Cleaning 101: How to Get Rid of Hard Water Stains

 If your bathtub looks grimy and your dishes have spots, you’re probably among the 85% of US households dealing with water spots. While the residue isn't dangerous, getting rid of hard water buildup can definitely feel like a chore.

Our tips and tricks show you how to remove hard water stains in showers, toilets, sinks, and bathtubs – and keep surfaces clean for good.

SKIP TO:

• Common Ingredients to Remove Water Stains
• Best Tip to Remove Water Stains
• Shower & Tubs | Shower Heads & Faucets
• Glass | Toilets | Dishes
• How to Remove Water Stains

What are Water Stains?

Water stains (also known as water spots) are areas of dried mineral deposits, such as potassium and calcium. They usually appear on surfaces after water has evaporated. They often appear as red, brown, pink, or even black stains on toilets, iron, ceilings, and more.

What Causes Water Stains?

Water stains can appear if your water contains different minerals. If your water has dissolved traces of magnesium or calcium, chalky water stains can appear. Similarly, if your water contains iron or manganese, orange or black stains can appear.

Hard water, in particular, causes most water stains. Water “hardness” refers to its mineral content, especially magnesium and calcium. While water travels through layers of rock, it picks up trace amounts. The more time your water interacts with – and absorbs – these minerals, the harder it gets.

Common Ingredients to Remove Hard Water Stains

Quick Links: Baking Soda | Vinegar | Hydrogen Peroxide

Water stains can worsen over time, but with the right cleaners, you can tackle them before they spread.

Baking Soda

This classic DIY cleaning method can work on water-spotted bathroom tiles and other surfaces.

1. Mix baking soda with water to make a paste. Apply it directly onto the stains.
2. Let the paste sit for up to 15 minutes.
3. Lightly scrub with an old brush.

Vinegar

Regular vinegar works for cleaning hard water stains, but you can also opt for the more acidic cleaning vinegar.

1. Squirt vinegar onto the surface using a spray bottle.
2. Allow the vinegar to sit up to 15 minutes, adding more if it begins to dry.
3. Scrub the area using a soft brush.

Hydrogen Peroxide

This method works to tackle water stains and soap scum.

1. Apply hydrogen peroxide (or a hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant) to the affected area.
2. Let it sit for up to 10-15 minutes.
3. Gently scrub the area with an old brush.

Our Best Tip For Getting Rid of Tough Hard Water Buildup

There are plenty of DIY natural remedies out there, but we find that the best hard water stain remover is a paste of white vinegar and baking soda. Spread over affected surfaces, let it sit for 30 minutes, then wipe clean with a dry microfiber cloth to quickly brighten bathroom surfaces.

If you've got an "out of control" situation, removing hard water stains may require a product like CLR Pro Spray Cleaner. Just like any other chemical cleaner, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take proper safety precautions.

Where Is the Hardest Water?

Do you live in an area with hard water? A city like Indianapolis has hard water due to limestone bedrock, while Las Vegas has hard water due to the Colorado River. See if your city is similarly situated through this Water Hardness Map of the USA.