When HCL doesn't work, the problem may be that the material itself is affected. Then nothing helps, it's time to replace.
What's the most effective and quicket agent for removing hard water deposits and soap scum
- Thread starter saz1
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norgeway
Well-known member
We have very hard water
And I CAN NOT get those spots off the shower doors I will try some of these remedies..We are installing a water softener soon.
And I CAN NOT get those spots off the shower doors I will try some of these remedies..We are installing a water softener soon.
We have extremely hard water too. The only way that I know to keep hard water spots and deposits from building up on fixtures, sinks, and tile is to WIPE OFF any water that has splashed on these areas immediately after using the water, no exceptions! We have 1” tiles that cover our tub/shower walls. After each shower, we take a towel and completley wipe off all the water from the tile, faucet, spout, everything. As a result, our almost 40 year old tile still looks brand new.
Now I realize, in a public restroom setting, this is never going to happen. But after you get this public restroom back in order, and have gotten rid of all the hard water damage, at least once a week all the tile, fixtures and sinks need to be cleaned thouroghly with something like CLR or Limeaway, to prevent any future hard water deposit build up.
And I still think that the best way to address the current situation is to replace the plumbling fixtures, pipes and fittings and start out fresh. The old ones appear to be very damaged,and beyond salvation. I still think that the tile can be cleaned with an acidic product and an abrasive pad, like a scotch brite green pad, and LOTS of elbow grease. The tile may have some damage underneath the build up of calcium, but it will certainly look a hell of alot better.
Eddie
Now I realize, in a public restroom setting, this is never going to happen. But after you get this public restroom back in order, and have gotten rid of all the hard water damage, at least once a week all the tile, fixtures and sinks need to be cleaned thouroghly with something like CLR or Limeaway, to prevent any future hard water deposit build up.
And I still think that the best way to address the current situation is to replace the plumbling fixtures, pipes and fittings and start out fresh. The old ones appear to be very damaged,and beyond salvation. I still think that the tile can be cleaned with an acidic product and an abrasive pad, like a scotch brite green pad, and LOTS of elbow grease. The tile may have some damage underneath the build up of calcium, but it will certainly look a hell of alot better.
Eddie
Texas has extremely hard water, have been through 3-4 dishwashers in 20 years or so. The best thing that I've found that works wonders is Sanivac. It works wonders, just follow directions on the bottle. Be warned though, it will take out grout / caulking in no time and you'll end up having to remove and recaulk, which I've had to do. You can buy it at Wal-Mart or a grocery store usually. Try not to breathe the fumes. The stuff is also great in the commodes in removing calcium build-up. I use it about once a month (and try my hardest not to get it on grout or caulking).
Barry
Barry
Before I installed my water softener, I used The Works from Walmart, Dollar General, etc. (in the US)
A small thermonuclear device would likely be the "most effective and quickest"...
But this violates the rule of cleaning that always says start mild and work up to prevent doing damage.
I have never needed more then run of the mill CLR for any hard water deposits (soap deposits are easy), and I live in an area that gets its water from limestone aquifers, we have scale in these parts.
DON'T resort to anything abrasive that will leave scratches like Scotchbrite or steel wool. Let the acid disolve the deposits and use a metal polish to make it shine.
But this violates the rule of cleaning that always says start mild and work up to prevent doing damage.
I have never needed more then run of the mill CLR for any hard water deposits (soap deposits are easy), and I live in an area that gets its water from limestone aquifers, we have scale in these parts.
DON'T resort to anything abrasive that will leave scratches like Scotchbrite or steel wool. Let the acid disolve the deposits and use a metal polish to make it shine.
