Hard water stains are annoying. You think you’re done, so you check the area you cleaned minutes ago, and voilá, pesky white spots are there now. The fact that hard water stains can appear on various surfaces, and vary in texture and buildup amount, makes them worse.
Maybe you wonder why hard water stains form. Water carries dissolved minerals; in some places, their concentration is higher than in others. When water evaporates, minerals stay in place and form the white clumps called hard water stains or limescale.
Luckily, there are easy ways to deal with this issue, and here you’ll learn about the best ones. Scroll down and check them out!
How to get rid of hard water stains
While there are various methods and products to remove hard water stains, not all of them are adequate for all surfaces. Pick the one that suits your needs.
Method #1. Distilled vinegar
The acetic acid in the distilled vinegar is perfect for breaking down the minerals’ structure, therefore removing hard water stains.
To begin, fill a spray bottle with half and a half parts of distilled vinegar and water. Next, spray it all over the surface and let it do its magic for 30 minutes.
Depending on the stains’ toughness, use a microfiber cloth or a soft-bristled brush to remove them. Finally, rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly to avoid more hard water stains.
Warning: Distilled vinegar can still ruin some surfaces even if it is less acidic than cleaning vinegar. So, spot test first to discard any damages.
Method #2. Lemon juice
Lemon is as strong as vinegar against hard water stains. However, you shouldn’t use it on granite, limestone, travertine, onyx, and marble surfaces, as they can get eroded. If you are unsure, spot-test it first.
The amount of lemon juice to collect is up to your needs. Then, you can apply it with a spray bottle and let it act for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on how difficult the spots are.
After the time is up, use the rough side of a kitchen sponge or a microfiber cloth to scrub the stains, depending on how delicate the surface is. Even if you don’t notice any stain, wipe the entire area to remove any forming buildup. To finish, rinse and dry with water and a clean cloth.
Method #3. Hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar
Use this method for surfaces where you can’t use acidic solutions. You’ll just need to cover the area with hydrogen peroxide and let it act for 10 minutes before wiping it off.
For tougher stains, you can form a thick paste by mixing cream of tartar and a few tablespoons of hydrogen. Once done, rub it onto the stain in circular motions, then put paper towels over it to let it sit for 30 minutes. After half an hour, wipe it with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
Let the professionals lend you a hand!
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