In most cases, blue/green tinted stains are caused by the water flowing through your pipes having a low (acidic) pH. Chances are your water pipes are made of copper and the blue discoloration is the result of the insides of the pipes being attacked by the aggressive low pH water.
Cleaning the bluish-greenish stains caused by corroding pipes is easy. Just mix vinegar and baking soda into a paste, apply to the stains and wait about 10 minutes before wiping off.
Origins of Blue Staining in Plumbing
Water that has a low pH or turbidity is termed "aggressive water." This aggressive water, in its interaction with copper pipes, valves and fittings, leads to the manifestation of blue or green stains.
Blue or green stains are typically copper from the pipes or water supply and is commonly due to chemical reaction between the pipes and water. Using full strength ammonia on the stain can be a first try. Be sure to use rubber gloves and NEVER MIX CLEANING SOLUTIONS OR CHEMICALS.
Blue or blue-green stains in fixtures is a sign of reduced copper. The source of this can be in the water itself (usually well water) or from the plumbing, usually caused by a very low pH (acidic water) which causes deterioration of the plumbing.
Chances are your water pipes are made of copper and the blue discoloration is the result of the insides of the pipes being attacked by the aggressive low pH water.
Put the shower head in a bucket or plastic container and cover it with white vinegar. Leave it to soak in the vinegar for at least 30 minutes, preferably around an hour. Don't leave brass shower heads in vinegar for longer than 30 minutes. Take the shower head out of the vinegar and rinse it with water.
Mold generally looks slimy or fuzzy, tends to have a raised texture, and can come in a rainbow of colors, including deep green and black. Mildew is powdery, looks white or gray, always appears flat, and grows on surfaces.
Blue or green stains are the result of mildly acidic tap water which leaches lead or copper from your plumbing pipes. Brown or black stains come from excessive manganese in the water. Finally, the very common white stains are due to hard water, containing high levels of calcium and magnesium.
The Blue is a sustainable, mainly energy-saving shower system. The system uses WWHR (Wastewater Heat Recovery) pipes which recycle the residual heat contained in the shower wastewater in order to preheat the cold tap water.
Blue mold, known scientifically as Penicillium, is a genus of fungi that comprises over 300 species. This mold is not just a single entity but a family of molds known for their rapid growth and blue or green appearance.
Limescale is the white, chalky residue that accumulates in kettles or coffee machines, and it's particularly visible on stainless steel.
To remove blue stains from tile, we recommend applying a heavy-duty cleaner specifically designed to remove cleanly without damaging your surrounding tile, such as MAPEI's UltraCare Acidic Tile & Grout Cleaner. Mix with equal parts water and apply the solution to the affected area. Allow it to stand for 5-10 minutes.
Generally, the more water you see, the greater the degree of perceived blue. A glass of water should appear clear while a bathtub full of water may appear turquoise blue. Excessively blue water, however, may indicate copper corrosion or a possible cross connection within the home's plumbing.
Remove dried sweat stains by soaking clothing in a solution of white vinegar and water, then applying a stain removal paste of baking soda, salt and hydrogen peroxide to the affected area. Allow the mixture to rest, scrub the stain with an old toothbrush and machine wash in hot water.
White vinegar is an effective cleaning solution, especially when combined with an abrasive material like table salt. For stubborn stains, sprinkling baking soda or borax onto the vinegar mixture will help. Lemon juice is another ingredient that dissolves blue-green stains and will also leave a fresh scent behind.
If you notice blue-green stains in your sinks, showers or other areas that heavily use water, your water likely has a low pH value which means your water is slightly acidic. When water is acidic, the water can cause water pipes made of copper and lead to corrode and leach metals into your water.
Bacteria and fungi present naturally in air and water can attach to damp surfaces and multiply to form a visible black slime or stain in various colors (black, red, pink). These growths are known as biofilms or 'microbial slime' and are most noticeable in bathrooms and kitchens.
Bleach: Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill mold spores. Mix one teaspoon of bleach per cup of water, and apply the solution to the affected area. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing away the mold with a brush. Vinegar: Vinegar is another effective mold killer.
Visually, it may be greenish-black, grayish-black, slimy, or more furry than other forms of mold or mildew. If you try to clean it with a heavy-duty cleaner, you might find that it remains on the surface and doesn't completely wipe away.
Visual signs of mold attacks on the bathroom wall include discoloration, peeling wallpaper and crumbling plaster. Mold often grows behind wall tiles, causing these materials to crack or become loose. Plus, gaps in the grout or caulk suggest mold spores have infiltrated the spaces behind the wall.
Blue-Green Water Stains
Cause: If you're seeing blue-green stains around your plumbing fixtures and/or pipes, this is most-likely caused by acidic water. Other problems that can occur from acidic water over time are pinhole leaks in your pipes, as well as damage to your expensive appliances.
Pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Spray the shower head thoroughly with hydrogen peroxide. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and wipe down with a soft cloth.
Blue stains often occur in areas where the water is highly acidic and contains elevated levels of copper. Unfortunately, cleaning the toilet bowl once won't stop the stains from coming back since the water keeps flowing.