What are those 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 home?
Those unpleasant hard water stains are unsightly, gross, and tricky to clean. Here, we’ll explain the process to get rid of them, 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 talk about hard water, we mean water with dissolved minerals in it. The mineral content is classified as follows:
– 0-3 gpg is soft water
– 3.5-7 gpg is moderate
– More than 7.5 gpg is considered to be hard water
Calcium and magnesium are common minerals found in hard water, which can lead to various issues like limescale build-up, reduced appliance lifespan, and skin irritations.
DIY Hard Water Stain Removal Supplies
To eliminate hard water stains, you’ll need products like dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, and lemons. Additionally, you can use other supplies like microfiber cloths, spray bottles, soft bristle brushes, sponges, and squeegees.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Glass Shower Doors
Glass shower doors are prone to hard water stains, but you can remove them by spraying a mixture of water and white vinegar, scrubbing with a sponge, applying a baking soda paste, and rinsing with hot water. Drying the area thoroughly is essential to prevent stains from reappearing.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Stainless Steel
For stainless steel surfaces, you can use lemons to remove hard water stains. Simply rub the cut end of a lemon on the stains, let it sit, then scrub and rinse with hot water before drying.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Glassware
To clean stained glassware, soak it in a mixture of water, vinegar, and baking soda, then scrub and rinse with hot water before drying with a microfiber cloth.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Marble Tubs and Showers
For marble surfaces, avoid using vinegar and instead mix rubbing alcohol with water, spray, scrub, wipe clean, and dry.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Clothes
To remove hard water stains from clothes, soak them in a mixture of water and vinegar, then run them through a regular wash cycle.
FAQ
– How do you remove calcified hard water stains?
– Does Dawn dish soap and vinegar remove hard water stains?
– Are hard water stains harmful?
– How can I prevent hard water stains?
– How can I tell if my water is hard?
– What’s the best way to clean hard water stains from faucets and showerheads?
Conclusion
Mineral-heavy water stains can appear in various areas of your home, but you can tackle and eliminate them by following the simple steps provided.