Learn how to remove stubborn hard water stains from all kinds of household surfaces.
A Guide To Removing Hard Water Stains From Any Surface
Published on Feb. 05, 2025
1
/
10
How to remove hard water stains from glass
Hard water stains can form on window glass above sinks, in showers or from outdoor sprinklers. It’s important to clean these stains promptly, as they can etch the glass. “If it’s etched into the glass for years, it may be impossible to remove because it’s actually pitted the glass,” says Thaeler.
To clean, use white vinegar or a baking soda-water paste. Apply vinegar, wait 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub with a soft sponge. For baking soda, scrub with a toothbrush, rinse and finish with glass cleaner. Repeat if needed.
2
/
10
How to remove hard water stains from stainless steel
Stainless steel appliances like microwaves, refrigerators, stoves or sinks can develop hard water stains. To remove from these surfaces, you can use white vinegar, baking soda, lemon, or club soda.
Stainless steel surfaces can scratch easily, so don’t use a scrub sponge or abrasive cleaner. Instead, use a microfiber cloth dampened with your chosen cleaning solution to gently rub the surface to remove any hard water stains.
3
/
10
How to remove hard water stains from shower doors and tile
Shower doors and tile can quickly accumulate hard water deposits without regular cleaning. To clean hard water stains, combine white vinegar with a small amount of dish soap to form a gel, ideally with warmed vinegar. Brush it onto the tile and doors using a foam or chip brush in circular motions. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe clean with a towel. Finish by applying glass cleaner and wiping it clear.
4
/
10
How to remove hard water stains from granite
Hard water stains can also quickly etch granite, so timely removal is important. To clean hard water stains on granite counters, avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar, which can damage the surface. Instead, use a baking soda-water paste to scrub stains or create a poultice. To make a poultice, apply the paste to the stain, cover with plastic wrap and tape the edges to seal. Let it sit for 24 hours, then remove, scrub the area and clean as needed.
5
/
10
How to remove hard water stains from toilets
Hard water stains in your toilet can be particularly stubborn due to standing water. To remove them, pour cleaning vinegar into the bowl and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the vinegar to break down the mineral buildup. After soaking, scrub the stains with a toilet brush and flush to rinse away the residue. For extra cleaning power, add baking soda along with the vinegar or scrub with a pumice stone.
6
/
10
How to remove hard water stains from tubs
For acrylic and fiberglass tubs, avoid abrasive cleaners, scrub brushes and bleach. Use vinegar or a baking soda-water paste with a soft sponge or a Magic Eraser.
For porcelain, cast iron or enamel tubs, use vinegar or baking soda with a stiff brush. For tough stains, Thaeler likes to use Soft Scrub and a scrub brush. “If it’s really bad, let it sit before scrubbing,” she says.
7
/
10
How to remove hard water stains from faucets
White vinegar is also effective at removing hard water stains from faucets, but you’ll want to add a bit of dish soap to form a gel like with shower doors. Apply the gel and let sit for at least 30 minutes, then rinse clean. For faucet heads, Thaeler offers this helpful tip: “Tie a plastic bag full of vinegar onto it and soak for an hour or longer. Then remove, rinse, wipe clean and dry with a microfiber cloth.”
8
/
10
How to remove hard water stains in coffee makers
Over time, hard water stains can affect the taste of your coffee. To clean, fill the water reservoir with a 50:50 vinegar and water mixture, then run a brew cycle with a clean filter. Halfway through, turn off the coffee maker and let the solution soak for 30 minutes before turning back on. Once finished, run two cycles with clean water and new filters to remove any remaining vinegar taste or residue.
9
/
10
How to remove hard water stains in dishwashers
If you have hard water, you may notice stains on the inside of your dishwasher. To remove, place a bowl of vinegar on the top rack and run a cycle on the hottest temperature setting. Then, remove the filter at the bottom of the tub as well as both washer arms. Soak them in vinegar for 30 to 45 minutes, then rinse and replace.
10
/
10
How To Prevent Hard Water Stains
The key to preventing hard water stains is minimizing the amount of water left to dry on surfaces. On shower doors and tile, use a squeegee to remove standing water after each shower. “I keep a squeegee with a suction cup attached to my shower glass,” Thaeler says. “I also try to rinse off any shower gel, soap or hair care products from getting splashed on the shower.”
On granite counters, quickly wipe up any spills or standing water. In dishwashers, use a high-quality detergent designed for hard water and consider adding a rinse aid to help prevent residue buildup.
If you live in an area with very hard water, installing a water softener can make a big difference. This device, installed in your main water supply line, removes minerals from all the water entering your home.
About the Expert
- Janet Thaeler is an expert cleaner at Clean Freak and Germaphobe, a popular website and YouTube channel devoted to home-cleaning tips, hacks and organizing. She has operated the site since 2018 and has over 240,000 subscribers.
