How to Remove Hard Water Deposits

Do you have hard water? If you are not sure, you probably do not have hard water. If you have hard water, you know what hard water deposits are. Beside the way it makes lathering soap very difficult, hard water makes its presence known by leaving behind icky mineral deposits. Those ugly, crusty stains are difficult to get rid of. Please, read ahead to learn how to remove hard water deposits from your home.

Hard water is caused by minerals in the water. Calcium and magnesium are the usual culprits, though iron and other minerals can play a role in some areas. Once hard water evaporates, it leaves behind the minerals and they create the disgusting hard water deposit. The best way to deal with hard water deposits is to prevent them. Fix leaks and rinse sinks, bathtubs and showers after using them. Make sure to always dry them after use, also. Try mixing a half teaspoon of water conditioner (Calgon is an example) with one quart of water and spray it on wet surfaces. Dry the surfaces after spraying.

Why not try getting rid of hard water completely? You can install a water-softening system that uses sodium to combat the calcium and magnesium. Check at your local home improvement store because the water softening system will need to tailor made for the water in your area. If you can prevent the minerals from being left behind you will not have to know how to remove hard water deposits!

When it comes to removing hard water deposits, there are different types of cleaners that can be used. Sequestrants actually capture the minerals before they can leave a deposit. Surfactants loosen the deposit for easier cleaning. Acids break down hard water deposits. Alkalis suspend the minerals so that they are easily rinsed away.

To remove hard water deposits from ceramic tile, use an acid-free bathroom cleaner. Do not use products containing bleach. Formula 409, any soap scum removers and, of course, CLR will work well to remove hard water deposits on ceramic tile. If you are looking for a more natural method, try a mixture of one part vinegar and four parts water.

To remove hard water deposits from chrome bathroom and kitchen fixtures, Windex works well. The vinegar solution mentioned before will also work.

To remove hard water deposits from glass try Windex or the vinegar mixture. To remove hard water deposits from glass dishes, you may need to double the amount of dishwasher detergent that is used. Do not forget to use a rinsing agent in your dishwasher.