Learning how to remove hard water stains is essential for keeping your home looking clean and pristine. Hard water, which is high in minerals like calcium and magnesium, can leave unsightly white, chalky deposits on glass, sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. These stains are most commonly found on surfaces frequently exposed to water, such as in bathrooms. Fortunately, this guide offers simple, effective methods using everyday household items like baking soda and distilled white vinegar to help you eliminate these stubborn stains.

How to remove hard water stains

Effective Ways to Clean Hard Water Stains

There are some natural cleaners that work well to remove hard water stains.

Baking soda

Baking soda can break down calcium deposits, making it effective against hard water stains. You can make a paste by mixing equal parts of baking soda with water or vinegar, depending on the cleaning task and the surface you’re treating.

Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the best solutions for removing hard water stains. It can clean water stains from almost every surface in your bathroom. Just mix half water and half vinegar in a spray bottle to use it. However, be careful not to use vinegar or products containing acetic acid on soft stone materials like marble, granite, or soapstone, as it can damage them.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can remove both hard water stains and soap scum. Apply it to the area you’re cleaning and let it sit for 15 minutes. After that, scrub the area carefully with any brush you have available.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Glass

Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner for removing hard water build-up because its acidity helps break down the deposits. You can use it to clean hard water stains from glass surfaces, such as mirrors and shower doors.

What You Need

Before you start cleaning, make sure you have these items ready:

  • Vinegar
  • Water
  • Spray bottle
  • Sponge
  • Baking soda
  • Squeegee

Steps

    Here’s a method for removing hard water stains from glass:

  1. Mix 1 cup of water with 1 cup of vinegar and pour it into a spray bottle.
  2. Spray the solution onto the hard water stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
  3. Scrub the stain with a sponge until it starts to clear.
  4. If the stain persists, mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste.
  5. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
  6. Spray the area with the vinegar-water solution.
  7. Allow it to bubble and sit for another 10 minutes.
  8. Scrub the stain again with a sponge.
  9. Wipe the area clean with a sponge soaked in hot water.
  10. Rinse the glass and use a squeegee to remove any remaining water.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains From the Toilet

A good homemade way to clean hard water stains from your toilet is using a mix of vinegar and baking soda.

What You Need

Before you start cleaning, make sure you have these items ready:

  • Vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Scrub brush

Steps

  1. Here’s a step-by-step method to remove hard water stains from your toilet:
  2. Pour 1 cup of vinegar around the inside of the toilet bowl, making sure to cover all the hard water stains.
  3. Allow the vinegar to sit for about 10 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda over the same areas, then add another cup of vinegar.
  5. Let the mixture fizz and sit for another 10 minutes.
  6. Scrub the entire surface with a toilet brush, using the fizzing solution.
  7. Flush the toilet to rinse everything away.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains From the Sink Basin and Faucet

Cleaning your sink involves two parts: you need to clean both the basin and the faucet, as hard water can build up on both over time.

What You Need

Before you start cleaning, make sure you have these items ready:

  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • Vinegar
  • Sponge
  • Paper towel

Steps

Here are the steps to remove hard water stains from your sink:

  • Mix equal parts of baking soda and water to form a paste.
  • Apply the paste to the basin of the sink.
  • Prepare a solution of 1 cup water and 1 cup vinegar, and pour it into a spray bottle.
  • Spray the vinegar solution over the paste in the sink.
  • Let it fizz and sit for about 10 minutes.
  • Rinse off the solution and wipe the sink clean with a sponge.
  • Soak a paper towel in vinegar and drape it over the sink faucet.
  • Leave the paper towel on the faucet for 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, scrub the faucet with the paper towel and rinse with clean water.