Hard water stains are common, though many homeowners do not realize they are looking at hard water stains on many surfaces of their home. Depending on the hard water contents, and which surface it is interacting with, can produce different hard water stains. White scale buildups are common on glass shower doors, faucets, and dishware. Pink stains manifest at the toilet bowl’s water line, shower curtains, as well as sink and shower fixtures. Due to high concentrations of iron, the red, yellow, tan and rusty-colored stains are produced on clean laundry. Black and brown stains develop because of high levels of manganese. Finally, the blue or green stains often scale up the faucets. Today, we at AAA Water Team would like to address a few methods to remove hard water stains and how to prevent them.
Tips for Removing Hard Water Stains
1) Generally, you can remove the various hard water stains from a toilet, tub and shower surface by mixing equal parts white vinegar and fresh water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture liberally and wait 15 minutes. Use a dry microfiber towel to wipe clean.
2) Should you need scrubbing power, add white vinegar to baking soda until you make a paste. Spread the paste over surfaces, and before wiping clean with a dry microfiber cleaning cloth, wait 15 minutes.
3) You may need something stronger, such as CLR Pro Spray Cleaner, should your sink, tub, or shower have red, rusty and/or hard water stains. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take proper safety precautions when using chemical cleaners. Also, CLR is recommended to treat hard water stains on faucets and shower heads. Combine equal parts CLR and hot water in a large bowl. Remove your showerhead or tub faucet and place each one separately in the bowl for 2 to 3 minutes. You can just hold the bowl near your showerhead and tub faucet if you can’t remove the fixtures. Be sure they are fully submerged for 2-3 minutes. To loosen any deposits or grime, use a soft, non-abrasive sponge or brush. Until all visible mineral buildup and stains are fully removed, repeat these steps. Once satisfied, rinse the fixture well with warm water and use a clean microfiber cloth to dry. Replace the fixture.
4) Removing hard water stains from glass showers can seem challenging to remove. First consider using Multi-Surface Cleaner to remove the spots and streaks from glass and follow the directions. For stubborn a mix white vinegar to baking soda until you make a paste. A small squeegee to wipe down shower glass and walls after every use can help cut down on buildup significantly.
5) When it comes to marble or granite surfaces, you need a gentle approach. Consider plant based Puracy Surface Spray and a dry, clean microfiber cloth to treat hard water stains. In warm water, add a few drops of Puracy Natural Dish Soap in a spray bottle. Apply directly to the surface and use an toothbrush or non-scratch sponge (that’s designed for natural stone) will help to scrub away more stubborn stains.
Water Softeners in Golden Gate Estates, Naples, Cape Coral, Fort Myers & Lehigh Acres, Florida
After you have removed the hard water stains from the surfaces of your home, the best option to combat hard water stains is to prevent them. With a water softener, you can avoid these cleaning projects while enjoying additional benefits. Call AAA Water Team and let our certified experts test your water and find the right water softener for you!
