How to Get Rid of Hard Water Scale

Hard water scale appears as white streaks along shower walls and bathroom sinks. As water evaporates on these surfaces, the minerals stay behind, leaving the white marks. After cleaning, you may notice the white marks remain, as simple soap and water cannot penetrate and dissolve the scale. You need an acid cleaner to break down hard water scale and remove it from sink or shower surfaces.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Nylon scrubber
• Lemon juice
• Sponge
• Towels

Instructions

1. Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the hard water scale with the white vinegar. Saturate the surface completely. Allow the vinegar to remain on the surface for 20 to 30 minutes.

2. Wet a nylon scrubber with water. Scrub the hard water scale with the scrubber. If the scale resists, pour 2 to 3 tbsp. lemon juice onto the scrubber.

3. Rub the lemon juice into the scale. Pour additional lemon juice onto the scrubber as necessary to remove all the hard water stains.

4. Rinse the area with a wet sponge. Dry the surface with a towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Dry surfaces such as shower walls and doors, sinks and faucets after each use to reduce the buildup of hard water scale.

References

• Mrs. Clean: Cleaning Hard Water Spots and Stains