Hard water can be a real pain to deal with – but there’s a simple way to remove those pesky stains, and all you need are two common kitchen items
If you reside in a hard water region, you’ll understand just how challenging it can be to maintain a limescale-free bathroom. Hard water boasts elevated levels of naturally occurring dissolved substances such as calcium and magnesium. When this water evaporates, it leaves these minerals behind as residue.
Hard water marks are typically spotted on surfaces that regularly encounter water, including bathroom and kitchen taps, basins, and showers. Glass shower screens are particularly susceptible, with hard water deposits creating a cloudy appearance on the surface. Not all UK residents deal with hard water issues – but those who do often find it frustrating.
It can seem like an endless battle to maintain bathroom cleanliness, with conventional cleaning solutions sometimes proving ineffective.
However, cleaning enthusiasts on Reddit claim there’s actually a straightforward method to eliminate these marks within minutes – using two household staples you likely already own.
One user revealed in a post that they were “so mad” about the effectiveness of combining these two products, having wasted considerable time on alternative cleaning methods.
The solution requires only washing-up liquid and white vinegar, both available at most supermarkets for under £1 each.
The user revealed in their post: “I’m so mad about how well Dawn and vinegar worked on hard water. I picked up some Dawn and used a 50/50 vinegar water spray I had on hand, and it was like literally magic on my tub.
“After that, I figured I’d try it on the hard water from the shower door. Before, I [used] a squeegee, and it just would not come off. I figured I’d eventually have to resort to scraping, but instead I just gave Dawn and vinegar a casual try next time I showered, and it’s literally like magic.
“I cannot believe this worked so well. Kind of infuriating to be honest.”
Dawn is an American brand of washing-up liquid comparable to Fairy here in the UK. However, any brand or supermarket’s own alternative should help banish your limescale marks in next to no time.
How to eliminate hard water stains
1. Vinegar Solution (best for glass, tiles, and chrome)
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution onto the stained area and let it sit for 5–15 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
2. Baking Soda Paste (good for stubborn stains)
- Make a paste with baking soda and a small amount of water.
- Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Scrub with a damp sponge or brush.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
3. Lemon Juice (natural acidic cleaner)
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the stain.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Scrub gently and rinse with water.