How to Remove Soap Scum & Hard Water Stains
Soap scum and hard water stains develop in tubs, shower doors and sinks. Areas with hard water, which contains calcium and magnesium, develop stubborn lime scale that is difficult to remove. The minerals in the water calcifies when left remaining on surfaces, and turn into white or reddish stains. Using acidic cleaners dissolve tough water stains and soap scum makes them easier to remove. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Rubber gloves
- Bucket
- Water
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle container
- Nylon pad
- Stain remover
- Sponge
- Chlorine bleach
Instructions
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1
Place rubber gloves on your hands to protect them from harsh chemicals.
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2
Mix a solution of one part water and two parts white vinegar, and pour into a spray container.
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3
Spray the solution onto hard water stains and soap scum. Allow the solution to sit for 20 minutes and work on the stains.
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4
Scrub the hard water stains with a nylon pad. Avoid using a scrub brush on fiberglass tubs as you risk scratching the surface. Scratches on a tub or sink's surface catch dirt, resulting in stains that are hard to remove.
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5
Squirt a stain remover such as Lime Away or Lysol toilet cleaner on stubborn hard water stains. These products contain acidic ingredients that fight soap scum and water deposits.
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6
Rinse the stain removers away with cool water and a wet sponge.
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7
Mix a solution of one part chlorine bleach and three parts water in a bucket. Apply the bleach solution to the tub or sink and rinse away quickly. The solution bleaches stains but should not be left standing on fiberglass surfaces long as it can dull the enamel coating.
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Tips & Warnings
Dry your tub or sink after using with a dry towel. This helps to prevent hard water stains from developing.
Open a window in the bathroom or turn on the vent when using cleaners such as Lime Away or Lysol toilet cleaner to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.
Never mix bleach with any other type of cleaner. Mix bleach with water only.
References
- Photo Credit View of Hotel Bathroom image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
