How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Every Surface

Hard water has a high concentration of minerals, including calcium and magnesium, that can leave stubborn stains on your home's fixtures and appliances over time. These stains appear most often on surfaces in your home where water runs frequently, like in the bathroom and kitchen.

While hard water isn't dangerous, the spots it leaves behind can be unsightly. Luckily, hard water stains can be treated using common household supplies. Here's how to remove stubborn hard water stains with tips from cleaning experts.

Best Cleaning Solutions for Removing Hard Water Stains

There are a few natural cleaners you can use that effectively remove hard water stains.

Baking Soda

Baking soda dissolves calcium deposits, making it a great remedy for treating hard water stains. "Baking soda can be made into a paste and applied to the stains. A paste can be made by using equal parts water and baking soda, or equal parts vinegar and baking soda, depending on the task and the surface where it is being applied," says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds.

Vinegar

One of the best ways to remove hard water stains is with vinegar. "This cleaning staple can remove water stains from about every surface throughout your bathroom," says Katie Dills, senior vice president of The Cleaning Authority. "Simply pour a mixture of half water and half vinegar in a spray bottle and you are good to go." Note that you shouldn't use vinegar or acetic products on soft stone materials, such as marble, granite, or soapstone.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Using hydrogen peroxide removes not only hard water stains but also soap scum. "Apply the solution to the area you are cleaning and let it sit for 15 minutes. Once that is complete, carefully scrub with a brush you have on hand," says Dills.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is another effective tool for tackling hard water stains, particularly on smooth surfaces like glass and chrome that you’d see in a shower. It evaporates quickly and leaves behind a streak-free finish. Just avoid using it on painted or sealed wood surfaces because it can break down finishes over time. Also, make sure the area is well ventilated. 

How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Glass

Vinegar is a great natural cleaner for eliminating hard water build-up because its acidity breaks down the deposits, says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds. Use it to remove any hard water stains on glass surfaces, like mirrors and shower doors.

Materials Needed

• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Sponge
• Squeegee

Steps

1. Mix a solution of 1 cup water and 1 cup vinegar. Pour it into a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution on the hard water stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
3. Using a sponge, work the stain until clean.
4. If the stain remains, mix equal parts baking soda and water and stir until a paste forms.
5. Apply the paste. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
6. Spray it with the vinegar and water solution.
7. Let it bubble and sit for another 10 minutes.
8. Using a sponge, work at the stain again.
9. Wet a sponge with hot water and wipe the area clean.
10. Rinse the walls with water and use a squeegee to dry.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Showers and Bathtubs

You can use the same method outlined above when cleaning showers and bathtubs, but if yours is made with marble or another soft porous stone, do not use vinegar. "The acidity can damage it," says Parnell. "Instead, opt for isopropyl alcohol."

Materials Needed

• Rubbing alcohol
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Sponge
• Squeegee

Steps

1. Mix a solution of 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol and 1 cup of water. Pour it into a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution on your shower or bathtub and let it sit briefly.
3. Using a sponge, work the stain until clean.
4. Wet a sponge with hot water and wipe the area clean.
5. Rinse the surface with water and use a squeegee to dry.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains From the Toilet

A great DIY solution for cleaning hard water stains from a tough-to-clean toilet is a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, says Dills.

Materials Needed

• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Toilet brush

Steps

1. Pour 1 cup vinegar around the inside of the toilet bowl, covering all the hard water stains.
2. Let the vinegar sit for about 10 minutes.
3. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda in the same area, followed by 1 cup of vinegar.
4. Let the solution fizz and sit for 10 more minutes.
5. Use a toilet brush to clean the entire surface with this solution.
6. Flush the toilet.  

How to Remove Hard Water Stains From the Sink

Similar to removing hard water from the toilet, baking soda and vinegar will rid your sink of these stains.

Materials Needed

• Baking soda
• Water
• Vinegar
• Sponge

Steps

1. Mix equal parts of baking soda and water and stir until a paste forms.
2. Apply the paste to the sink basin
3. Mix a solution of 1 cup water and 1 cup vinegar. Pour it into a spray bottle.
4. Spray the solution into the sink over the paste.
   
5. Let it fizz and sit for about 10 minutes.
6. Rinse away the solution and wipe clean with a sponge.
   

How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Faucets and Showerheads

The best way to go about removing hard water stains from faucets and shower heads is to soak them in vinegar, says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

Materials Needed

• Vinegar
• Water
• Microfiber cloth
• Toothbrush
• Sponge

Steps

1. Soak a microfiber cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the faucet or shower head.
2. Let the cloth sit for about one hour.
3. Scrub the faucet or shower head with an old toothbrush or sponge.
4. Rinse with water.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Dishware

If you've ever seen spots lingering on your dishes after you clean them, remove them using this method from Sokolowski.

Materials Needed

• Vinegar
• Water
• Baking soda
• Sponge
• Microfiber cloth

Steps

1. Fill your sink or a bucket with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Optional: Add baking soda for extra cleaning power.
2. Soak the dishware in the mixture for about 15 to 30 minutes.
3. After soaking, scrub the area with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth and rinse thoroughly.
   

How to Prevent Hard Water Stains

To prevent hard water stains from forming altogether, wipe down the surfaces in your home after getting them wet. This helps because the stains form once the water dries. You can also invest in a water softener, which helps to remove minerals from your water that leave behind these stains.