Home Cleaning - Prevention and Remedies for Hard Water Stains

Water containing high levels of dissolved minerals such as magnesium and calcium is considered “hard water.” These common minerals can be acquired by groundwater as it passes around soil and rocks.

If your household uses hard water, you will likely need house washing services because of the many noticeable stains and cloudy film on surfaces such as porcelain, china, enamel, stainless steel, fiberglass chrome, and tiles.

There is a lot more to dealing with hard water, so keep reading to discover more about it and how to prevent it.

The Unfavorable Effects of Hard Water

Hard water isn’t a critical health concern; however, the mineral buildup can significantly reduce the quality of water pipes and cause more household distress and skin irritation.

• Clothes wear out quickly - Hard water isn’t the best for clothes as it shortens its lifespan by around 40 percent. Washing any kind of fabric in hard water makes it scratchy, shabby, and damages the fibers.
  

• Hard water leads to clogged pipes and showerheads - Limescale made of magnesium and calcium deposits causes mineral buildup in the plumbing system and around showerhead openings, leading to reduced water pressure. While copper and PVC pipes are safe, steel pipes are prone to clogging due to hard water, and they will eventually need to be replaced.
  

• Soap scum on bathroom surfaces - Since hard water is rich with minerals, they bind with soap particles to form a curd or scum that sticks to everything.
  

• Makes cleaning more frustrating - Lime scales or the deposits that the water leaves behind is a pain to remove and may even cause chemical reactions that make even the most potent cleaning products less effective.
  

• Causes permanent damage to dinnerware - Mineral deposits cause spots, streaks, and films to develop in any type of glass and dish. While it doesn’t lead to any serious health risks, it makes them look unsanitary.
  

• Dull hair and skin irritation - The minerals in hard water are too strong for one’s hair and skin. Washing hair with hard water can cause dryness, and it can develop a film on the skin that prevents complete dirt removal and may cause irritation.
  

Effective Cleaning Products for Hard Water Stains
Cleaning hard water stains regularly is better than letting them damage surfaces at home. The most effective cleaning products to use that can be seen in the pantry, including vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, and white wine. 

Here are more cleaners for different mineral stains:

• Red or reddish-brown (rust or iron) - Apply cream of tartar and water paste on the surface and let dry. Rinse thoroughly.
  

• Green or blue-green stains (copper or acid water) - Apply soap suds and ammonia and rinse.
  

• Brown, black, and other stains (manganese or other minerals) - Apply cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide paste; let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse.
  

• Hard-water stains and soap scum - Apply white vinegar and baking soda paste; let it penetrate the surface, then rinse.
  

Chemical cleaning products that contain sequestrants such as phosphoric, hydroxy acetic, and hydrochloric acids do well with deactivating minerals in hard water. However, using them carelessly can be too abrasive with surfaces and cause scratches. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Keeping Hard Water Stains Away

There are some ways to prevent mineral deposits and buildup from hard water. Here are some of them:

• Never allow water to dry on surfaces
  
• Maintain shower doors with a spray cleaner
  
• Install water softening equipment
  

Conclusion

Water is an essential part of everyday life. While hard water can seem unnoticeable at first, it may cause permanent damage to surfaces and even household items. Learning how to spot signs and prevent effects is key to keeping your belongings safe and sound.

If you are looking for commercial power washing services, reach out to Kingwood All Start Window and Power Washing to experience the best! We offer window washing, residential pressure washing, roof cleaning, and more. Contact us today (360-1997) and get a free quote!
 ​

---