Are you frustrated by the hazy film or stubborn white stains on your tiles, faucets, or sink? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, approximately 85% of homes in Canada battle with hard water-related issues. These pesky hard water stains can be a real headache, as they often reappear even after cleaning. But fear not!
There are solutions to tackle this problem and restore the shine to your surfaces. Whether you’re seeking advice from skilled and efficient home cleaners or simply looking for effective tips, keep reading to discover the best ways to eliminate hard water stains once and for all.
Is hard water a big deal?
Hard water contains an above-average amount of minerals—usually calcium and magnesium, but traces of other minerals can also be found in hard water. The more minerals water has, the harder it is.
Although hard water is safe to drink, it isn’t so friendly to your surfaces and appliances. Some of the effects hard water causes on surfaces are:
- White, cloudy spots and chalky residues.
- Brown stains on your bathtub and toilet bowl (iron excess).
- Flaky buildup on faucets.
- Layers of hardened soap when combined with the minerals.
Luckily, these problems have easy solutions that you can apply right away.
How to get rid of hard water stains
You can deal with hard water effects in various ways, depending on the surface and type of buildup. Don’t worry about making a new grocery list; you won’t need to buy fancy chemicals or expensive products for these hacks!
Method #1. Clean faucets and shower heads with vinegar
Flaky buildup on your faucets and shower heads looks gross. However, people usually forget to clean the mineral buildup because it can be tricky—unless you use vinegar!
First, mix equal parts of water and vinegar. Soak some paper towels or rags in the solution and wring them out. You’ll have to cover the faucet or shower head entirely with the towels. Wrap it as tight as possible and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Once time has passed, remove the wrapping and use it to wipe the residue. Then, dry with a clean cloth.
Method #2. Remove stains from glass
Hard water can leave a hazy film over windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces. Even if the opacity is part of the glass, water stains are noticeable.
To clean the glass:
- Spray the surface with undiluted vinegar and let it sit.
- While you wait, make a cleaning paste by mixing one part water and three parts baking soda.
- Apply the paste onto the stains with a clean cloth and rub in circular motions.
- Spray vinegar again, let it fizz, and wipe away the grime.
Method #3. Dissolve stains from your toilet
A brown-streaked toilet looks awful. Luckily, you can get rid of those nasty stains by pouring vinegar inside the bowl and letting it sit for 15 minutes. Then, sprinkle baking soda in the toilet bowl and add a cup of vinegar to make it bubble.
Next, use a toilet brush to swish the mix and scrub the stains. Let the solution settle a few times to look for stubborn stains. Scrub each stain and repeat the process as necessary. To finish, just flush the toilet.
Let us keep your house spotless!
Now that your surfaces are pristine keeping them spotless is crucial. However, regular cleaning takes time, so if you need a helping hand, call us! Our cleaning experts will do a thorough job during every visit, using eco-friendly products. Book with Maids in Pink today!