How to get rid of hard water spots

Are there always white spots on your bathroom fixtures? Does a cloudy film coat the carafe of your coffeemaker? If so, yours probably belongs to the 85 percent of households with hard water. The discoloration you see is the buildup of minerals left behind by evaporated water. Unchecked, hard water deposits can go a long way toward gunking up some of the most commonly used components in your home. Fortunately, they are easy enough to remedy—indeed, in only four steps. Follow this tutorial for how to remove hard water stains on any sink, tub, or toilet.

Tools & Materials
  • Plastic gloves
  • White vinegar
  • Spray bottle
  • Cleaning toothbrush
  • Toilet brush
  • Scouring brush
  • See full list «
  • Sponge
  • Cleaning cloth

How to get rid of hard water spots
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Step 1

Pull on a pair of gloves and reach for an acidic household cleaner, such as metal-and-rust remover. Or, if you prefer, make your own formula by combining equal parts vinegar and water. Add the mixture to a spray bottle, then get to work. If it’s a store-bought cleaner, be sure to consult the instructions printed on the label. If you’ve gone the homemade route, simply spritz the vinegar over the entire water-stained surface. Let it sit for a brief period of time before you continue.

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How to get rid of hard water spots
How to get rid of hard water spots

Photo: shutterstock.com

Step 2

Scrub, scrub, scrub the area with an old toothbrush (or a toilet bowl brush, if that’s what you’re cleaning). The brush bristles provide just enough abrasive power to wear away the acid-loosened mineral deposits.

Step 3

Continue spraying on additional cleanser, following up by scrubbing, until even the most stubborn hard water stains are gone.

If it’s tough going, try this: Pour the vinegar-and-water solution into a small bowl, then add enough baking soda to create a paste. Dip your brush in the paste, then try scrubbing again. This time, the stain ought to give way. The more often you clean, the less stubborn the stains become.

RELATED: The 2-Ingredient Powerhouse that Cleans Almost Anything

Step 4

Having removed the last of the mineral deposits, rinse the area with a dripping wet sponge. Finish by wiping the area dry with a soft cloth. Be sure to dry the area completely, or else the spots may reappear!

There are few worse things than cleaning your car, taking a step back and noticing the remnants of hard water spots all over your vehicle. We are going to give you some quick tips on how to remove hard water spots from your car window or paint so you can confidently show off your clean car!

Where Do Hard Water Spots Come From?

Have you ever noticed leftover spots on the surface whenever you’re done cleaning? They often appear hazy or white on the surface and seem impossible to remove. More than likely, you are experiencing hard water spots. This happens when there are materials in the water and a build-up of alkaline.

These spots can be di hard water stain remover for cars fficult to remove and often are a source of frustration while you are cleaning. But, fear not! With a little elbow grease and CleanTools products, you can have water spot removal from car paint in no time.

How To Remove Hard Water Spots

There are two methods we recommend for removing hard water spots, the first being the use of white vinegar. You're probably asking, will vinegar remove water spots on my car? Yes it does, and we advise to try this vinegar method. Here are the tips to remove hard water stain remover for the cars.

White Vinegar Method

For this, you will need:

  • Distilled water
  • White vinegar
  • Spray bottle
  • Bowl
  • The Absorber®

Step 1: Create your cleaning solution by mixing 2 parts distilled water and 1 part white vinegar in a large bowl.
Step 2: Pour the solution into a spray bottle. This will help simplify the application process.
Step 3: Spray the mixture on the hard water stains. Focus on one area at a time, so that you can properly dry the spots that have the solution on them.
Step 4: Rub the water stains gently with a soft, clean cloth. Any fine microfiber will work.  If the stains have been on your car for a while, you may need to add a little more solution and it may need more time on the surface to activate to ensure that it is fully removed. New stains should lift easily and immediately.
Step 5: Rinse off the car with your hose, or if it is a small area, use a clean cloth soaked in water. 
Step 6: Dry your car completely. Use a dry clean towel, such as The Absorber® XL or XXL to do so. 
Step 7: If necessary, repeat any steps you wish.

Baking Soda Method

The second method requires baking soda to remove hard water stains.
For this, you will need:

  • Baking soda
  • Distilled water
  • White vinegar
  • The Absorber®
  • Bowl

Step 1: Make your cleaning solution using 3 parts baking soda and 1 part distilled water in a bowl. If you wish to make your solution stronger, you can add in white drops of white vinegar. With these ingredients, you should be able to make a paste to use on the hard water spots.
Step 2: Grab a clean cloth and apply a modest amount of solution to it. Then, gently rub the hard water stains with the solution.
Step 3: Leave the paste on the hard water spot for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the paste by rinsing the area with clean water, or by using a soft cloth soaked in the clean water.
Step 5: Dry the affected area completely. We recommend using The Absorber® XL or XXL to do so.
Step 6: If necessary, repeat the steps until the hard water spot is removed.

Make Your Results Last

Removing hard water stains is a victory in itself -- but how can you keep the results longer? We recommend waxing your car. Waxing your car makes your car shine, keeps away airborne contaminants, simplifies washing, minimizes the cost of repairs and refinishing, and helps to keep hard water spots off! If you are looking for a quick and easy way to wax your car, look to The Glosser®. This unique, non-woven, triceraphilic (3-layer) microfiber cloth lifts surface contaminants and waxes with just one stroke! If you are a proud vehicle owner, you need these on hand!

Are hard water stains permanent?

Here's what causes these pesky hard water stains, plus the very best tips on how to remove them from tubs, toilets, glass, and dishes. Hard water stains may be a burden, but they're not permanent—there are many unusual ways to remove hard water stains that actually work.

Do hard water spots go away?

The sooner you treat the hard water spots, the easier they will come off, and the less damage they can do to your paint. If you allow them to sit over time they will eventually “Etch” themselves into your paint which will require removal of some of your clear coating in order to fully remove.

Are hard water stains on glass permanent?

Because glass is porous, it's important to remove these stains as quickly as possible. Otherwise, these mineral deposits can make their way within the structure of the glass, causing permanent damage and shortening the glass's lifespan.

Can hard water spots be removed from car?

Mix equal quantities of water and white distilled vinegar and either put it in a spray bottle and wet the glass, or soak a towel and apply it to the surface. Allow the vinegar to sit on the spots for at least five minutes so that the acidity in the vinegar can counteract the mineral deposits.