How To Wipe Out Hard Water Stains

By Hklbrries

Dear Heloise: Last year, we had a new well put in, and now we have been having problems with hard-water stains in sinks, toilets and the shower. Please advise on how I can remove the stains. Thanks. — Sandra S. in Michigan

Hi, Sandra, and thanks for writing. If the "stains" are orange or look like rust, then they probably are from iron in the water. These will need to be treated with a commercial rust remover.

However, if the stains are from hard water, then just plain old white or apple-cider vinegar should work. You can heat it (not boiling) and pour it in a sink that has a stopper plugging the drain. Let it sit for an hour or so, then scrub. You can do the same with your toilet, pouring vinegar into the bowl, letting it sit, scrubbing and flushing.

For the shower, shower heads can be removed and soaked overnight in vinegar. Or tie a plastic bag over the shower head — fill it with vinegar so that the shower head is completely submerged, and in the morning, scrub clean. For the rest of the shower and tub, just pour vinegar on the stains and scrub as you go. There are so many uses for vinegar! You'll find these hints and more in my vinegar pamphlet. To receive a copy, please send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (65 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Most vinegars will last indefinitely, so be sure to stock up when they are on sale, and keep plenty in your home for all your cleaning needs! — Heloise

Ingredients

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Preparation

Step 1

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