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| Bathrooms should be easy to clean, and selecting the right materials can go a long way in achieving that goal. However, cleaning with hard water tends to leave white spots and white crust-like deposits on faucets, sinks, tubs, toilets, and more. |
Hard water is just tap water that is exceptionally high in dissolved minerals. Removing these deposits is more challenging than many assume, but it is possible with the proper techniques.
Try a Homemade Cleaner
Vinegar is the first thing to try for homeowners that prefer the DIY route of cleaning. Since it’s a mild acid, it’s usually strong enough to loosen light deposits from hard water stains. Mix the vinegar 50/50 with water to keep it from damaging the finish or material being cleaned. Don’t let the vinegar sit on the surface for more than a few minutes before wiping or rinse it away.|
Go for the Professional Mixtures
For thicker and more stubborn hard water stains, store-bought cleaning products are likely required. Calcium and rust removers are a good choice because they’ll lift all of the minerals that can cause hard water stains.
Check that the particular cleaning product is compatible with the faucet or sink materials. For sensitive finishes like matte black or oil-rubbed bronze, preventing hard water stains in the first place is better because most cleaning products can damage these coatings.
Use Elbow Grease
No matter the cleaning product used to loosen the hard water deposits, scrubbing is always required to remove the stains. At least a little rubbing and wiping with a soft cloth will be necessary to carry the accumulated minerals away.
For more advanced accumulation, scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush is usually the best method. Toilet brushes work well for deposits on toilets, but similar brushes work well for sinks and bathroom faucets.|
Avoid Harsh Abrasive Cleaners
Due to the stubbornness of some hard water deposits, it’s easy for homeowners to assume abrasive cleaning products are a good choice for removing them.
Yet everything from scrubbing pastes to pumice-based tools can result in permanent damage to the surface of the tub or sink. If a scrub is needed, try dipping a damp brush in baking soda to remove deposits without damaging the surface.
Sometimes, it’s best to start over with new faucets and fixtures rather than trying to remove years of hard water stains. Pick new bathroom faucets and sinks from Kingston Brass to complete a quick remodel and get rid of those hard water stains for good.
