How to Remove Hard Water Buildup and Stains

Posted July 2, 2021

Cleaning Kitchen Sink

You can have the highest quality showers and glasses, and it still would not matter; hard water stains are going to accumulate. If you live in areas containing high levels of magnesium, lime, and calcium in water supplies, hard water buildup and stains are likely to always be an issue.

Hard water is water containing high contents of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. It affects the appearance and overall cleanliness of everyday appliances such as coffee machines, glasses, showers, and sinks.

Removing hard water buildup can be a very frustrating experience, especially when done incorrectly. You can scrub for several minutes, and then, when you rinse, those stubborn marks remain. Here, Corvus Janitorial Systems provides techniques for eliminating hard water buildup and stains to restore the sparkling shine of your sink, tub, shower, faucet, and other fixtures.

Vinegar

A simple way to remove hard water buildup in your home is to use vinegar. Vinegar is a versatile and safe cleaner that can effectively remove stains from showers, toilets, glasses, faucets, chrome fixtures, showerheads, and more. White vinegar, cleaning vinegar, and apple cider vinegar are all viable options.

Create this cleaning solution by pouring equal proportions of vinegar and water into a clean spray bottle. It is safe to use anywhere in your home except for hardwood surfaces. Apply on any surface hard water stains exist and, contingent upon the amount of buildup that exists, let the mixture dwell between five and fifteen minutes. Scrub off the vinegar using an old toothbrush or bristle brush and wipe the surface clean with a wet cloth.

Tougher Hard Water Stains

Tough hard water stains may require extra scrubbing power. In such a case, consider using a higher proportion of vinegar in your vinegar-to-water mixture. You can also use vinegar on its own as it is more acidic and thus effective against hard water stains. Allow the mixture to dwell on the stained surface for thirty minutes before scrubbing and wiping off.
Another method to consider is adding baking soda to a vinegar and water mixture. Combine vinegar, water, and baking soda into a small bowl and apply to the stained surface. Allow the mixture to dwell for ten minutes.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another common household product used to remove hard water stains on bathtubs, faucets, and other metal fixtures. Pour an ample amount of hydrogen peroxide on the stain until it is covered, and allow it to dwell for 30 minutes before scrubbing away using a sponge and dish soap.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is an effective cleaning method, especially for hard water stains that are small but stubborn. Any generic toothpaste and toothbrush will work to buff away small metal fixtures, dishware, and glass. Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto the toothbrush and apply where necessary. Rinse the toothpaste with a clean, wet cloth.

Specialist Products

Several over-the-counter cleaning products, specifically designed for hard water stain removal, can be purchased at instore or online retailers like Walmart and Amazon. Use these products to quickly eliminate the stains on stainless steel, dishware, countertops, bathtubs, showers, glasses, toilets, windows, sinks, and more.

Get Professional Help

If hard water buildup is affecting your workspace, consider hiring cleaning professionals to help. Corvus Janitorial Systems’ cleaning crews are highly-trained professionals committed to giving your office the high-quality clean it deserves. With convenient and flexible hours, unique cleaning and disinfecting plans, and customized services, you will find just what you need right here.

Contact us today.

Whether you are interested in a commercial clean or franchising opportunities, Corvus Janitorial Services is by your side.