Hands-down, a simple white vinegar and water mixture is the best hard water stain remover, according to cleaning pros.
Removing Hard Water Deposits From Faucets
Use vinegar to help loosen the hard water film and buildup before scrubbing. Soak a clean rag in vinegar and drape it over the faucet, making sure there is direct contact with all of the hard water deposits. Let the rag sit for at least 30 minutes; an hour is better.
“I wanted to let you know we tried CLR on our horrible rust/hard water stains in the toilet. We have hard water and for years have been plagued with icky looking rings. With scrubbing, our toilets are now white and no other product has been able to do that.
Grab a spray bottle and mix equal parts water and vinegar (you can also add a teaspoon of Dawn dish soap for more clinging power). Spray the solution on the bathtub stains, let it sit for at least 15 minutes, then wipe clean. Let the solution sit longer depending on the severity of the stains.
CLR may etch older sinks, tubs, and tiles. Avoid contact with wood, clothing, wallpaper, carpeting, natural stones, brass, copper, aluminum, galvanized metals, any painted, coated or sealed surfaces. Clean spills immediately.
But common pantry essentials that are often used for cleaning — like baking soda and vinegar — shouldn't be mixed either. Unlike the bleach-ammonia mixture, combining soda and vinegar won't hurt anyone — but don't expect the mixture to do a good job cleaning, either.
For really tough hard water stains, try scrubbing with some hydrogen peroxide. Yep, the same stuff you have in your first aid kit. Hydrogen peroxide plus some elbow grease should banish even the most stubborn of hard water spots from your metal fixtures.
A paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide cuts through soap scum and hard water stains on tubs and tiles.
Regular glass cleaner won't help at all. We tried both Windex-style ammonia-based window cleaner, and also vinegar-based auto glass cleaner and found that neither has any effect on the stains.
Buff out water stains on wood with a mild abrasive. Using a non-gel (plain white) toothpaste, baking soda paste or salt paste (adding a few drops of water to form the pastes), gently rub the mixture into the stain.
If you want to try removing hard water spots on windows yourself, here are some tricks that may work: Rubbing Alcohol: To remove mild hard water spots on windows, mix one part water with one part rubbing alcohol and apply it to the glass with a soft cloth. Be sure to dry the window when finished.
BKF is the #1 non-bleach Cleanser in the market today. The most significant differences between BKF Cleanser and Comet or Ajax is 1) the absence of bleach AND our use of oxalic acid, 2) the quality of “scrubber” used, and 3) the detergents used.
BKF cleans and polishes most hard, nonporous surfaces. However, never use BKF on the following: cast iron, granite, marble, wood, fabric, leather, or painted surfaces. Although many of our fans have used BKF on mirrors, gold, and silver (sterling silver is OK), we advise against it.
Many hotels use ammonia-based cleaning solutions because ammonia readily cuts through dirt and soap scum. Because of the way it dries, ammonia also decreases the possibility of streaks on glass.
Use Vinegar & Baking Soda
White vinegar is a natural solution that can be utilized to dissolve calcium buildup. Sitting overnight, you will be able to remove lime buildup from the drain while avoiding the harsh chemicals in traditional drain cleaners. Avoid putting any store-bought chemicals down the drain.
Two of the most effective substances are lemon juice and ordinary vinegar. Lemon juice is usually the best (and will also leave a lovely smell behind). Stronger pickling vinegar and lime juice are both even more acidic and can be used for really stubborn deposits.
Solution 3: Using WD-40 to remove limescale
Yes, it's that simple. The best part about using a cleaning solution like WD-40 is that its specially engineered formula works its way under the build-up in no time, making the cleaning process easier and more convenient.
CLR or Lime Away? An acid-based cleaner is the best way to remove water deposits. Vinegar and lemon juice are two natural alternatives, but they just don't work as quickly and effectively. CLR uses similar ingredients to Lime Away.
Fragrance free- safe for all pipes and drains! Part of the EPA's Safer Choice Program recognizing the product as a safer alternative to traditional chemicals, and contains no phosphates and is Septic Safe.
We recommend not leaving CLR on a surface for longer than two minutes. Always ensure that the CLR is rinsed off thoroughly after use.