Water is considered to be hard if it has a high concentration of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals are usually picked up by the groundwater when it passes through soil and rocks. Hard water causes stains to occur when the mineral-rich water evaporates, leaving behind an encrusted residue on surfaces, which appears as white and misty spots. In most cases, you will find hard water stains on your bathroom glass, metal surfaces, shower doors, and even your utensils and clothes. These stains are disreputable hard to eradicate, especially if they have persisted for an extended period
Although hard water does not pose a significant health threat, the buildup of mineral deposits, after hard water evaporates, reduces the effectiveness of water pipes, water heaters, and detergents. The mineral deposits left behind are difficult to remove, and they can cause chemical reactions that makes products less efficient. The minerals are said to consume through the coating used in different materials. Soap does not easily dissolve in hard water. Instead, it binds with the minerals in the water to form a curd that sticks to everything that comes into contact with the curd.
One of the most affected areas by mineral deposits in the shower door. Shower doors are frequently exposed to mineral deposits, and most people forget or ignore to wipe the mineral deposits left on the shower door. In other cases, people have tried all sorts of methods to remove the hard water stains off their shower doors, but it has proved to be a challenge. Many have tried using detergents, but any form of soap cannot help to remove tough hard water stains.
Methods of Removing Hard Water Stains on Shower Doors
The hard water stains are alkaline, and thus, it is best to remove the stains with an acid. You can use vinegar to remove the hard water stains that prevent the surfaces of the shower door from being shiny.
Step 1
The first step is to prepare a mixture of water and white vinegar in a clean spray bottle. The mixture should be balanced and thus should contain half vinegar and half water. Ensure only to use white vinegar since other types of vinegar will not work.
Step 2
The second step involves spraying the solution directly on the stained areas. You should spray the solution thoroughly to all parts to ensure that you don’t leave any stains. If the area around the shower door contains a deeply stained residue, you should soak some towels or rags in white vinegar and wrap them around the heavily stained parts. You can then leave the wet towels or rags in place for about an hour. After this period, rinse it with water and wipe away the remaining hard water stains.
Step 3
Wipe the surface with a towel or rag. The light stains should easily be wiped off the surface of the shower door. You can also soak the rag or towel inside the water and vinegar solution and then use the cloth to clean out the surfaces.
Step 4
Use a clean and dry cloth to scrub the remaining stains out of the shower door surface. If the results are not satisfactory, you can spray the water and vinegar solution and leave it on the surface for about ten minutes. You can then rinse the solution off the shower door with warm water.
The second method of removing the hard water stains can be through salt and water mixture. The salt acts as a cleaning powder that can weaken the stains. You should apply the salt and water mixture to the area with the hard water stains and use a clean rag or towel to scrub the stain. However, salt and water mixture can only be used to polish light hard water stains.
If the hard water stains are rigid and remain just as they were after trying to remove hard water stains with water and vinegar solution, you are advised to use powerful acids. You can use a cleaner with hydrochloric acid after you have washed with the water and vinegar solution. Always ensure that you wear gloves when handling the acid. However, using Hydrochloric acid should be a last resort, since it’s a corrosive chemical. And these steps for same for Frameless Shower Door, Frameless Shower Enclosure, fixed shower door, sliding shower door, Bi-Fold Shower Doors, Curved Glass Shower Door, Pivot or Hinged Doors, Round Doors, Neo-Angle Doors, Barrier-Free
Preventive Measures
If you choose not to repeat the washing methods, then prevention is the only approach you can use to avoid mineral deposits and stains from hard water. Some of the most common measures employed to prevent hard water stains include installing water softening equipment. The method will require less effort in preventing hard water stains. This is because the water softener removes the minerals that caused stains before your water is distributed throughout your water system. Utilizing spraying cleaners is another effective method. It requires you to wipe your shower doors using shower cleaners after each use to prevent hard water stains. You can also prevent water from evaporating on the surfaces of your shower doors. When the hard water dries, it leaves behind mineral deposits, which cause stains. Therefore, wiping your surfaces with rubber to remove water after using the shower is a practical approach to preventing hard water stains.
