How to Get Rid of Hard-Water Stains

Hard-water stains accumulate on surfaces because of high rates of minerals in the water. Magnesium and calcium, two of the minerals most associated with hard water, leave white marks that grip tightly to surfaces, making their removal difficult with soap and water only. Attacking the marks with a product that dissolves the mineral stains allows the white crust to loosen its grasp from surfaces, making for an easier cleaning process.

Things You'll Need

• White paper towels
• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Sponge
• Towel

Instructions

1. Saturate white paper towels with undiluted white vinegar.

2. Wipe the paper towels over the hard-water stains. For water stains on a flat surface, lay the paper towels over the marks and leave them for 30 minutes, allowing the vinegar to penetrate and dissolve the stains.

3. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray over shower doors, the shower head and faucets. Allow the vinegar to remain on the surfaces for 30 minutes.

4. Wet a sponge and wipe over the surfaces, removing the hard-water stains and vinegar. If a portion of the stains remain, respray with the vinegar and wait one hour before rinsing.

5. Dry the surfaces with a towel after removing the vinegar.

Tips & Warnings

• Ventilate the area by turning on fans or opening windows when working with vinegar.

• Dry surfaces after they become wet to discourage hard-water stains from forming.

References

• Mrs. Clean House Cleaning Specialists: Cleaning Hard Water Spots and Stains
• Family Handyman: How to Remove Water Stains