Soap scum, mildew and hard water spots can form on home surfaces. Hard water deposits are alkaline, so an acid-based cleaner is the best way to clean them. What may appear to be hard to clean can really be a simple fix, with these tips.
Things You'll Need
- Acid-based or phosphoric acid cleaner
- Lime scale remover
- Water
- White nylon-backed sponge
Step-by-Step Instructions
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1Step 1Apply cleaner
Apply an acid-based cleaner, phosphoric-acid cleaner or lime scale remover to the hard water spot. Hard water deposits are alkaline, so an acid-based cleaner is the best way to clean them. Phosphoric acid works well and is safe for most surfaces. Grocery store cleansers with phosphoric acid contain 4 to 6 percent acid. You can purchase lime scale removers at janitorial supply stores that contain 8 to 12 percent acid to get the job done faster.
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2Step 2Let it sit.
Let the acid sit for a few minutes after you apply.
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3Step 3Scrub
Scrub the applied areas with a white, nylon-backed scrub sponge.
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4Step 4Rinse
Rinse the surface with water thoroughly.
Tough hard water deposits may take more than one application. A higher concentration of acid is safe on most household surfaces, as long as you rinse the surface to remove all traces of the acid after the cleaning is complete.
Tip
Make sure you read any manufacturer's warnings before applying phosphoric acid solutions to surfaces in your home. This procedure is not recommended for stone surfaces.
