How to remove hard water stains in the bathroom

Known also as limescale, mineral deposits or mineral build-up, hard water stains are chalky white deposits that form around faucets and water nozzles due to excess minerals in the water.

Nowhere in the house is this more of a problem than in heavily used bathrooms that hold water constantly. Although there are many commercial cleaning detergents that can remove hard water stains from the toilet and the bathtub, several household products can be just as effective.

Preventing hard water stains

To prevent the build-up of stubborn hard water stains in your bathroom, periodically wipe the water from the surfaces and toilet. At least once a week, wipe vulnerable areas with a natural cleanser. This will make cleaning easier. Here are our 7 tips on how to remove hard water stains in your bathroom.

1. Using vinegar to remove hard water stains

A little white vinegar in a spray bottle can do a great job. Mix-up a solution of vinegar and water in equal proportions in a clean bottle. You can spray your descaling solution on glass, showers, sinks, tubs, tiles, faucets, etc. 

Leave on for about 30 minutes, then scrub to remove hard water stains. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Dry with a soft cloth. Do not clean marble with vinegar!

2. Cleaning the water faucets

If traces of hard water stains have accumulated on the faucets, vinegar can help, but more persistent and vigorous scrubbing will be required. You can soak a cloth in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Then wrap it around the faucet so it’s in contact with every area. Leave for about an hour. Remove it and rinse with water.

3. Remove hard water stains from the shower

It would be most efficient to remove the shower head to clean it. Soak it in white vinegar for an hour. Brass shower head for 30 minutes. Scrub with a toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

If you can’t remove the shower head, fill a plastic container with white vinegar, place the shower in it and let it soak for a while. Scrub with a toothbrush and rinse. Turn on the shower to rinse it off. Finally, dry it with a soft cloth.

4. Make your toilet bowl shine again

Pour white vinegar liberally all over the inside of the bowl. If possible, let it soak overnight without running the water. In the morning, scrub vigorously with an old toothbrush, which you immediately throw away! Flush the toilet cistern and flush with hot water from the shower.

5. Use a specialised product to get rid of hard water stains

If the stains are extremely stubborn and vinegar is not enough, get a hard water stain remover. Follow the instructions strictly and work with rubber gloves and plastic safety goggles.

6. The power of Borax and vinegar

Borax is known in medicine as a product with a pronounced antiseptic effect. It is also a great multipurpose cleaning product that can be effectively used to remove hard water stains in the toilet and other plumbing fixtures.

1. Pour 1/4 cup of borax into the toilet bowl and spread it around with the toilet brush
2. Add 1 cup of vinegar and let the mixture sit for about 30-40 minutes
3. Finish by scrubbing the plate with a toilet brush to remove stains. Rinse thoroughly with hot water

For extremely stubborn hard water stains, you can make a Borax paste:

1. Mix 1/2 cup borax and enough vinegar to make a thick paste
2. Apply the paste immediately to hard water stains in the toilet so that they are completely covered with the paste. The borax will harden quickly, so don’t add the vinegar until you’re ready to apply the paste
3. Let the paste work for 30 – 40 minutes
4. Scrub with a stiff bristle brush. Run the water and rinse

7. Vinegar and baking soda against hard water stains

Measure a cup of vinegar. Pour it down the toilet, trying to cover the entire plate, especially where there are stains. Let the vinegar sit in the toilet for 10 – 15 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with a cup of baking soda.

Add another cup of vinegar right after the soda. Wait for about 10 – 15 minutes. Use a toilet brush to scrub the water stains. Flush the toilet. Voilà. 

Final words 

Hard water stains make surfaces look worn and dirty. They leave stains in your bathroom and toilet, and the longer they sit, the harder and slower they are to clean. For that reason make sure to clean your bathroom regularly.

And if you feel that bathroom cleaning is not your cup of tea, you can always delegate that tedious task to a professional cleaning company. Feel free to contact us and request a home cleaning quote. You can find more info about our domestic cleaning services at Merci Cleaning London or on our official Facebook page.

You may also like: How to clean your bathroom effectively?

Did you find this article helpful?

If you liked this article, please share with your friends and family who might also be interested in professional home cleaning services. 

We would also love to hear your opinion and thoughts! You can leave your comments in the box below.

A huge thank you from Merci Cleaning London!