaces.
To get started, grab yourself a pair of rubber gloves, a toothbrush or larger bristled brush, and a dry microfiber towel.
Hard water stains are common in tubs and showers because the hard water is mixing with the various bathing products used. To best remove hard water stains from bathtubs and showers, spray the vinegar and water mixture liberally and let the solution sit for at least 15 minutes. After 15 minutes you can begin scrubbing at the stain with your toothbrush or bristle brush. Finish by wiping clean with a dry microfiber cloth.
Faucets and showerheads easily get hard water buildup due to the frequency we use these fixtures. For easy cleaning, remove the fixtures if possible. Fully submerge the fixture in the vinegar solution for 2-3 minutes. If the fixture cannot be removed, fully submerge the fixture in a bowl and hold it under it for 2-3 minutes. Use a brush to remove any lifted grime and repeat until all is removed. Rinse with warm water and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
To remove hard water stains from shower glass, fully saturate the glass with the vinegar solution and let sit for 15 minutes. If the solution is dripping down the glass too quickly, try soaking paper towels in the vinegar solution and place the paper towels on the glass. Spray the paper towel with the vinegar solution every few minutes to keep it damp, and allow the paper towels to sit for 30 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Hard water stains on toilets are very common because the water is left to sit at the same level in the toilet bowl after every flush. To remove the stains, apply the vinegar and water solution every few minutes and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. If the tough stains are not coming out, try using the baking soda and vinegar paste solution. Apply the paste solution onto the toilet brush and scrub at the stains until they soften and lift. Finish by flushing to remove the paste solution.
If your home has hard water, staining and deposit buildup is inevitable. Ways you can prevent severe stains and water deposits is through frequent cleanings with a gentle daily cleaner, drying facets after each use with a dry cloth, and having a squeegee in the shower to remove leftover water on the glass shower door.
The simplest and most effective method for reducing hard water stains in your home is to have a professional install a whole home water softener unit. Get in touch for more information on how water softeners work and whether it is the right choice for your home.