Difference between revisions of "Remove Hard Water Spots"
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#Try letting the vinegar sit on the hard water spots. If you let it sit and soak in for a few minutes instead of wiping it off right away, it'll have more time to break down the mineral deposits holding the scum in place. Let it soak in for a good 5 - 10 minutes before you try to wipe it off. Use a scrub brush to loosen thicker deposits. | #Try letting the vinegar sit on the hard water spots. If you let it sit and soak in for a few minutes instead of wiping it off right away, it'll have more time to break down the mineral deposits holding the scum in place. Let it soak in for a good 5 - 10 minutes before you try to wipe it off. Use a scrub brush to loosen thicker deposits. | ||
#*You can also soak a towel in the vinegar solution and drape it over the stained surface. This works well for shower floors and bathtubs. | #*You can also soak a towel in the vinegar solution and drape it over the stained surface. This works well for shower floors and bathtubs. | ||
| − | #Use a cleaner with hydrochloric acid. Look for a bathroom cleaner made for getting rid of hard water stains and soap scum. This should be a last resort, since hydrochloric acid is a harsh chemical.<ref>http://www.stylemepretty.com/living/2010/07/23/removing-hard-water-stains/</ref> Make sure the room is well-ventilated - open the windows and turn on the fans - then spray the stained area with the appropriate cleaner. Wipe it away, then rinse the surface with water and dry it. | + | #Use a cleaner with hydrochloric acid. Look for a bathroom cleaner made for getting rid of hard water stains and soap scum. This should be a last resort, since hydrochloric acid is a harsh chemical.<ref name="rf16972">http://www.stylemepretty.com/living/2010/07/23/removing-hard-water-stains/</ref> Make sure the room is well-ventilated - open the windows and turn on the fans - then spray the stained area with the appropriate cleaner. Wipe it away, then rinse the surface with water and dry it. |
#*Be sure to wear gloves when handles hydrochloric acid. | #*Be sure to wear gloves when handles hydrochloric acid. | ||
===Preventing Hard Water Spots=== | ===Preventing Hard Water Spots=== | ||
| − | #Dry your surfaces after use. After you take a shower or bath, or splash water in your kitchen, use a dry towel to wipe the surfaces. This will mop up the mineral deposits before they can dry out and leave spots.<ref>http://www.maidbrigade.com/house-cleaning-tips/how-to-remove-hard-water-stains</ref> | + | #Dry your surfaces after use. After you take a shower or bath, or splash water in your kitchen, use a dry towel to wipe the surfaces. This will mop up the mineral deposits before they can dry out and leave spots.<ref name="rf16973">http://www.maidbrigade.com/house-cleaning-tips/how-to-remove-hard-water-stains</ref> |
#Use water softener powder or liquid. You can add a water softener to your washing machine to prevent calcium deposits from building up. Powder or liquid water softeners are available at hardware stores. | #Use water softener powder or liquid. You can add a water softener to your washing machine to prevent calcium deposits from building up. Powder or liquid water softeners are available at hardware stores. | ||
#Get a water softener system. If your water is extremely hard and you're tired of dealing with the mess it leaves - it's hard on hair and skin as well as bathroom surfaces - consider getting a system installed that will remove the mineral deposits from your water. This is an expensive option, but it might be worth the trouble. | #Get a water softener system. If your water is extremely hard and you're tired of dealing with the mess it leaves - it's hard on hair and skin as well as bathroom surfaces - consider getting a system installed that will remove the mineral deposits from your water. This is an expensive option, but it might be worth the trouble. | ||
