how to remove hard water stains

Hard Water: Problems and Solutions

Have you noticed stains from the water on your sink or shower glass doors? These stains can occur if the water in your home is hard. In this article we not only discuss how to remove hard water stains but also ways to prevent them from appearing again!

Signs of Hard Water

If you look at the water, it might seem clear. However, its structure contains different minerals. It’s the mineral quantity that determines water hardness. The more magnesium and calcium it has, the harder it will be.

Check out these signs of hard water in your home:

  • The stains look strange and ugly. Some soap scum is normal, but you found nasty reddish or brown stains. Iron could be a reason that these stains look like you have problems with rust.
  • It takes longer to rinse your hands. You might feel a film on them even after washing them carefully. That’s because calcium and soap interact and form soap scum.
  • Water pressure doesn’t seem adequate. If your faucets had a lower flow than before, there could be a mineral buildup that causes it.
  • The water tastes or smells different. This could indicate a problem with water hardness, but also bacteria. It’s best to have it checked as it can harm your health.
  • Your laundry might have soap residue. It could seem grimy or dull, and your skin could feel dry or itchy.

Tips to Remove Hard Water Stains

If you’d like to know how to remove hard water stains, check out these tips:

  • Use vinegar. This is a natural household cleaning solution you have probably already used before. Use a spray bottle to make a water-vinegar solution. Allow about ten minutes for the mix to break down the stain. Use a toothbrush to scrub it.
  • Try baking soda. This substance is convenient for stains on ceramic tiles. You need to make a paste by mixing water and baking soda.
  • Cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide. You can use only hydrogen peroxide, but this is a more powerful solution. Allow it about 30 minutes to break down the stain, and use a sponge to scrub everything.
  • Fluoride toothpaste. If you use this type of toothpaste, you can apply it to hard water stains. It’s quite efficient

How to Prevent Hard Water Stains

You removed that ugly stain, but is it possible to stop it from appearing again? Here are some short-term fixes for the problem:

  • Keep the faucets dry. The same applies to any other fixtures that water might get on throughout your home.
  • Wipe any water residue immediately. If you let it sit, the mineral buildup could lead to nasty stains.
  • Clean frequently with mineral-fighting solutions. This can lower the chance of the minerals building up and staining the surface.

Water Softener: The Best Solution

If you want to know how to prevent hard water stains permanently, the solution lies in using a water softener. You can get these filtration systems installed in your entire home. But what does a water softener do?

Its task is to remove any substances that cause hardness from your water. Those are minerals like magnesium, calcium, and iron. These systems replace them with sodium ions, which soften the water.

How Does a Water Softener Work?

The crucial component is the mineral tank. It’s a chamber where the softening occurs. The water arrives by traveling through the supply line. It goes through resin beads, which remove magnesium and calcium ions. Finally, it exits the tank and returns into pipes. That’s how it gets to your bathroom faucets and house appliances.

Most water softeners have a control valve. Its task is to monitor the water level that goes through the tank. This is important because the resin filter is subject to wear and tear. Softeners also have a brine tank. It’s right next to the filtering chamber and holds potassium or salt. The task is to bring back the positive charge to resin beads, which ensures their optimal performance.

How to Install a Water Softener

There are a variety of water conditioners and water softeners. Some of them supply one faucet, the others can serve the entire home and take care of the problem quickly.

Your product should come with installation instructions that you can follow. If the DIY setup seems too complicated, it’s better to contact a professional plumber. An expert installation will ensure that the device performs at an optimal level.

Business Name – Elite Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Address:  3085 E Post Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89120, United States

Phone Number: 702-263-2665

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE ESTIMATE

We Provide Expert Air Conditioning Services in Las Vegas, NV

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.