Quick and Easy Things You Can Do to Treat Hard Water

By Clinton Courier | January 26, 2022 |

With hard water comes many benefits, but keeping the house clean is also more challenging. The calcium and magnesium present in hard water can make your sinks, tubs, walls, toilets, and other surfaces look old long before their time. Luckily, you can do several easy things to treat hard water for greatly improved cleaning efficiency.

Below are some of the easiest, cheapest, and most effective things you can do to treat hard water.

1.) Use Home Designed Filters

Removing hard water stains does not have to be expensive. There are several ways to remove them at home with simple filters. The popular electronic water descaler systems can prevent hard water stains and are worth every penny. The quick and inexpensive solution is a home filter system. They cost less than electronic descalers, so they are an excellent alternative for people who do not have much money to spend. These filters can drastically reduce how much calcium is in your water and significantly reduce hard water stains.

2.) Install Shower Heads With Filters

Showers are some of the most accessible areas to get hard water stains. The constant spray of hard water on your body is also more harmful than drinking it since there is an increased chance of minor cuts and abrasions while keeping clean. Shower filters that prevent hard water build-up on the walls of your shower are inexpensive and very effective at keeping hard water stains off of your tubs, sinks, and toilets. They work by trapping the calcium in the water before it has a chance to stick to anything.

3.) Use a Two-Step Cleaning Process

When you clean with hard water, it is best to use two different processes: the first one dissolves and softens the water and the second one wipes away what was left behind. Many people already use this method without even realizing it. For example, they will start by scrubbing the surface with a solution made for hard water. Then they will clean it once more to wipe away any residue.

This two-step process is so effective because the first cleaning agent loosens the calcium deposits, and the second one removes them completely. By mixing vinegar or lemon juice with dish detergent in your mop bucket, you can accomplish this. After cleaning with this combination, wipe the area dry with a cloth that has been dipped in vinegar or lemon juice to help get rid of hard water residue. These two substances are not just suitable for cleaning floors; they also work wonders on painted walls and other surfaces.

4.) Use a Mild Dish Detergent

Strong household soaps and detergents can be harmful to certain surfaces, such as wood. They can also cause hard water to form much faster than it would on its own. For this reason, it is best to use a mild dish detergent on any surface that isn’t supposed to be exposed to harsh chemicals. This cleaner will still remove hard water stains without causing other damage. In addition, it breaks up and softens the calcium to prevent it from sticking around for as long.

5.) Use Vinegar for Scum

Vinegar is the perfect cleaning agent. Not only does it make your house smell great, but it can also help you get rid of hard water scum without having to use any harsh chemicals. All you have to do is sprinkle vinegar on any surface with calcium or lime build-up and let it dry completely. After that, you can wipe the surface clean. Some people find it easier to mix vinegar with water one-to-one and spray it onto hard water build-up. Then they let it dry completely before wiping the area clean.

6.) Buy a Water Softener

If you cannot afford to purchase an in-line shower filter or whole house water softener, there is always the option of buying a point-of-use water softener. You can attach these devices directly to your pipes and enjoy soft water for pennies on the gallon. Plus, it is easily portable and great for taking on trips. Before purchasing a point-of-use water softener, make sure you check to see if it will fit your specific faucet. If not, you may have to buy a new faucet as well. Keep in mind that this method does not work for irrigation systems or water used in appliances.

Once you get used to treating hard water, you will find that it is easy. You can easily treat hard water causing your soap scum, calcium build-up, and other issues. All it takes is a little bit of patience and the proper cleaning agent. Now that you know how to treat hard water in your home make sure you put this advice into use today.