Difficult Hard Water Stains

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to remove some difficult hard water stains from your bathroom? For some reason, the harder the water then the more difficult it is to get rid of the stains that the water leaves behind. That being said, just because the stains may be more difficult to remove, doesn't mean you need to throw your hands up in despair and give up. Rather, all you need to do is use one of these methods to get your task done

• Bleach. Bleach can often remove many of the stains that we can find around our homes, and difficult hard water stains are no different. Instead of using straight bleach though, start off by using a mixture of half water, and half bleach. Place this mixture into a spray bottle, and spray the stains before scrubbing the stain away. Rinse as you normally would, but be sure to completely dry the surface once you are finished.
• Commercial cleaners. Use a cleaner such as Bar Keeper's Friend or C.L.R. to help remove the stains. Be sure that you follow the manufacturer's direction closely in order to make sure you are using the cleaners correctly. Once you have cleaned the difficult hard water stains away, rinse the area completely and dry with a towel.
• White vinegar. Create a mixture of water, vinegar, and a cleaning detergent. The proportions used should be about 75% vinegar, 20% water, and 5% of the cleaning detergent. Place the mixture in a spray bottle and spray it on the stains as you would with a glass cleaner. Scrub away with a sponge or green scrubbie, and rinse the area clean. Do not let the surface air dry, but rather use a towel or cloth to remove the moisture.
• Baking soda. Baking soda is always a great way to remove many stains, and those difficult hard water stains are no different. Moisten the stained area with water, and sprinkle a little bit of baking soda onto the water. Use a plastic scrubber, and begin to work on the stained areas. Once you have removed the stain, rinse the area thoroughly to ensure that you remove all the baking soda, and then dry with a towel.
• Pumice. For particularly difficult hard water stains, you can try to use a pumice stone or bar. However, this is a fairly drastic measure and should always be used cautiously. Test it out on an inconspicuous area that is stained first, before you begin general use. The reason is that the bar may scratch your tile, which can lead to more problems. Use the least amount of pressure to remove the stain, and then rinse the area clean.