Stubborn Hard Water Stains and Mineral Buildup

[scoots]

I have stubborn hard water stains on corner panels of my Maytag 206. I've gotten a lot off with CLR and a stiff nylon brush, but I'm having problems.

In one quadrant panel, the build up (what ever it is) is slightly caked on. I am reluctant to use a more aggressive type of scrub brush for fear of damaging the porcelain.

The other issue is the underside of the lid, it has a cloudy glaze of some kind. As I mentioned, both responded to a degree with CLR.

Should I continue? Any suggestions for alternate treatments?

 

[beekeyknee]

What corner panels are you talking about? The lid will pull off. It's just on with little plastic balls. It's easier to clean with the lid off. Putting the lid back on is a little more involved, but it can be done.

You have any TSP or STPP? Soft water and a little soap should solve your problem.

 

[danemodsandy]

Magic Potion:

Here's what I do for really stubborn hard-water stains and mineral buildup:

I mix Naval Jelly rust remover and Zud Cleanser to a thick paste, apply and let sit a while.

On dark or brightly colored porcelain, a test patch somewhere unnoticeable is a good idea. I've not had a problem yet, but you never know....

Naval Jelly is in every home improvement and hardware store; Zud is in most hardware and better grocery stores.

 

[DigAPony]

I mix Naval Jelly rust remover

I believe Navel Jelly contains muriatic acid suspended in the gel.

Muriatic acid works wonders removing mineral deposits, however it can weaken porcelain.

Admittedly, I've applied straight liquid Muriatic acid to a very wet paper towel then wiped it on an already wetted surface to remove deposits. Works great and I haven't noticed any damage to the finish. However, I flush it well with water afterward and only let stay in contact just long enough to remove the deposits, usually a few minutes at most. Then follow with Bon-Ami.

 

[sel8207]

for removing, rust , lime, hardwater scale....

There is a product called "the Works". It comes in a white plastic bottle with blue printing on it, usually about a one quart size. We have very hard well water in Naples, and everyone uses it in this area. It's somewhat stronger than CLR. Test it on a small area that is not usually visible in case there's any concern about it damaging the enamel or porcelain. Simply rub it in and rinse. Hope it's available in your area. good luck. Les

 

[scoots]

Thanks for the input so far on this

I grabbed a few pictures yesterday to show the type of build up I'm talking about.

Picture 1 shows a stubborn, cake-y build up that I'm sure is just old soap and hard water scale. The scale elsewhere was disposed of by CLR and a nylon brush, but this one is tougher. I'm switching to CLR plus using 3M's new blue pad (similar to their green pad (Scotch Brite), but not as aggressive.)

Picture 2 is what's bothering me. It's the underside of the lid and the discoloration is dead flat (I can't feel it) and it doesn't react to CLR. I'm wondering if it's a natural aging of the porcelain over the years given its exposure to the tub environment and there's nothing to do about it.

 

[DigAPony]

the discoloration is dead flat (I can't feel it

That could be etching from hard water. If so, no amount acids or scrubbing can bring back the gloss.

However, to be sure try some medium automotive polishing compound and a lot of elbow grease. No Scotch Brite pads, porcelain is a form of glass and can be scratched.

 

[beekeyknee]

I've seen it before. It's hard water deposits. If you wash with soft water for awhile it will go away. This is the result of the removal of phosphates in our detergent or the lack of a water softener.

You could order some STPP from the Chemical Store. It's kind of expensive. Like $125.00 or so for 100 lbs. Don't remember exactly. We have a water softener and I use old stock Mexican detergent sometimes for my dirtiest loads. My mother uses STPP though. After washing with it for awhile and wiping the lid and porcelain top down with a cloth rinsed in some of the STPP water, the deposits should start to go away.

I'd be willing to bet you've also got hard water deposits on your tub cover too along with other yuckyness, as the top of the tub is hard to get to. That is unless you've had the machine apart and cleaned it.

Hope this helps. Oh, and by the way, water with phosphate will take the natural oil off your hands. Use lotion afterwards.

 

[d-jones]

I had to deal with this sort of thing on the A806 that I went through for my parents. It took some effort but every bit of the stuff came off and the original gloss was restored. I think I used CLR and automotive rubbing compound, though not at the same time.