Many areas of the country have hard water issues, which can spell trouble on many levels. Not only does hard water leave unsightly residue, but it can also clog faucets. Knowing how to get rid of hard water residue quickly is key to preventing heavy build-up and making sure the faucet can flow freely.

How can hard water stains be removed from faucets?

To kick things off, you'll first need to collect the following tools and materials:

Cleaning cloth
Sponge
Scouring and toilet brush
Toothbrush
Spray bottle
Plastic or rubber gloves
White vinegar or a household cleaner

Once everything's in place, it's time to get down to work:

Make and apply a cleaning solution

First, put on your gloves for protection. Then find an acid-based cleaner, such as a metal and rust remover. Alternatively, you can make a homemade solution by mixing equal parts of water and white vinegar.

Pour this mixture into a spray bottle. Then apply it to the faucet. With commercial cleaners, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. If it's a vinegar solution, spritz it over the affected areas and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

Start scrubbing

Scour the faucet using a toothbrush. The bristles will provide the abrasion power that is necessary to remove the loosened deposits.

Repeat the process

Add more of your cleaning solution or commercial cleanser and scrub the faucet once again. Keep doing it until the hard stains vanish.

If this is too difficult for you, here's a more manageable approach. Pour the vinegar solution into a bowl. Next, sprinkle some baking soda to create a paste. Dip a toothbrush into the paste and scrub the faucet. The stains may come off with less effort.

Either way, the higher the frequency of cleaning, the faster the stains will disappear each time.

When it comes to chrome faucets, white vinegar should also suffice. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar, apply it to the surface with a spray bottle and scrub the area with a soft toothbrush.

With gold-toned faucets, baking soda should do the trick. Combine it with some distilled water and dip a sponge into the mixture. Dab the stains lightly and avoid using abrasive cleansers or scraping tools.

Rinse and dry

Once you remove all the deposits, wipe the surface with a wet sponge. To finish the process, wipe the faucet dry using a clean, soft cloth. Make sure to dry it thoroughly. Otherwise, the hard stains may re-emerge.

How can hard water stains be prevented?

Sometimes, you can easily avoid these stubborn mineral deposits. Here's how you can that:

Dry the faucet immediately after using it. Hard water can't form if you promptly remove all moisture.
Wipe the most vulnerable surfaces lightly using a natural cleanser. It may not prevent hard stains entirely, but you'll be able to perform heavy-duty cleaning a lot easier later on.

Stay on top of stains

Don't let hard water stains on the faucet taint the look of your bathroom for a second longer. With the correct procedure, cleaning these elements can be done in just a few minutes.

For more bathroom maintenance tips, reach out to a local plumbing professional for expert advice.

If you need an honest, dependable plumber in the Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler area, call Jimmy at 480-757-1273.