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5 Techniques to Remove Hard Water Stains

5 Techniques to Remove Hard Water Stains
February 6, 2020

Hard water is nobody’s friend, clogging drains with buildup and leaving unsightly residue around the bathroom. At Maid4Condos we see plenty of hard water problems among our clients, and while there is a simple solution to even water consistency, not everybody has the means to do so.

Hard water is caused by minerals like calcium and lime, which filter into the water supply from natural sources, creating stains and buildup along the way. While drinking hard water offers some benefit due to the mineral content, it can be detrimental to pipes and plumbing, and a hassle to clean.

If you’re looking for some way to simplify the hard water stain removal process, look no further. Here are 5 tips to keep your tub, sink, and shower, lime scale-free.

5 Techniques to Remove Hard Water Stains

1. Try using vinegar

One of the oldest tricks in the book for dealing with stains relating to hard water is vinegar. By mixing a ratio of 1:1 vinegar and water in a spray bottle, you create a powerful stain-fighting agent with no harsh chemicals, additives, or allergens.

Nature’s stain remover uses the power of acid to eat through mineral deposits and stains, polishing bathroom hardware to a high sheen once again.

The best way to apply the vinegar spray is with a combination of rubber gloves and a small scrub brush. Even an old toothbrush will do the trick, getting into hard to reach areas and thoroughly scrubbing every crevice.

After spraying your vinegar mixture, allow the solution to sit on stained surfaces for up to 15-minutes. This allows the vinegar acid to penetrate the stain and begin breaking down the minerals within.

The bristles on the brush then tackle the tough outer shell of the calcium buildup, breaking it up so you can wipe away the final residue with a soft cloth or sponge.

Some things to remember while using the vinegar for hard water stain removal are:

  • Never spray the solution onto hardwood as it will destroy the finish and stain
  • For extremely tough stains, increase your solution to 2:1 vinegar to water
  • Always use a soft-bristled brush rather than a harsh cleaning tool like steel wool
  • The odour of vinegar dissipates quickly, but you can add 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil to freshen the smell

At Maid4Condos we have several go-to cleaners we use for specific tasks. Vinegar is tried and true, and environmentally friendly.

2. Make your bathroom lemony fresh

Another natural cleaner many homeowners turn to for the hard water stain removal process is lemon juice. Lemons, like vinegar, are loaded with natural acids that eat away at mineral buildup, allowing the hardened calcium to breakdown and scrub away.

Lemon juice can be applied without dilution. While it’s a natural juice from fruit, it’s still a good idea to wear gloves or avoid getting juice into cuts or dry skin as it will sting.

Lemon juice should be applied to stains approximately 10-minutes before receiving a wipe down with a damp cloth or sponge. For tough, stuck on mineral deposits, the same soft-bristled cleaning brush will help break apart buildup.

3. Use bleach and dishwasher detergent for jet tubs

Jet tubs are notorious for backing up when hard water is present. This is due to the crystallization of minerals in and around the jet fixtures. Because the jets run directly into the tub, rather than simply sitting exterior to it, it’s important that your cleaning solution achieve a deep clean.

For this, we suggest a mixture of ½ cup dishwashing detergent and 1 cup of bleach. If you are uncomfortable using bleach, vinegar can be used in this recipe as well.

For best results, fill your tub with hot water until the water reaches just above the jet fixtures. Pour in your chosen cleaning mixture and run the jets. This mixture should flow through your jets for 15-minutes and then soak in the tub for another hour. Be extremely careful handling the bleach and wear gloves if you must submerge your hand into the water for any reason.

After the hour-long soak, run the jets for another 15-minutes, drain, and rinse. You’re likely to see a huge difference without the need for a brush or sponge.

4. Use talc and hydrogen peroxide for granite

Granite is a tricky surface to clean, and its smoothness contrasts so dramatically against the granule buildup of minerals. To properly clean your granite surfaces and remove stains from hard water, try a mix of powdered talc and hydrogen peroxide.

The two combine to form a paste that easily smears across the granite and tackles tough stains without scratching the surface.

Let the ingredients sit on the stain for 5-minutes before gently scrubbing with a soft brush. Rinse with warm water and wipe clean with a soft cloth. Unlike the above cleaning methods, the talc and hydrogen peroxide mix may require a few attempts before the stains are fully removed and the buildup of minerals clear away.

You may experience the urge to scrub harder but it’s best to keep cleaning strokes consistent and gentle throughout the process to maintain the integrity of your granite surfaces.

5. Call in the professionals

If all your hard work and hard water stain remove attempts have failed, there’s still one solution to try: call a maid service.

Professional cleaners specialize in tough stains and gentle cleaning methods. By investing in a cleaning service, you not only save yourself time but also ensure that each surface is treated with your homes’ best interest at heart.

For more tips on removing hard water stains, call Maid4Condos at 1-647-822-0601 or contact us here.

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