Water is classified as hard when it contains high levels of minerals that are dissolved like calcium and magnesium. The elements are typically obtained through groundwater which passes around and in the rocks and soil. According to a Geological Survey in the U.S, around 85% of the water in the U.S is classified as hard water.
Hard Water Signs
When the water in your home is hard you will begin to notice a white-film, stains or mineral deposits on surfaces such as glass, fiberglass, chrome, stainless steel, china, enamel and porcelain. Over and above calcium and magnesium, copper, iron or brass may also be in your water. Manganese stains appear black or brownish, while water that is rich in iron will appear red or like a white slime.
How To Remove And Clean Hard-Water Mineral Stains And Deposits
It is always advisable to clean any hard-water deposits or stains regularly, before it is able to penetrate the surfaces. Baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice are nontoxic effective and natural cleaners which can remove lime scale and stains around your home. You can also choose one of the chemical cleaners. Here are a few tips on how to remove hard water deposits and stains.
• Showerhead
Remove the showerhead before soaking it in a solution of concentrated white vinegar for at least 12 hours. Then scrub your showerhead using a soft brush, rinse well with water before you reinstall it.
• Chrome Faucets
Wrap a rag or paper towels which are saturated in white vinegar around your faucets and allow to stand for 2 hours. Then rinse the faucets with clean water before wiping down with a clean dry cloth.
• Dishwasher
At least once monthly, add 1 cup of vinegar into your dishwasher and run the empty machine through its cleaning cycle.
• Shower Doors
Fill up a spray bottle with white wine or vinegar and spray your shower door liberally. Wait for 20 minutes before wiping down the doors with a soft cloth, this will remove hard-water deposits and lime scale.
• Rubber Bath Mats
To disinfect and clean your rubber bath mats, soak the mats in a tub or bucket with white vinegar for at least an hour before scrubbing the mats with a brush and rinsing with water.
• Washing Machine
Add 1 gallon of vinegar to your washing machine, running the washer on empty through a hot water wash cycle.
• Coffee Maker
Run a brewing cycle filling the water reservoir with vinegar. This will remove the mineral deposits. Follow this by running the next 2 brewing cycles with clean water to flush out the coffee-maker.
• Tubs And Sinks
Spray the surfaces of your tubs and sinks with concentrated vinegar or lemon juice, allow to sit for an hour before wiping clean. Dependent on the severity of the soap-scum build-up, you may require multiple applications.
• Toilet Bowl And Tank
Add 3 to 4 cups of concentrated vinegar into the toilet tank which will remove hard water deposits inside. To clean your toilet bowl, drain out the water and then add 4 cups of white vinegar allow to stand for an hour before scrubbing with a toilet brush. For more information about water softener systems parts visit here or contact us.