How to Remove Hard Water Stains

Hard water stains are created from the buildup of mineral deposits. Hard water contains calcium and magnesium. These minerals together create the lime scales which can be difficult to remove. Your best line of defense when dealing with hard water stains is frequent cleaning. The longer stains are allowed to develop, the more difficult it is to remove them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Think acid. Anything with acidity can help clear away hard water stains on any surface.
2. Use pure white vinegar in a spray bottle to work on hard water stains on glass doors. Many people use vinegar to clean coffee makers, dishwashers and garbage disposals. After the stains dissipate, follow up often with white vinegar to keep the stains from coming back.
3. Scrub with a lemon. Cut a lemon in half and rub it directly on the stain. The acidity should cut through the soap scum.
4. Mix 1 teaspoon of Calgon in a gallon of water. Wash the stained area and rinse well with water.
5. Try a paste of white vinegar and baking soda on soap scum stains created by hard water. Let the paste sit on the stain for a while before rinsing thoroughly with water.
6. Shop around. If vinegars and lemons aren't cutting it, you may need a more potent approach. Check out hardware stores and grocery aisles for more stringent chemical cleaners. To remove lime scale, you need a cleaner with sequestrants. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer directions and use in a well-ventilated area.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid any abrasive cleaners as they will scratch your surfaces.
• Several people have had luck filling tubs with lemon or orange flavored drinks such as Kool-Aid and letting the stains soak for a few hours to remove soap scum and unsightly blue-green water stains. You can also use these in an empty dishwashing cycle to clean stains inside the dishwasher or run through a coffee maker.
• For really stubborn hard water stains on a shower door, try the very potent CLR on a wiping cloth.
• Never clean with bleach- and ammonia-based products at the same time.

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