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What are those weird, cloudy spots on your glass shower door or stainless steel sink? If you guessed they’re from hard water, then you’re right–but what does that mean? How can water be hard and how can it stain so many things in your apartment or house? Those yucky hard water stains are unsightly and tricky to clean. That’s the worst part. Here, we’re going to illuminate the actually-not-too-difficult process to get rid of them. It’ll work whether you plan on DIY-ing the process, hiring a professional, or even starting your own cleaning company. This is how our Pros handle the job.
What is Hard Water and Why Does It Stain?
When we think of things that deserve the adjective ‘hard,’ we might think of an old saying like “as hard as nails” or things like iron, rocks, or even a trigonometry exam. That’s not what we mean when we talk about good old H20 being hard.
We’ll turn to the experts at the Department of Energy for help. They say that hard water is water with dissolved minerals in it, measured in grains per gallon (gpg). Here’s how they classify mineral content in water:
- 0-3 gpg is soft water
- 3.5-7 gpg is moderate (and ideal, according to the Department of Energy)
- More than 7.5 gpg is considered hard water
Calcium and magnesium are the usual suspects when water is hard. While calcium is essential for strong bones, excessive concentrations in your water can cause annoying issues, including those unsightly stains.
The stains that you see on chrome faucets, sinks, and shower doors are mineral deposits left behind by hard water that’s rich in minerals.
DIY Hard Water Stain Removal Supplies
Here are the products and supplies you’ll need to eliminate hard water stains:
| Cleaning Products | Other Supplies |
|---|---|
| Dish soap | Microfiber cloths |
| White vinegar | Spray bottles |
| Baking soda | Soft bristle brush or toothbrush |
| Hydrogen peroxide | Sponge |
| Rubbing alcohol | Squeegee |
| Lemons |
While there are products available at supermarkets or hardware stores specifically designed to remove hard water stains, you can also create inexpensive concoctions at home.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Glass Shower Doors
Glass shower doors – whether clear or frosted – provide a large surface for hard water stains to accumulate. Each time you or your family takes a shower, the doors are subjected to a barrage of water spray, making it seem daunting to keep them clean. Follow these steps:
- In a clean spray bottle, mix one cup of water with one cup of white vinegar and shake to combine.
- Spray the vinegar and water solution all over the glass shower door, letting it sit for about 30 minutes.
- Use a clean sponge sprayed with the mixture to scrub away the stains.
- If stains persist, create a paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water. Apply it and leave it on for about 10 minutes.
- Spray the dried paste; it will foam. Wait for the foaming to stop.
- Scrub again with your sponge.
- Rinse the door with hot water and dry with a squeegee.
Drying the area is crucial, as rinsing with hard water can lead to new stains if not dried properly. Consider keeping a squeegee handy to use after every shower.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Stainless Steel
If you find stains on your stainless steel sink or appliances, you can use the same methods described above. However, if vinegar or baking soda is unavailable, a quick solution is to use lemons:
- Halve a lemon.
- Rub the cut side on the hard water stains.
- Let the lemon juice work on the stains for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Use a sponge or cloth to clean the stains.
- Rinse with plain hot water and dry to prevent new stains.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Glassware
Drinking from stained glassware can be unpleasant. Here’s how to keep your glassware gleaming:
- Fill your sink with equal parts water and vinegar, adding a bit of baking soda for extra power.
- Soak your glassware for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Use a clean sponge or cloth to scrub away any remaining stains.
- Rinse in hot water.
- Dry with a microfiber cloth or towel to prevent new stains.
The same steps apply to stained flatware and dishes.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Marble Tubs and Showers
If you have a tub made of porcelain or porcelain tiles in your bathroom or kitchen, you can use those same methods for cleaning. However, if your tub or shower is made from marble or another porous material, avoid vinegar as it can cause irreparable damage.
- Mix ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol with one cup of water, using a funnel to transfer to a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- Using a clean sponge, rub out the stains until they disappear.
- Wipe clean.
- Use a microfiber towel or squeegee to dry.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Clothes
If your water is extremely hard, you may notice unsightly yellow mineral stains on some of your clothes. Here’s a quick guide on how to remove those stains:
- Soak your laundry in a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar.
- Leave your clothes in the solution for at least half an hour.
- Run the clothing through a regular wash cycle.
To prevent hard water stains from coming back, use liquid laundry detergent instead of powder and add ½ cup of Borax to every load.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How do you remove calcified hard water stains? | It may take several treatments to eliminate calcified stains. Create a paste from baking soda and water, apply to the stains, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Spray with equal parts water and vinegar, then scrub with a pumice stone. Repeat as necessary. |
| Does Dawn dish soap and vinegar remove hard water stains? | Adding a bit of dish soap to your water and vinegar mixture can enhance its cleaning power, making it easier to remove hard water stains. |
| Are hard water stains harmful? | Yes, they can be costly for your wallet and harmful to your skin. Hard water can damage appliances and may dry out skin and hair, potentially leading to conditions like eczema. |
| How can I prevent hard water stains from forming in the first place? | A water softener installed in your home’s water system is one of the best ways to prevent hard water stains. |
| How can I tell if my water is hard? | Visible stains are a common indicator of hard water. Additionally, you can confirm by ordering a testing kit online. |
| What’s the best way to clean hard water stains from faucets and showerheads? | Soak a microfiber cloth in vinegar and drape it over the stains for up to 30 minutes. Then rinse and dry. |
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