Hard water gets its name from the high concentration of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals are not dangerous, but over time they can leave stubborn chalk-like stains on your home’s furniture and appliances.
The stains are usually most common on surfaces where water frequently flows, such as bathrooms (check sinks, toilets, shower walls, and bathtubs for build-up). Fortunately, you can remove stubborn water stains from these surfaces using some common home remedies such as baking soda and distilled white vinegar.
Best Cleaning Solutions
There are several natural cleaning products that can be used to effectively remove hard water stains.
Baking Soda: Baking soda dissolves limescale deposits and is an excellent treatment for stubborn limescale. Make a paste of baking soda and apply it to the stain. The paste can be made from equal parts water and baking soda, or equal parts vinegar and baking soda, depending on the job you are doing and the surface you are applying it to.
Vinegar: One of the best ways to remove stubborn water stains is with vinegar, says Katie Dills, senior vice president of The Cleaning Authority. “Simply pour a half-water and half-vinegar mixture into a spray bottle and you’re good to go.” Don’t use vinegar or products containing vinegar on soft stones like marble, granite, or soapstone.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide removes tough water stains as well as soap residue. “Apply the solution to the area you want to clean and let it sit for 15 minutes. Once this is done, scrub gently with your hand-held brush,” Dills says.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Glass
Vinegar is the best natural detergent for removing hard water stains because its acid dissolves deposits, Parnell says. Use it to remove stubborn water stains from glass surfaces such as mirrors and shower doors.
Required Materials
One should make sure they have these materials before starting cleansing
- Vinegar
- Water
- Spray Bottle
- Sponge
- Baking Soda
- Squeegee
Procedure
- To remove stubborn water stains from glass, follow these steps.
- Mix a solution of 1 cup water and 1 cup vinegar. Pour into a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on stubborn water stains and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Wash with a sponge until the dirt is clean.
- If the stain remains, mix equal parts baking soda and water and stir until a paste forms.
- Apply the paste and leave it for about 10 minutes.
- Spray with vinegar and water solution.
- Whisk and let rest for another 10 minutes.
- Use a sponge to clean again.
- Moisten a sponge with hot water and wipe the area clean.
- After cleaning, rinse and wipe the glass.
How to remove stubborn water stains from shower walls
In general, you can use the above methods when cleaning shower walls. However, if your shower is made of marble or other soft, porous stone, don’t use vinegar. “Acid can be damaging,” Parnell says, “Choose isopropyl alcohol instead.”
Materials Required
One should make sure they have these materials before starting cleansing
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Water
- Spray Bottle
- Sponge
- Squeegee
Instructions
Follow these steps from Parnell to remove stubborn water stains from your shower walls.
- Makes a cleaning solution by adding 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol to 1 cup of water.
- Pour into a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on the shower walls and wait for a short period of time to take effect.
- Wash with a sponge until the dirt is clean.
- Moisten a sponge with hot water and wipe the area clean.
- After cleaning, rinse and strip the wall.