Hard water can wreak havoc on your hair, skin and nails. That’s not all, as it can also make cleaning your home more difficult. If you have hard water, you have no doubt been plagued with mineral deposits and water spots on nearly every surface of your home. To eliminate these telltale signs, keep the following tips in mind.
Sinks and Fixtures
Hard water deposits often accumulate near your faucets and handles. To eliminate them, spray a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water and allow to sit for a few minutes. Then use an old soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub buildup away.
Especially stubborn stains might require a more aggressive approach. Use a stronger mixture, or place paper towels soaked in white vinegar directly on the spot and allow to sit overnight.
Water spots may form on the inside of stainless steel sinks. Spray the inside of your sink with the same vinegar solution you used to clean your faucets and handles, then dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Showers and Bathtubs
Hard water is notorious for leaving stains on ceramic, grout, and tile. A paste made from baking soda and lemon juice will eliminate those stains. First, spritz the surface lightly with a vinegar/water solution, then apply the paste and allow it to dry. Use a soft sponge to gently scrub away the paste, then rinse with cool water until there is no more grit.
Your shower head may develop calcium buildup that can affect water flow. Remove the fixture and place in a shallow pan, adding enough white vinegar to completely cover. Leave it in the solution overnight, then remove and scrub with an old toothbrush to remove any loosened deposits.
Toilets
For hard water stains inside your toilet, add a can of coke and allow it to sit for about 20 minutes or so. Brush as normal, and your toilet will be sparkling clean.
Laundry
Hard water can cause your clothes to appear dingy and worn much sooner. Counteract the effects of hard water by adding a half cup of powdered Borax to each load. You may also wish to make your own laundry detergent using Borax, washing soda, and bar laundry soap.
Windows and Glass
Nothing is more frustrating than having rain or a sprinkler system spot up your windows. However, getting rid of those water spots is easy with a solution of rubbing alcohol and water.
Mix four parts water to one part rubbing alcohol and spray on the glass. Use a squeegee to remove the cleaning agent and ensure there are no streaks.
After cleaning glass with alcohol, some water spots may remain. For those, apply a paste made from baking soda and water; you can also use ordinary white toothpaste. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then use a vinegar/water solution to rinse.
The same cleaning methods can be used for glass shower doors, mirrors, and glass table tops.
Plastic and Vinyl
Place plastic and vinyl pieces as flat as possible on a level surface. Cut a fresh lemon in half and rub it directly on the water spots. Allow to sit for a few minutes, then spritz with a solution of white vinegar and water and rinse with clear water. Dry thoroughly with a paper towel to prevent those water spots from returning.
There’s no doubt about it-cleaning with hard water requires a lot of additional work. The solution in many cases is a whole-house water softener. Water softeners are surprisingly affordable, and can eliminate many of the problems stated above. To choose the right one for your New Jersey home, please contact us.
