Hard water contains many minerals (in contrast with “soft water”). Hard water has many side effects everything as it has a high concentration of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can create tough stains on your home’s fixtures and appliances over time, these mineral has diverse effects on every material.
The ability to remove hard water stains requires understanding the household supplies that can do so. Usually, you will see these stains appear on surfaces where water is frequently used, like in the bathroom and kitchen. The stains it leaves can be unattractive, although hard water is not harmful. It can easily be removed with helpful tips from cleaning experts.
What is Hard Water?
Generally, “hardness” refers to the amount of minerals present, mainly calcium and magnesium. As water travels and passes through rocks and soil it picks up trace amounts. When your water contains dissolved magnesium or calcium, chalky water stains can appear. Similarly, if there are traces of iron or manganese in your water, orange or black stains can appear.
Everyday Ingredients For Eliminating Hard Water Stains
1. Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most effective choices for casting aside hard water stains. This cleaning staple can remove water stains from about every surface whether from the bathroom or kitchen, according to Katie Dills, senior vice president of The Cleaning Authority”.
To use it, just mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and you are good to go. It is important to note that you shouldn’t use acetic products and vinegar on soft stone surfaces, such as marble soapstone, or granite.
Note: Scrub the affected area using a soft brush.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda effectively breaks down calcium deposits, making it a great remedy for treating hard water stains. Depending on the type of surface and the cleaning job, you can make a paste with baking soda and water. Baking soda is considered the best option to remove the stain.
Note: Lightly scrub the paste with an old brush.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
This is renowned as the best method to tackle water stains and soap scum. For better results, apply the mixture to the affected area and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Once it is done carefully clean the area with a brush.
Note: Gently scrub the area with an old brush.
Required Materials
The tools and materials needed to remove the hard water stains, depend upon the material you need for cleaning, and what you’re cleaning.
- Baking soda
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Sponge
- Squeegee
- Distilled white vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol
- Microfiber Cloth
Fixtures And Faucets: How To Remove Hard Water Stains
The new faucets look old and worn out due to hard water. To get rid of hard water stains on your faucets, start by soaking a rag in vinegar and draping it over your faucet for 30-60 minutes. The mineral deposits will become weak after a few minutes. After that, gently scrub the stains until your faucets look clean.
To get rid of these sticky stains, you need to be more creative. Fill a plastic zipper bag with vinegar and then use a rubber band to attach it to your shower head for about an hour. These stubborn stains will be clean once the mineral deposits break up – just be more cautious about spilling the bag, so you don’t accidentally spill the content on the floor.
The Best Way To Remove Hard Water Stains From Sinks, Bathtubs, Shower Walls And Toilets
Following are some easy ways to get rid of stubborn stains;
- Check your bathroom for porcelain and ceramic surfaces as these are quite common.
- Use a scrubber or sponge that can handle pressure without scratching these surfaces to remove hard water stains.
- Soak the tool in vinegar and start scrubbing.
Ways To Eliminate Hard Water Stains From Windows And Glass
Removing hard water stains from glass doors can be trickier when it comes to a glass door surface such as a shower door. All you need to do is find a spare spray bottle and fill it with equal portions of warmed vinegar and liquid dish soap. Keep in mind to use soft clothes to prevent starch while cleaning the glass window or other delicate surfaces.
How To Prevent Hard Water Stains
There are plenty of methods over the internet to get rid of hard water, they elaborate in detail to remove these stains. Some common actions you can take to prevent the surface from staining include;
- Wipe the area in your home after getting them wet.
- Dry the surface, because stains from once the water dries.
- You might also consider getting a water softener, which helps to remove minerals from water that leave that cause these stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do you remove super hard water stains?
Ans: Create a mixture with 1 cup of water and 1 cup of vinegar. Pour this mixture into any spare bottle, spray the solution over the affected surface, and let it sit for 30 minutes. After that, scrub the stain with a sponge until it is clean.
Q2. Does soda remove hard water stains?
Ans: Make a paste of vinegar and baking soda, this is an amazing mixture to tackle the stubborn hard water stains and those that are particularly tough.
Q3. Will lemon juice remove hard water stains?
Ans: Limescale and citric acid are highly effective for dealing with and cleaning hard water stains, some stains are easily removed by rubbing.
