Hard water stains often get confused with soap scum, but there is a difference between the two, and they require different cleaning methods. The easiest way to tell them apart – use your regular cleaning detergent, and if it doesn’t have any effect, you’ve got hard water stains. Inner Bath has extensive experience in all things bath and shower related, so we’ve compiled this list of top tips to keep your shower screen looking new and fresh.
What is hard water?
Hard water is water that contains a significant amount of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium. The water picks up these minerals along its journey as it travels through the piping underground and into our homes. You might be freaking out, but hard water is actually very safe to drink, so don’t worry. Hardness is important for drinking water from aesthetic acceptability and health standards.
How do hard water stains occur?
Hard water stains arise when water is left to air dry on the glass. These stains can occur either as small white dots, hazy spots or even have a reddish tinge to them (depending on the minerals present in your water). Unless you’re a neurotic cleaning addict who will squeegee the glass immediately after each shower, you probably want to know how to clean them easily when you get around to it.
How to clean them?
- Acidic cleaners. These work very effectively on hard water stains due to the stains being alkaline. These acidic cleaners often include phosphoric, sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, so be sure to read the labels carefully before using them. They are toxic, and safety precautions need to be taken. They should not be used in areas where food is prepared.
- Steel Wool and Vinegar. This method is very useful for those who want to steer clear of the potential hazardous an acidic cleaner may pose. Any household vinegar is fine to use for this method, and ‘000’ or ‘0000’ grade steel wool is advised to limit the possibility of scratching the windows.
Neither of those methods worked for me, what can I do?
Well, it looks like your shower screen has done its day. Unless you’re willing to spend hours and hours on cleaning your old shower screen with some severely hazardous chemicals, it may just be easier to replace it. At Inner Bath, we stock a wide range of Optima Shower Screens, which are simple, stylish and elegant. We’ve been in business for over 30 years and know that sometimes, shower screens might be too far gone. If the glass has done its day, the framing is probably much the same. A fresh, new shower screen will transform the look of your bathroom. Contact us today to book in for a quote!
