How to Remove Hard Water Stains

Most of us receive hard water in our bathroom and kitchen taps, for our regular use. Hard water is called so because it possesses high mineral content, especially calcium and magnesium. Though it is not said to have any negative effects on human beings, they do leave stains that are difficult to remove, on faucets and other appliances that comes in contact with this type of water. Hard water stains can be seen on bathroom and kitchen faucets, sinks, bathtubs, toilets, showers, windows, dishwashers, shower doors, washing machines, etc. etc., basically on things made with materials like porcelain, stainless steel, glass, enamel, fiberglass, chrome, tile, etc. Hard water deposits on these areas are also known as lime scales and as these spots have a natural film on them, most of us have a hard time to get rid of them. However, there are certain methods to help you get rid of hard water stains. Let us take a look at some effective methods.

Hard Water Stain Removal
Several companies have come up with cleaning products that help in removing hard water stains very effectively. Though using one of them is a good way of getting rid of hard water spots, this can prove a little expensive. In this case, it will be better to opt for certain home remedies to clean hard water spots. Here are some methods to clear hard water stains appearing on your kitchen and bathroom equipment.

Acid Cleaners
Hard water spots react well to products containing acids, like those that have phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, etc. The acid in such products break down the hard water stains and finally get rid of them completely. Acid works well on removing hard water stains found on enamel and acrylic surfaces. Most of the hard water stain removal products contain acid in them and you should use them according to the instructions given on the pack.

Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural way of removing hard water stains. The acid present in lemon does the same work as the acid cleaners. Cut a lime into two pieces and scrub that area which has water spots directly. Another thing you can do is to make lemon juice and store it in a spray bottle. Spray this juice on the affected area and allow it to sit there for half an hour. Wipe the lemon juice from that area with a soft cloth or scrub to clean the area completely.

White Vinegar
Apart from lemon juice, white vinegar is also said to be a great way to remove hard water spots. This is the most effective way of removing water spots from glass and ceramic surfaces like glass shower doors, dishwashers, coffee makers, etc. Fill half a cup with white vinegar and fill the remaining cup with water. Clean the area that has water spots first to remove dirt or grime, if any. Dip a towel in the vinegar solution and rub it on the area that you have to clean. Once you have done this, wrap it with the same cloth for a few minutes. You will have to repeat this process of cleaning with vinegar several times to observe any kind of difference. In case of cleaning glass shower door, spray the solution on the door and then scrub the area with a piece of cloth. Once you have done this, wash and rinse that area and wipe it with a clean, dry cloth.

Other Methods
Other than the above ones, there are some other methods with which you can clean hard water stains. If you are finding it difficult to clean hard water spots from your toilet, using a mixture of white vinegar and borax can do the trick. Pour the mixture into a drained toilet bowl and allow it to remain there for at least 2 hours. Then, clean the bowl by scrubbing it with a toilet brush. On the other hand, to clean water stains on washing machine, pour one gallon of white vinegar into the washing machine and run it on hot water as usual, however without any clothes in it. Applying a paste of cream of tartar and water will also be a good way of cleaning water spots on sinks and tubs.

These are some of the effective ways that you can try at home. One thing you have to remember is that it is best to remove water stains as early as possible because if you do not do anything about it for a long time, they may become permanent. Hence, it is important to use these solutions regularly to ensure that your kitchen and bathroom remain free from the ugly hard water stains.