How to Remove Hard Water Deposits From Tile

Failure to thoroughly dry tiles causes them to develop hard water deposits.

Exposure to hard water causes bathroom and kitchen tiles to become marred with mineral deposits. Tiles in shower stalls and sink areas are especially prone to hard water deposits. High levels of magnesium and calcium in hard water are responsible for white film on tile surfaces. Hard water deposits become more burdensome to clean the longer they dwell on tiles. Promptly eliminate mineral deposits to restore the tiles' appearance. Remove hard water deposits from tiles using certain solutions and techniques.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 cup household ammonia
• 1 gallon warm water
• Clean plastic bucket
• 2 soft cleaning cloths
• Paper towels
• Nylon scouring pad

Instructions

1. Combine 1 cup of white vinegar, 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of household ammonia with 1 gallon of warm water in a clean plastic bucket. Thoroughly mix the solution to dissolve the ingredients.

2. Moisten a soft cleaning cloth in the solution. Wipe the tiles with the moist cloth to remove the hard water deposits. Frequently rinse the cloth with fresh water to avoid reapplying film to the tiles.

3. Dampen another soft cleaning cloth with warm water. Wipe the tiles with the damp cloth to rinse away the solution.

4. Dry the tiles with clean paper towels.

5. Inspect the tiles for remaining hard water deposits. If white scum remains on the tiles, moisten strips of clean paper towel with undiluted white vinegar.

6. Press the moist paper towel strips directly onto the mineral-stained tiles. Allow the vinegar to soak into the hard water deposits for an hour.

7. Peel the paper towel strips off the tiles.

8. Scrub the tiles with a nylon scouring pad to remove the remaining loosened mineral deposits.

9. Rinse and dry the tiles using the same method as previously.

Tips & Warnings

• You can substitute a commercial tile cleaner for the solution. Use the tile cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Vinegar can etch natural stone tiles such as marble and granite. Use a commercial cleaner formulated exclusively for mineral deposits on natural stone.

• Test the solution on an inconspicuous portion of a tile to prevent discoloration.

References

• North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service: Removing Mineral Deposits From Household Surfaces
• Old House Web: Removing mineral deposits
• 1001 Uses for White Distilled Vinegar: Cleaning