Hard water stains create quite an eyesore and are visible on many of the bathroom surfaces in homes that have abnormal levels of limestone, calcium, and magnesium in the water.

These stains can appear on your sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs, along with your clothes from your washing machine, or your dishes from the dishwasher.

Here are some simple techniques to help you clean buildup from hard water stains in your home!

Cleaning Hard Water Stains With All-Natural Options

If you have small children and pets in your home, chances are you want to keep your cleaning techniques as healthy as possible. There are many all-natural options for cleaning hard water stains off your appliances.

#1 Vinegar + Water

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle as a cleaning solution. This not only works great in your bathroom but also is a cleaning agent that can be used throughout the home. Spray your bathtub or shower thoroughly and wait a few minutes, about 5-10, before rinsing and wiping clean.

#2 Lemon Juice

You can use pure lemon juice, or mix it with equal parts vinegar to add in an additional cleaning agent. Bonus--lemon leaves behind a fresh scent once you have finished cleaning! Spray the lemon juice or lemon-vinegar mixture around your faucets and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse and dry the area when you are done cleaning it.

#3 Baking Soda + Vinegar

Make a paste using these handy household items! Baking soda is the perfect solution when you are in need of an all-natural abrasive cleaner. To use, smear the paste over a stained surface in your shower, tub, or toilet. Let this paste sit for approximately 15 minutes. Scrub clean and rinse with water before thoroughly drying the area.

No matter which cleaning method you choose, it is important to rinse off the area and then dry. Drying is imperative to help fight against the reappearance of stains! Allowing water to sit on a surface will only encourage hard water stains to come back.

Using Acidic Cleaners Against Stains From Alkaline Materials

You can purchase cleaners from a local hardware or grocery store that fight against alkaline and other materials in your water. Acidic cleaners are the best type of cleaners for fighting these stains. However, these cleaners are toxic, so homeowners should always:

  • Read instructions and warning labels thoroughly.
  • Keep small children and pets out of the cleaning vicinity.
  • Wear gloves and eye protection when using chemicals.

Get a free consultation on a water filtration system.

The best way to beat hard water stains on your bathroom surfaces like sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs is to prevent them from ever occurring. Wiping down your glass surfaces weekly, removing any stains as they occur, and wiping wet bathroom surfaces immediately will help prevent stains from getting worse.

To fully intervene and fix the pH and mineral levels in your water, consider installing a water filtration system. At Curtis Plumbing, we can assist you in determining the best system for your home by testing your water. We also have the expertise and tools necessary to install the system for you. Call us at (813) 672-4111 for a free consultation.