The presence of a large number of minerals such as calcium and magnesium makes the water hard. Hard water has some problems associated with it. One such issue is hard water stains. Hard water stains are formed when water evaporates and leaves the mineral behind on appliances, bathroom floor, and faucets, porcelain, tile and metal surfaces, dishes, and clothing. Luckily these stains can be removed with little effort.
In this article, we are going to discuss 7 ways to get rid of hard water stains. Before we get down to business, let’s look at the things you will need.
Things needed
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Old toothbrush
- Lemon juice
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Toothpaste
- Special Sprays
- Water Softening Salts
- Safety Gloves (for safety measure and protection)
- Towel or cloth for wiping
You do not need all of the above-mentioned things for one single method. Most of the ways listed below just need a couple of things from the list above. Make sure you do not apply any method without wearing safety gloves.
1. Vinegar and Water
The most inexpensive way to get rid of hard water stain is a mixture of vinegar and water. Add half water and half vinegar in a spray bottle. Once the mixture is ready, spray it on the affected area and wait for some time (15-20 minutes). Wash away the mixture with water and wipe the area with a clean cloth or towel. This method is particularly useful for cleaning bathtubs or ceramic products. It can also be used in the kitchen sink, faucets, and showers.
You can also use a towel dipped in vinegar and water for more persistent and tough stains. Wrap the towel around the faucet for an hour or two, if the stains get removed, well and good. Otherwise, you can keep the towel wrapped and drop more solution on the towel after a couple of hours. Once the stains are removed, wash the area with clean water and wipe it off.
2. The paste of Baking Soda and Vinegar
Make a paste by adding baking soda in vinegar. Its outlook should be like toothpaste.
Use an old toothbrush to apply the paste on the affected area and wait for 15 minutes.
Once the paste has settled on the stained area, scrub it with the toothbrush and wash it with fresh, clean water.
Make sure that you wipe off the area clean and dry off all the water.
3. Lemon Juice
Using fresh lemon juice on the hard water stains is an age-old and time tested way to get rid of them. Just spray the juice and wait for ten minutes. Wipe off the area, and you will notice that the stains have disappeared.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
Another inexpensive and easy way to clean hard water stains is the application of hydrogen peroxide. It is particularly useful for bathroom tubs, faucets, and showers. Hydrogen peroxide alone is enough for the removal of stains. Let it sit on the stained area for thirty minutes and wash it away and wipe off the area with a clean cloth. For more tough stains, you can also use a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
5. Toothpaste
People suffering from minor hard water stains can also rely on simple toothpaste to get rid of them. Toothpaste not only gets rid of the stains, but it also brings the shine.
Just apply the toothpaste and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Scrub the area with an old toothbrush and wash it with clean water. You will see that the stains have been cleaned.
6. Special Sprays
A lot of special sprays are available online and in grocery stores. These sprays are very tough on hard water stains because of the addition of acids like HCL. They are easy to use and need no preparations like the methods listed above. Just spray the liquid, wait for some time, and wipe off with a cleaning pouch. The instructions to use them are mentioned on the spray bottle.
7. Water Softening Salts
For tough stains in washing machines, dishwashers, or coffee makers, water softening salts are a great match. Make sure that you DO NOT add the salt while using these machines for washing clothes, washing dishes or making coffee. This method is only to be tired of empty machines. Add water in the appliance, and then add salt and complete one working cycle without any other input. Once the working cycle is complete, you will notice that the stains have disappeared. Make sure that you clean and wash your machine with fresh water and rinse them properly before using them again. There should be no salt left in the machine.
Permanent Solution
All the solutions listed above are a temporary solution to get rid of hard water stains. For a permanent solution, you would need a water softener. Water softeners are systems that make your water soft with the help of water softening salts and provide soft water for your entire house. You will no longer notice stains on your appliances, clothes, plumbing fixtures, washrooms, and crockery. Hard water damages skin badly but Soft water will improve your skin and hair by making them less dry, smooth, and shinier.
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