How To Protect Bathroom Fixtures From Hard Water Spots

Bathroom fixtures add a sophisticated flair to your bathroom. However, they are susceptible to tarnishing and you may be wondering how to keep them looking velvety smooth and with no hard water spots.

It is important to note that as water gets into our homes through city systems, most of it is exposed to mineral content such as limestone, chalk, calcium, magnesium carbonates, sulfates, etc. making the water ‘hard’.

Hard water is not considered bad for your health, but it causes scale buildup on your fixtures making them lackluster. You can also tell that you have hard water by:

• Lack of foam when you use soap or shampoo and water. This makes you use a lot of product.
• The skin not feeling ‘clean’ after bathing as a film remains, leaving the skin feeling dry.
• Spotty tins, cans, containers, surfaces e.t.c even after washing.
• Clothes not rinsing well and can become greyish after a few washes.

How Hard Water Forms Spots On Bathroom Fixtures

When hard water comes into contact with your fixtures especially during washing or because of a splash, and the water droplets are not cleaned immediately, the water sits on the surface until it evaporates.

Mineral deposits are left behind and they build up over time and become even harder to remove. These deposits are called scale. In pipes and plumbing lines, they can also cause clogs.

Scale buildup spots your fixtures and can look powdery white or  ‘rust’ like. It can build up on tile, bathtubs, faucets, fixtures, and appliances.

How to Protect Bathroom Fixtures From Hard Water Spots

1. Clean your Fixtures Regularly

The easiest way to keep your fixtures polished is to clean them regularly. A weekly clean is a must to ensure scale is not left to build up on a fixture until it becomes very difficult to clean.

Without regular cleaning, more extreme build-ups can cause permanent damage.

2. Wipe your Fixtures after every Wash

Do not let water sit on your bathroom fixtures so that deposits accumulate when hard water evaporates. Therefore, after every use, you want to completely dry the area, fixtures, appliances e.t.c with a dry towel.

Tip…

If hard water stains have formed on your black fixtures, especially on the showerhead holes, use magic eraser wipes to wipe off those spots. Dip into your soapy solution and wipe the fixtures clean.

3. Remove Scale Buildup with White Vinegar or CLR

If the scale had already built up on your bathroom fixtures have already, you want to remove them before they become damaging.

To clean hard water stains from bathroom fixtures:

a) Use diluted white vinegar to remove scale from fixtures.

Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water in a spray bottle then routinely clean off any white droplet spots left on the surface. Remember to always use a soft microfiber cloth when cleaning with this solution.

Plus, test it in an inconspicuous place before spraying or soaking the entire fixture. Soak in 15-minute intervals, and rinse the fixture thoroughly when finished. 

Note…

Vinegar is acidic and can erode your finishes over time, especially fragile finishes like matte black.

Therefore, because matte black finishes will be damaged, only use mild dish soap mixed with water for cleaning. To scrub it clean, use a soft sponge or a microfiber cloth then rinse it.

b) Use a CLR cleaner.

For faucets and fixtures with scale built up already, a cleaner such as CLR, (calcium, lime, and rust remover), can also help remove it.

This multi-surface cleaner has a powerful foam spray formulated to quickly remove tough calcium, lime, and soap buildups and dirt on chrome fixtures, stainless steel, sinks, showers, toilets, and tiles.

When using it, let the solution sit on the fixture shortly then scrub with a soft brush or microfiber cloth so as not to scratch the finish, but with enough effort, you should have success.

NOTE: Because long exposure to cleaners like diluted vinegar or CLR may damage the finish, we recommend regular cleaning to prevent build-up so you don’t have to remove it later.

FAQ: How to Clean Matte Black Fixtures

Black tapware is sophisticated and makes the bathroom look expensive. However, such tapware, particularly when matte, tends to look lackluster when not well-maintained.

Here are some steps you can follow to clean your matte black fixtures:

1. You’ll need a soft cloth or microfiber towel, a gentle cleaning solution (such as dish soap or vinegar), and warm water.
2. Wet your cloth with warm water and wring it out well. You don’t want the cloth to be too wet, as excess water can damage the fixture.
3. Apply a small amount of your cleaning solution to the cloth. Be sure to use a gentle solution, as harsh chemicals can damage the matte black finish.
4. Gently wipe down the fixture with the damp cloth. You want to use light touches to avoid scratching the surface.
5. Now, rinse your washing cloth with clean water and wipe the fixture again before using another clean, dry microfibre cloth to dry it off. Dry the fixture thoroughly to avoid water spots.

6. If there are hard water stains forming around your bathroom fixtures, especially the showerheads, use a magic eraser like Mr.Clean Magic eraser to lift those off. It is a great way to apply a non-abrasive treatment to your fixture.

Dip it in the soapy solution and repeat and wipe it clean. Also, wipe the complete shower and in a few minutes, you have a clean shower!

Note…

When maintaining your matte black bathroom fixtures:

• Avoid using vinegar or anything acidic, harsh chemicals, or abrasive cleaners to clean such fixtures because they will eat into them.

• Instead, use soapy water to lift off any grime. Your natural dishwashing liquid and microfiber cloth should help. Good thing, you don’t have to worry about polishing matte black fixtures. Just remember to clean all around the grooves of the tap and the back as well.

• Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe it down.

• Also, avoid using abrasive materials such as scouring pads or steel wool for cleaning, as they can scratch the matte black finish.

By following these steps, you can safely clean your matte black fixtures and keep them looking their best.