How To Clean Nasty Hard Water Stains At Home

Once you notice hard water stains at home, you might feel like you're not doing your cleaning correctly. The dingy look on your glass, tiles, and porcelain surfaces gives the impression of the house still being dirty.

If you don't know how to leave your surfaces spot-free and squeaky clean, you are just lacking the right technique! Here are five great methods you can try to remove these pesky water spots.

Method #1: White vinegar solution

White vinegar is a very effective way to deal with hard water stains. It works like a mild acid that dissolves the buildup layers; however, this method is better suitable for glass surfaces, while stone surfaces and granite might suffer damage.

To prepare a solution with white vinegar, you only need to fill a spray container with equal parts warm distilled water and vinegar. 

To use the solution:

1. Spray on the stains and let it sit for around 30 minutes.
2. Remove the stains in circular motions with a microfiber cloth or a soft-bristle brush.
3. When the stains are gone, lightly rinse the surface with fresh water and dry with a microfiber cloth.

Method #2: Lemon juice

A great alternative to vinegar is lemon juice, it's a little less acidic, and its smell can be more pleasing to some homeowners. However, this doesn't mean you can use it on all surfaces; just like vinegar, lemon juice isn't suitable for natural stone and granite surfaces.

If you decided lemon is the way to go:

1. Squeeze it in a bowl.
2. Use a sponge to apply the juice directly to the spots; leave for 10 minutes if it's a light stain or 30 for tough ones. 
3. Rinse with fresh water to avoid sticky residue.

Pro tip: Lemon juice is perfect for shower heads, so you can use the leftover juice in a bucket of water and soak your showerhead for 30 minutes before scrubbing.

Method #3: Baking soda paste

If the vinegar solution wasn't enough to remove stains, you could add another powerful agent to get the job done. Make the perfect cleaning paste by adding the dissolving properties of baking soda.

To clean hard water spots:

1. Prepare a paste with baking soda and enough water to get a good consistency. 
2. Spray undiluted vinegar directly on the surface and let sit for 30 minutes. 
3. Apply your paste directly to the stains and scrub thoroughly.
4. Lightly spray vinegar on the surface again and watch as it foams.
5. Once it stops foaming, rinse it with clean water, a squeegee, or a soft cloth.

Pro tip: If you're dealing with just a few stains, you don't need special tools; grab an old toothbrush!

Method #4: Hydrogen peroxide with cream of tartar

Hydrogen peroxide works great as a natural agent which eliminates bacteria. Adding a second cleaner will ensure better stain removal. For this mix, cream of tartar may seem like an unusual pick for cleaning. However, its acidic properties make this powder a great cleaner.

For this method:

1. Mix hydrogen peroxide with enough cream of tartar to form a paste.
2. Apply directly to the stains and let it sit for 30 minutes. 
3. Scrub clean with a damp sponge.

Method #5: Steel wool

If hard water stains are too tough to deal with, you may need some abrasive power. Steel wool is a great tool for this task, but one you must use with caution.

If you feel brave enough to try this method, remember to grab the finest-grade steel wool numbered 0000. We recommend this method only as a last resort.

Are you worried about other stains at home? Let us clean for you!

If housework seems never-ending, trust eMaids of Volusia County to handle your cleaning. We are a highly-trained team of professional cleaners who use non-toxic supplies. We ensure you'll enjoy a spotless home. 

Click here to book at a price right for you.