How to Remove Hard Water Stains
Water stains are an eyesore and can take away from the beauty of your space. Hard water can stain anything from your fixtures, sinks, tubs, and shower floors, to creating spots on your dishes and utensils after washing them.
What Causes Hard Water Stains
Too much of anything can’t be good, and that includes the minerals found in tap water. Calcium and magnesium are two of the leading minerals that make water hard. High levels of minerals absorbed from rocks that travel to your home create hard water.
These hard water minerals react with soap scum and other organic matter to form a sticky, hard residue. This residue not only looks bad but also can be difficult to remove.
Tips to Remove Stains
The good news is that there are several ways to remove hard water stains without using harsh chemicals. Try these tips:
Soak it Up: Use a sponge or cloth to soak up the hard water stain as much as possible. Then, use hot water and dish soap to clean the area.
Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste out of baking soda and water. Apply to the stained area and let it sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing off with a wet sponge.
White Vinegar: Pour white vinegar onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge.
Lemon Juice: Squeeze lemon juice onto the stain and let it soak in for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge.
Ammonia: Mix one part of ammonia with three parts of water. Apply to the stain and scrub it with a brush or sponge.
Salt: Sprinkle salt over the stained area and scrub with a wet brush or sponge.