How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Ceramic Tile

Removing hard water stains from ceramic tile is easy.

Ceramic tile is an attractive, easy way to add a touch of elegance to a room. The tile comes in a variety of colors, typically neutral shades that will remain in style for a lifetime. The tile is also popular due to its easy maintenance requirements and easy cleaning ability. By mixing a few inexpensive cleaning ingredients that you already have in the kitchen cupboard, you can clean hard water stains from the ceramic tile without breaking your budget.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Mop or sponge
• Cleaning rag
• Vinegar

Instructions

1. Fill a cleaning bucket with 1/2 gallon of warm water and 1/2 cup of white vinegar.

2. Dip a cleaning mop or sponge into the bucket, pull out, and wring out excess moisture. Use a mop to clean tile flooring, or a sponge to clean tile walls or similar surfaces.

3. Wipe the damp mop or sponge across the tile, scrubbing away the hard water stains. The vinegar will naturally break up the alkaline that causes the hard water stains while also cleaning and disinfecting the surface.

4. Allow the tile to air dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Use this cleaning solution as an all-purpose cleaner for all of your ceramic tile surfaces, as it will clean and disinfect while removing hard water stains as they develop.

• Rub away small areas of water stains by saturating the tip of a cloth with pure vinegar, and rubbing across the stains.

References

• Maryland Cooperative Extension: Alternatives for Household Products
• Vinegar Book: Vinegar for Soap Scum and Hard Water Stains