Hard water stains are typically made up of thick chalky white mineral deposits, which eventually can lead to a build-up of alkaline in water. They are usually found in sink faucets, bathtubs, and on appliances such as coffeemakers and kettles. In a matter of time, the mineral build-ups can ultimately ruin toilets, sinks, and bathtubs, which will make scum extremely difficult to remove.
Ingredients to Remove Water Stains
- Paper towel or a rag
- Lemon Juice
- White Vinegar
- Hair clip or rubber band
- Baking soda
- Water softener
- Cream of tartar
- Sponge or soft cloth
- Borax
- Toilet brush
- Soft Cloth
- Sponge
- Disinfectant spray
- Liquid disinfectant cleaner
- Old toothbrush
- Furniture polish
To clean sinks and bathtubs you should use either homemade vinegar or lemon juice. For extra tough stains, make sure to use oxalic acid. This can be purchased at either a hardware store or drugstore. Depending on the type of tub/shower you have, you also have the option to buy store-bought cleaning products as well. Then you should let the solution sit for approximately 30 minutes or so before finishing it off with a sponge or cloth.
If your bathtub is made of fiberglass, it is best to use a soft cloth so you don’t scratch up the surface. Also, it is important not to forget to clean cracks and other surfaces where bacteria are most likely to grow in.
Removing Soap Scum
To get rid of extreme soap scum, use one cup of liquid fabric softener and one qt of warm water or a paste of tartar combined with hydrogen peroxide. For mildew, it is recommended to use chlorine bleach or a liquid disinfectant cleaner.
Removing Tile Grout
To remove tile grout, mix a solution using 1/2 cup of baking soda as well as a 1/2 cup of bleach. Important note: always remember to wear gloves when working with bleach. Apply the paste and then scrub it by using an old toothbrush. Finally, let the solution sit for approximately 10 minutes or so before rinsing it out completely with water.
Cleaning the Tile Mat
For the tile mat, you can clean it with either a disinfectant spray or by putting it in a washing machine.
Preventing Build-Up
Finally, in order to prevent future build-up, make sure to cover the inside walls of your shower with furniture polish. This will shield away any type of dust, soap, and water. Also be sure not to get any polish on the shower floor because you may slip and fall—that will be another mess you will have to clean up.
We can prevent water stains in your Westfield home. Call L.E. Isley & Sons Plumbing at (317) 420-4006for advice!