Simple Apartment Cleaning Tips: Hard Water Stains

Because you don’t know who lived in the space before you, apartment cleaning can be more difficult than you anticipate. If they have sat for a long time, removing hard water stains can be particularly frustrating. The following tips will assist you with cleaning hard water stains.

A Hard Bristle Brush

Believe it or not, the bristles on your rush can make or break the success of your cleaning endeavor. Softer bristles will not scrub as hard, but metal or extremely tough bristles may scratch surfaces. For cleaning tile or marble, a harder bristle brush will work best. However, for linoleum or plastic surfaces it is advisable to use a softer bristle, even though it will mean you have to scrub longer or harder. A soft bristled brush will not be ineffective but will take longer to remove the stain.

Use a Toothbrush

As small as it may seem, a toothbrush may be just the thing to erase hard water stains. Toothbrush bristles are the perfect size for getting into those hard-to-reach places and often foam the solution rather than splash it aside as a larger brush might. Cheap, generic tooth brushes will work fine, but remember to put it in a space where it will not be subsequently used on teeth.

Hard Water Cleaning Solutions

Solutions specifically designed to clean hard water stains are available at every convenience, grocery and home improvement stores. Prior to choosing one to use, check its ingredients and application instructions. Sometimes a cleaning solution will not contain ingredients any different than typical bathroom cleaners or the application method may be particularly taxing. Compare the solution’s components and price prior to purchasing.

Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover

As much as they claim to work, basic cleaning solutions may not be strong enough to remove hard water stains. There are harsher cleaners available designed specifically to cut through calcium and rust stains. Be careful when using these harsh chemicals, so they do not get into your eyes. For the best use of these solutions, soak a sponge in the solution and then rest the sponge on the stain for several minutes. Depending on the stain’s location, you may even be able to place the item in a cup of the solution. In this instance, you may find you need to do very little subsequent scrubbing.

Try Baking Soda

The absorbent, cheap baking soda currently in your kitchen may make the perfect solution to remove hard water stains. You can either add a small amount of water, bleach or calcium and rust remover and create a paste to apply and leave on the stain. Using a brush, scrub at the stain until removed. Repeat this process if necessary.

Hard water stains can be difficult to remove. Luckily, removing them only requires cheap materials and solutions. The longer the stain has been in existence, the more work its removal will be. Try to not get frustrated and use a harder bristled brush as this may scratch the surface underneath the stain.