How To Get Rid Of Lime Stains?
Lime stains equals hard water in most conversations. Calling this condition “lime stains” refers to the white, crusty spots left behind by the minerals in our water. The minerals most likely to cause the problem are magnesium and calcium. Lime was actually a separate product that contained calcium often used for building materials. It could be purchased in bulk for various uses.
If there is enough mineral content in water the residue can be left behind when water evaporates. We often see lime stains and calcium deposits on shower heads, in tea and coffee pots and some other surfaces that come into contact with water. Mineral deposits can become more than stains if left to accumulate. Calcium and magnesium can build up scaly deposits on surfaces.
Remove It
Lime stains can be a frustrating problem because they can’t be removed with some of the gentler cleansers we use around the home. Standard soap products won’t do the job, in most cases. But if you add a bit of acid to the job you might have better results. *Don’t rush out and get a strong, dangerous acid. That’s not necessary.
Many homeowners have found that getting rid of lime stains is one of the top uses for good old vinegar. You can get a lot of the white stain and buildup off of a showerhead by removing it and boiling it in a mixture of half white vinegar and half water. Bring the liquid to a boil then put the showerhead and let this simmer for about 15 minutes. You may want to let the shower head soak overnight before replacing it.
It’s possible to remove many of the lime stains and minor deposits from the bath tub or toilet bowl by letting them soak in vinegar/water overnight. Remember, there is no guarantee that all stains will come out.
Cooking, Drinking Items
You can also use a mixture of half vinegar/half water to clean lime stains and calcium deposits from glasses, glass cooking items and coffee-maker pots. About 15 or 20 minutes of soaking with this mixture will remove many stains. Some people have success running a vinegar/water mix through their coffeemaker to remove lime stains. Simply fill the reservoir with the mix and let the liquid run through the machine into the glass pot. Be sure to repeat this process with just water. Rinse the glass pot thoroughly.
For flat surfaces try a vinegar/water mix combined with baking soda to make a paste. Scrub with a soft cloth to avoid scratches. This should remove mild-to-medium stains and build up. Make sure the room is ventilated well and that you don’t inhale the fumes for long periods of time.
Be aware that lime/calcium buildup that is beyond a simple stain may have to be removed with a slightly more aggressive method.
Category: Cleaning