5 Methods to Remove Hard Water Stains

If your once-bright faucet, sink and glass shower door are now shabby and stained, the key to restoring their shine is to remove hard water stains. Hard water stains are caused by the presence of bicarbonates, chlorides and sulphates of calcium and magnesium salts in water. Here are five effective methods using household items you may already have to maintain general household hygiene.

Vinegar

Vinegar is an organic and safe cleaner, which can be used without any doubt to remove hard water stains. The acetic acid in vinegar is the component that helps to break down the mineral salt deposit and aids in the easy removal of hard water stains.

Spray the affected area with vinegar and let it sit there for a couple of hours. Next scrub with a soft-bristled brush to agitate the loosened salts. You can also add soap while scrubbing the surface. Then wash the area with warm water and let the area dry.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic commonly used in homes for cleaning purposes and even for putting on wounds. But, you can also use it to remove hard water stains from tiles, steel, ceramics and other areas after mixing it with another component namely cream of tartar which is mildly abrasive. Make a runny paste with both ingredients and apply it generously to mineral stains. Wait for some time, then scrub with a brush. Wash the residues away with water or wipe with a damp microfiber cloth and then simply let it dry. Don’t leave this mixture too long on any surface, as hydrogen peroxide has bleaching abilities. This is one of the strongest homemade agents for removing hard water stains, but if the stains persist, then you should hire professional cleaners to get rid of them.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is mildly abrasive and can break down calcium deposits, making it a powerful hard water stain remover. However, you need to mix two parts baking soda with one part vinegar to make a good cleaning paste. You can apply the paste to the hard water stains and let it dwell for 10-15 minutes. Next, scrub the surface with paste to remove the deposits.

Then wash away the remains with warm water and wipe with a microfiber cloth to dry the surface.

Fluoride Toothpaste

Toothpaste containing fluoride is a great option to deal with hard water stains. The fluoride reacts with calcium and magnesium salts and breaks them down, making it suitable for removing hard water stains. So, toothpaste can be used to clean glass, stone surfaces and even ceramics. Apply it to the surface and leave it there for 5 minutes. Scrub gently with a damp sponge and then wash the residues away using water.

Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid is known for its usefulness against tough stains such as rust, stubborn grime and mineral deposits. Oxalic acid can be used to remove hard water deposits by mixing one part of oxalic acid powder with six parts of warm water. Apply this solution to the affected areas and wait until it dissolves the deposits. Then wash with water afterwards, making sure you completely rinse off the acid remaining.