Hard water deposits can build up in appliances, plumbing fixtures, and other surfaces that are regularly exposed to hard water. Over time, these mineral deposits can cause a number of problems, from reduced efficiency of appliances to aesthetic issues. Fortunately, there are several methods for cleaning and removing hard water deposits. With some elbow grease and the right cleaning solutions, you can tackle hard water stains in your home.
What Causes Hard Water Deposits?
Hard water contains dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. When hard water evaporates or is heated, these minerals are left behind, forming hard water deposits and stains.
Common causes of hard water buildup include:
- Water heaters – As water is heated in a water heater, dissolved minerals precipitate out of the water, coating the inside of the tank and pipes with scale.
- Faucets and showerheads – Minerals form crusty deposits and stains where hard water drips or evaporates.
- Glass surfaces – Hard water spots and stains frequently develop on glass shower doors, windows, dishes, and other glass items.
- Sinks and tubs – porcelain and enamel sinks and tubs easily show water stains.
- Appliances – Mineral deposits accumulate in appliances like coffee makers, ice makers, and dishwashers that use or evaporate water during operation.
The specific minerals present and the amount of hard water exposure impacts how quickly scale and deposits build up. Areas with very hard water see more significant mineral deposits than those with moderately hard water.
Problems Caused by Hard Water Scale
Over time, hard water deposits can cause a variety of problems:
- Clogged pipes and fixtures – Scale buildup in pipes eventually impedes water flow. Showerheads and faucets begin to clog up with mineral deposits.
- Decreased efficiency of appliances – Hard water scale reduces the efficiency of appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters by coating pipes and heating elements.
- Damage to surfaces – Discoloration and corrosion can occur on fixtures, tiles and other surfaces as minerals build up. Etching and pits form in glass surfaces.
- Aesthetic issues – Hard water stains look unpleasant on surfaces like tubs, sinks, and shower doors. Glassware develops a cloudy, spotted look.
- Health concerns – Hard water makes cleaning more difficult, allowing more bacteria and germs to accumulate. Hair and skin may feel dry and itchy.
Preventing hard water damagerequires removing and controlling mineral deposits.
How to Remove Existing Hard Water Stains
Several methods can tackle hard water deposits in homes:
Cleaners and Chemicals
Specialized cleaners contain acids that help dissolve mineral deposits for easier removal. Good options include:
- White vinegar – The acetic acid in vinegar removes hard water stains from many surfaces. Use it full strength or diluted with water.
- Citric acid – Often sold as “limescale remover,” citric acid effectively breaks down hard water deposits.
- Phosphoric acid – Commonly found in cleaners like CLR, phosphoric acid is stronger than other acids and better at removing substantial mineral buildup. Use caution and follow directions.
- Liquid cleansers – Cleaners like Lime-A-Way and Zud contain acids that dissolve hard water stains from surfaces and fixtures.
- Dishwasher cleaner – Monthly use of dishwasher cleaner removes accumulated deposits from the dishwasher.
When using chemical cleaners, take proper safety precautions listed on the product. Never mix chemical products together, as toxic fumes can result.
Physical Removal
In addition to chemical cleaners, some mineral deposits need a little physical persuasion to be removed:
- Scrubbing – Use a cloth, scrub brush, or old toothbrush to scrub deposits off surfaces. Apply some elbow grease along with a cleaner.
- Scraping – Use a plastic scraper or putty knife to carefully scrape off any thick scale deposits around faucets, showerheads and tile.
- Soaking – For fixtures and hardware, allow them to soak in a chemical cleaning solution like diluted vinegar or a commercial product.
- Pressure washer – A pressure washer aimed at low pressure can blast off hard water stains from exterior siding, brick, and concrete.
- Descaling devices – Pumps or filters attach to home lines to send an electrical or ultrasonic pulse to break down mineral deposits.
A combination of chemical cleaners and some scrubbing is often needed to fully remove substantial hard water buildup.
Cleaning Specific Surfaces and Appliances
Certain items around the house need special attention when it comes to hard water stains:
Glass
Glass shower doors, faucet fixtures, windows, and drinking glasses develop obvious hard water spots and stains. Removing hard water from glass takes a little finesse. Start by spraying vinegar and scrubbing gently with a cloth or plastic brush. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which could scratch the glass surface. For stubborn deposits, cover the stain with a poultice of vinegar-soaked newspaper or paper towels, allowing time for the vinegar to soak in and dissolve the minerals.
Chrome and Stainless Steel
Use a microfiber cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar to wipe hard water spots off fixtures, appliances, and surfaces made of chrome or stainless steel. Avoid rubbing too vigorously, as this could add fine scratches. For tough stains, allow vinegar to soak first.
Porcelain Tile and Ceramic
For glazed tiles, gently scrub dilute vinegar over the surface using a soft cloth or nylon scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly. For textured or unglazed grout, use an old toothbrush and baking soda paste, scrubbing carefully to avoid removing grout.
Plastic and Fiberglass
Spray white vinegar directly onto stains in plastic or fiberglass tubs, shower stalls, and sinks. Let it soak for 15 minutes before wiping and rinsing. Use a plastic brush or scouring sponge to help scrub off stubborn deposits. Avoid abrasive cleansers on plastic surfaces, as they can cause scratches.
Coffee and Tea Pots
To remove mineral deposits inside carafes and pots, fill with equal parts water and vinegar, and bring to a boil. Turn off heat and allow the pot to soak overnight. In the morning, empty out vinegar solution and rinse several times with clean water. The deposits should rinse away after soaking in the acidic vinegar solution.
