How to Clean Your Sink, Tub and Shower From Hard Water Stains
According to the US Geological Survey , hard water stains are a reality for people living in 85% of the US, so chances are you’ve experienced them yourself.
The good news is that this pesky white sediment isn’t unsafe and can’t make us sick (which is a good thing considering so many people drink it). But the bad news is that the longer we put off removing hard water stains from bathroom and kitchen fixtures, the harder they are to get rid of, and at some point they become permanent .
Instead of letting that happen, try these methods to remove even the toughest hard water stains from sinks, tubs and showers.
What are hard water stains?
When we talk about water hardness, we are really referring to the concentration of dissolved minerals in it, such as calcium and magnesium. And when hard water is left to dry on a surface such as a sink faucet or shower door, minerals remain as white, brown, or rust-colored deposits (depending on the mineral content of the local water ).
How to remove hard water stains from sinks, tubs and showers
Hard water stains can appear in various parts of your bathroom, including shower doors, sinks and tubs, metal fittings, and tile surfaces. (Last week we covered how to clean toilets from hard water stains .)
Here are a few ways to get rid of those stubborn bathroom stains:
metal lamps
- Use an old toothbrush to apply fluoride toothpaste to your appliances . Rub gently, then use a damp cloth to wipe it off.
- Pour or spray some hydrogen peroxide on the fixtures, then wipe off the stains with a soft, clean cloth.
- Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar , spray it on the fixtures, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then use a clean cloth or brush to remove the stains.
Sink and bath
- Make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar and apply it to your sink or tub. Leave on for 10-30 minutes (depending on the degree of soiling), then wipe off with a damp sponge.
- Using the same solution of equal parts water and white vinegar , spray it onto the stains inside the sink and tub, leave for 10-15 minutes, then use a clean cloth or brush to remove the stains.
- Make a paste of white vinegar and baking soda , then use a bristled brush to scrub away the stains.
- Any of these methods work for glass shower doors as well – just be a little gentler when cleaning them so you don’t scratch the glass .
Ceramic tile
- Make a paste of baking soda and water , apply it on the stained areas and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Scrub the tile gently with a bristled brush.