Getting rid of hard water spots in an environmentally friendly way

Getting rid of hard water spots can seem like an impossible task especially if you are not using chemicals to remove them.

If you want a more eco-friendly approach, close the drain, turn shower on the hottest setting and let it run for 5 minutes or so. Empty the tub. Spray tub and tile with white vinegar, or use a vinegar and baking soda paste. Let the paste or vinegar set up for 20-30 minutes, scrub with a white scrubber pad and rinse. Use a Magic Eraser a little some Dawn dishwashing detergent or cheap shampoo to scrub all the surfaces.

 

You can use white vinegar to remove hard water deposits on just about anything. A mixture of equal amounts of white vinegar and water will create the cleaner which has the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. The solution can be wiped on faucets or appliances that have hard water stains. A plastic bag filled with the vinegar solution can be tied or taped over a shower head or faucet and left to soak overnight if the deposits are severe. Dishes, pots, glassware and kettles can be soaked in white vinegar to get rid of deposits while white vinegar run through a coffee pot followed by some water-only cycles can remove any hard water deposits that are in the coffee pot or carafe.

If hard water is a problem, apply CLR or Lime and scrub with a white scrubber pad or a stiff brush. Be careful and read directions before you begin! Wear rubber gloves and protective goggles. For an even more environmentally friendly solution, try plain undiluted white vinegar. A teaspoon of Calgon water softener to a gallon of hot water is also effective against hard water and soap scum.
 
Hard water stains are often very obvious in toilets. Cola, even flat cola, can easily remove the stains. Use a regular cola instead of lemon-lime; brand is not important. Simply pour the cola into the toilet and let it sit overnight. In the morning, you can scrub the toilet and remove the hard water stains.
 
The best way to get rid of hard water spots is by getting ahead of them and cleaning before they physically appear.