Humidifiers and Vaporizers
Over time, white mineral dust accumulates inside the water tanks and on grates of humidifiers and vaporizers, potentially spreading minerals into the air. Remove hard water residue by filling the tank with equal vinegar and water. Let soak for a couple hours, drain, and wipe clean. Run several rinse cycles with clear water to remove all vinegar.
Water Heaters
For electric water heaters, draining a gallon of water from the tank every few months helps control mineral deposits. Annual flushing is recommended for gas water heaters. Flushing the water heater tanks involves:
- Turning off power to electric water heater or gas to a gas heater.
- Shutting off the cold water inlet valve.
- Opening the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
- Draining 1-2 gallons of water into a bucket or drain pan. Close drain valve.
- Turn water and power back on.
If mineral scale is very heavy inside the tank, a chemical cleaning might be needed. Consult a plumber for assistance.
Washing Machines
To clean accumulated deposits from a washing machine:
- Unplug washing machine and turn off water supply valves.
- Fill detergent compartment with 2 cups of white vinegar. Run empty washing machine on a hot water cycle.
- If mineral buildup is heavy, stop the cycle midway and allow vinegar to soak for a few hours before completing the cycle.
- Run a rinse cycle 2-3 times until vinegar smell is gone.
Dishwashers
Pour 2 cups of vinegar into the bottom of the empty dishwasher. Run a normal cycle with the hottest water temperature to dissolve mineral deposits. For periodic maintenance, use a specialized dishwasher cleaner monthly according to package directions.
Showerheads and Faucets
Remove showerheads and soak them overnight in a bowl of undiluted white vinegar. For rapid results, place showerhead and vinegar-filled bowl in a zipper bag to contain vapors. Rinse well in the morning. Use an old toothbrush dipped in vinegar to scrub fixtures clean of deposits.
Concrete and Brick
Outdoor concrete surfaces can develop hard water stains as moisture brings minerals to the surface. A pressure washer on a low setting can help blast away deposits. Avoid using too much pressure, which can damage the surface.
Preventing Hard Water Stains
To help minimize new hard water deposits, consider these tips:
- Install water softening systems on home water lines to remove minerals.
- Use a squeegee to wipe shower walls after bathing to allow less water evaporation.
- Apply car wax to surfaces like tile and porcelain to help repel hard water.
- Dry sinks, tubs and fixtures after use to limit water spotting.
- Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle in dishwashers and washing machines to help reduce scale.
- Run vinegar-laced water through coffee makers and other appliances to prevent mineral buildup.
- Upgrade to water-efficient fixtures that have rubber spray nozzles rather than metal. Rubber resists scale deposits better.
- Install filters on showerheads to filter out minerals and improve flow.
- Use commercial water stain prevention sprays on items like glass shower doors. Reapply regularly.
- Add water softener salt to toilets to prevent mineral stains inside the tank and bowl.
- Clean appliances and fixtures regularly using descaling methods. Don’t allow mineral scale to build up over time.
With some diligent scrubbing, the right cleaning solutions, and preventative measures, you can keep hard water deposits from taking over your fixtures and appliances. Maintaining your home’s surfaces and systems will help reduce working against hard water damage.
FAQs About Removing Hard Water Stains
How do I remove old hard water stains from my shower doors?
Spray white vinegar directly onto the glass and let soak for 15 minutes. Use a plastic scrub brush and gently scrub the entire glass surface. You can also soak paper towels in vinegar and apply to stubborn stains, allowing time for the vinegar to dissolve the minerals before scrubbing. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can scratch the glass.
What is the quickest way to remove hard water spots from faucets and fixtures?
The quickest and easiest way is to wipe the fixtures with undiluted white vinegar using a microfiber cloth. The acid in the vinegar will start breaking down the mineral deposits. You can rub gently with the cloth or allow vinegar to soak on the deposits for 5-10 minutes before wiping clean. The vinegar dissolves the hard water, allowing it to be wiped away easily.
How do I remove hard water stains from my coffee maker?
Fill the water reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water. Place a filter and carafe in place and run a brew cycle with the vinegar solution. The hot vinegar will break up mineral deposits. Allow the vinegar to sit for a few hours before running 1-2 cycles with fresh water only to rinse. Run additional water cycles until the vinegar smell is completely gone. This should dissolve any hard water accumulation in the reservoir, tubing, and carafe.
What is the best product for removing hard water spots from windows?
The most effective option is to use undiluted white vinegar. Simply spray vinegar directly onto the glass and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. Use a soft cloth or plastic scrub brush to wipe down the entire window. The vinegar dissolves the mineral deposits binding them to the glass surface. Avoid using abrasives, as they could lead to fine scratches on the glass.
How can I remove hard water stains from my humidifier?
Fill the tank with equal parts vinegar and water. Allow it to soak for an hour or two. Scour the interior with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly 4-5 times with clear water only. Run several rinse cycles to remove any vinegar residue. The acetic acid in the vinegar will dissolve the mineral dust and allow it to be rinsed away.
How do I remove hard water spots from my dishes and glassware?
Fill your dishwasher with dishes and glassware that have hard water spots. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the bottom of the empty dishwasher. Run a normal cycle using the hottest water setting. The heat and vinegar will work together to dissolve any built-up mineral deposits on your dishes. Avoid overcrowding the dishwasher – allow space for vinegar to circulate.
Conclusion
Hard water deposits can accumulate anywhere water evaporates and minerals are left behind. Regular cleaning and maintenance is required to prevent limescale buildup on fixtures, surfaces, and in appliances. White vinegar is an effective and non-toxic cleaning solution for tackling most hard water stains in the home. With some scrubbing and the strategic use of chemical cleaners and acids, hard water stains can be banished. Taking preventative measures and controlling hard water at the source through water softening can also minimize the frustrations of hard water damage in household appliances and plumbing.